Steel Bridge Construction Research Articles

Cost and time efficient design and construction of steel and steel composite bridges

Cost and time efficient design and construction of steel and steel composite bridges

Composite bridge design: The reanimation of steel bridge construction

Composite bridge design: The reanimation of steel bridge construction

A Study on the Industrial Development of Steel and Iron Bridge Constructuction

The introduction of advanced technology from western countries began at the latter half of 19th century resulted in the modernization of steel and iron bridge construction technology. Before the modernization, iron was never used for the structural purpose and fabrication of iron was unknown technology in Japan. The aim of this study is to clarify the process of of the evolution of bridge industry based on the establishment and development for the fabrication and construction of iron and steel bridges. The period to be examined in this paper is about 70 years from the middle of 19th century.

Development in Brazilian steel bridge construction

Abstract In this paper the development in Brazilian steel and composite bridge design and construction is briefly dealt with chronologically from its early times with a short review of the steel bridge development in the world. Special consideration is given to some variety of important innovative steel and composite bridge construction such as the Victoria and Bertioga box girder and the Tocantins composite box girder bridge among others designed and constructed entirely in Brazil. Emphasis is also given to the new Brazilian Steel Code which is under review. Some research and development in relation to steel construction carried out since 1980 is described. Finally late developments and trends in design and research are also discussed.

Steel bridge construction in Japan

Abstract This paper briefly introduces the recent steel cable-stayed and suspension bridge construction in Japan. The big bridge projects in the highway network construction of the bay-shore routes in the Tokyo Bay, the Osaka Bay and the Ise Bay along the Pacific Ocean side are described. The Seto-Ohashi Bridge Route of 13·1 km, which skips five islands of the Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku, was opened in April, 1988. The Akashi-Kaikyo suspension bridge (960 + 1990 + 960 m) is now under construction and will be completed in 1998. The Trans-Tokyo Bay high-way project, which includes a total length of 5-km steel box girder bridges, is under construction, and the Kansai International Airport project is under progress in the Osaka Bay with 5-km truss-type access bridges for highways and railways. Steel consumption in bridge construction and steel bridge stock is also mentioned.

Economical Steel Plate Girder Bridges

As a service to the bridge design profession, Bethlehem Steel has conducted hundreds of studies of steel plate girder bridges using its Preliminary Bridge Girder Optimization Program. The program is unique because it optimizes plate girder designs on the basis of least cost, not least weight. An evaluation of many study results leads to a number of guidelines which are offered in this paper. When applied by the bridge designer, these guidelines should result in economical steel plate girder designs for continuous composite bridges with span lengths of up to approximately 200 ft (61 m), representing a majority of the bridge population. Comparisons of various parameters are made on a cost index basis. These subjects are discussed: load factor vs. working stress design, weathering steel, painted high-strength steel, number of girders in a cross section, optimum web depth and thickness, transverse vs. longitudinal web stiffeners, flanges and flange splices, plus other considerations leading to cost effective steel plate girders for bridges. In the design of steel plate girder bridges, it used to be sufficient to determine a least weight solution and develop it as a complete set of plans for competitive bidding. That was believed to be the most economical design. However, over the past several years, many improvements have been made in design and analysis methods, materials and construction techniques, obliging the designer to consider an increased number of options. Todays heightened competition due to alternate bidding practices, including contractor sponsored alternates, makes it further incumbent upon all concerned with steel bridge design and construction to always strive for the most cost-effective solution.

Fifty-Year Development: Construction of Steel Hybrid Bridges

Hybrid construction of bridges has developed over the past 50 yr, beginning with composite concrete deck bridges during the twenties, progressing through prestressed and autostressed hybrid girders, and now including orthotropic girder bridges. The progress of the composite girder is traced primarily through the evolution of the shear connector. The hybrid girder originated with prestressed girders and developed into the autostressed hybrid girder. The modern hybrid girder is little different from a normal girder; however, its presence represents a true advancement in furthering the economy of steel bridge construction. The orthotropic girder bridge was brought about by the industry's need to develop bridges with maximum economy of material. This type of structure is perhaps the most recent totally new idea in bridge construction. The roadway quality is of great importance to this bridge and the wear surface has advanced considerably. /ASCE/