Connection Details for Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems

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Connection Details for Prefabricated Bridge
Elements and Systems
Michael P. Culmo, P.E. Vice President of
Transportation and Structures CME Associates,
Inc., East Hartford, CT
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Roadblocks to Accelerated Construction

• The primary concerns that owner agencies have
  with respect to adopting accelerated construction
  techniques are
• Need for Quality Details
• Durability
• Design Methodologies and Training
• Construction Methodologies

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Connections Details for Prefabricated Bridge
Elements and Systems

• FHWA has initiated a project to develop this
  manual
• This publication is intended to provide
  information that will go a long way to answering
  all four of the previous concerns.
• Focus on details that have been used in the past.

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Project Goals
Connection Details for Prefabricated Bridge
Elements and Systems

• Gather details of Connections that have been used
  on accelerated bridge construction projects
• Investigate transfer of technology from other
  markets into the bridge market
• Parking Garages
• Stadiums
• Buildings

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• All details needs to pass a critical test
  before being published in the document
• Does the connection result in a rapid
  construction process?
• Does the connection transmit the forces between
  elements effectively?
• Is the connection durable?
• Has it performed well under traffic and in an
  exposed environment?
• Is it cost effective and easy to construct?
• If a process or connection is proprietary, can it
  be incorporated into numerous projects without
  producing contracting issues?

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Sources of Data

• State DOTs
• Questionnaires sent via e-mail
• Federal Agencies
• International Organizations
• Researchers (previous and current)
• Producers
• Questionnaires sent via e-mail

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Manual Organization
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Connection Data Sheets
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Precast Cantilever Abutments
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Precast Integral Abutments
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Precast Piers
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Precast Piers
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Precast Decks on PS Beams
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Precast Decks on Steel Framing
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Precast Decks
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FRP Decks
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Partial Depth Deck Forms
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Total Bridge Element Prefabrication
Everything shown can be prefabricated
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Total Bridge Element Prefabrication
Everything shown can be prefabricated
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Complete Bridge Element Prefabrication

• New Hampshire Project
• How fast can we build a bridge?
• Experimental project
• All components prefabricated
• 115 foot span
• Precast cantilever abutments
• Clock started after old bridge was removed
• Roadway open to traffic in 8 days
• Time Lapse Video on YoutubeTM
• Search Epping Bridge Construction

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Examples Epping NH
Epping Bridge Construction
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Manual Distribution

• Availability
• Published June 2009
• DOTs will receive copies
• Others will be given out at conferences
• Website being developed
• Is available through Local FHWA offices
• www.fhwa.dot.gov/hfl/

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Questions

• culmo_at_cmeengineering.com