Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) and seismic damage resistant technology

Abstract

Although New Zealand bridges performed well structurally during recent Canterbury earthquakes, some critical arterial routes lost their functionality. Life Safety is still our primary objective but nowadays we are moving towards new societal needs which also, at minimum, aim to limit business disruption. Building designers are already moving towards low-damage system technology for both structural and non-structural components. Bridge engineers have to inherit those enhanced concepts and technologies. In fact, in order to protect the economy and save lives, it is vital that bridges remain drivable after a natural disaster, such as an earthquake. More importantly asset managers and networks’ owners want rapid response, design flexibility, quick construction and limited maintenance costs. This should be possible to be achieved by contractors and designers with limited budgets. In very populated urban centres or a critical network location and moderate-to-high seismicity an Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) technology which combines durable materials and low-damage technology, seems to be the only viable solution to minimize traffic disruption during the bridge life. The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) started in 2002 a long-term strategic bridge plan which aims to cover all these issues. Similar research strategy was initiated in Japan, Taiwan and Europe which is slowly going towards adaptation of ABC as a standard bridge practice. The question would be what is New Zealand vision for the next twenty-thirty years? This paper aims to overview the current international trends and challenges and gives innovative concepts which can be contextualized for New Zealand bridges.