Accelerated bridge construction chapter 3 research and training in ABC structural systems Accelerated bridge construction chapter 3 research and training in ABC structural systems Accelerated bridge construction chapter 3 research and training in ABC structural systems Accelerated bridge construction chapter 3 research and training in ABC structural systems Accelerated bridge construction chapter 3 research and training in ABC structural systems
CHAPTER Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems 3.1 Background The first two chapters focused primarily on an introduction into the core aspects of ABC Chapter also addressed inspection procedures and acquiring inventory data on bridge conditions This chapter reviews bridge rating procedures used to identify deficient bridges and assigning priorities to the identified problems The innovative techniques of ABC need to continue to expand in usage and be adopted as routine for bridge construction This chapter covers the important topics of research and for a developing topic like ABC; research in much needed topics such as new materials and method of construction is a priority: • The many variations in bridge structural systems, leading to many diverse applications of ABC and additional impacts on accelerated bridge planning (ABP), analysis, design, and construction • The urgent need to train bridge engineers in ABC through continuing education programs and further research: besides FHWA and AASHTO, the lead taken in holding seminars by FIU is highlighted FIU workshop themes and a list of webinars (organized around the recently and successfully completed ABC projects with steel and concrete bridges in the United States) are tabulated The author has regularly attended the FIU webinars on ABC related projects Seminars at the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE were conducted by the author to promote ABC Due to the practical importance of the subject, in Appendix 4, a syllabus for three credits University Course in ABC is proposed It will be of value to senior and graduate students The duration of the course will be about 15 weeks Appendix gives a summary of Training Courses and Workshops in ABC, mainly offered by FIU • The need to set up a national ABC Center to promote ABC • A review of research challenges from the AASHTO Subcommittee on Bridges and Substructures (T-4) on the developing subject • The author’s presentation of a paper at the FHWA Baltimore Conference (with New Jersey State Bridge Engineer) The latest information on ABC is provided through a bibliography compiled on the state of the art, the scope of the current work, and constraints for selecting ABC A glossary of ABC terminology applicable to all the chapters is listed for ready reference in Appendix ABC Glossary Solutions to some of the conclusions are addressed in the chapters that follow For example, Chapter deals with innovative methods and projects, Chapter with use of new materials and prefabrication, and Chapter with design-build management methods Accelerated Bridge Construction http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-407224-4.00003-4 Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved 103 104 CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems FIGURE 3.1 Flow diagram illustrating the major factors of ABC (Reference to UDOT) 3.1.1 Preparing an evaluation matrix For construction purposes, the investment cost, life-cycle cost, environmental and social impact, constructability, future maintenance, inspection, and aesthetics need to be prepared at the planning stage Planning must address differences in ABC for short, medium, and long spans The salient features of ABC are graphically shown in Figure 3.1 As summarized, innovative techniques include structure placement methods and accelerated geotechnical work in addition to precast and modular construction (Reference Accelerated Bridge Construction by Carmen Swanwick and by James McMinimee and Paul Blackham of UDOT) 3.1.2 Structural solutions Inspection reports, structural health monitoring (SHM), and the rating calculations will suggest the structural solution, and one of the following will apply: • No action required The bridge meets all safety requirements • Repairs required • Retrofits required • Deck widening (adding lanes and side walk due to increase in average daily traffic (ADT)) • Bridge replacement due to poor rating, using existing substructure, and existing footprint • Bridge replacement due to poor rating, using new substructure, and new footprint 3.2 Variations in structural systems and scope of work 3.2.1 Additional justifications for using ABC All of us cross bridges every day We may only see a parapet railing, deck slab, or sign structures and light poles But there is more to a bridge than meets the eye The substructure foundation bearings and girders may not be visible Bridges span over gaps in terrain or earth surface, such as gorges formed 3.2 Variations in structural systems and scope of work 105 due to river valleys and natural cavities in topography For through traffic in two normal directions, they form an elevated highway over an intersection Jug-handle and cloverleaf intersections serve as multilevel changeovers and provide multiple paths for vehicles If a bridge is shut down, it would affect the sick going to hospitals and children going to school, and others may miss their plane flights, trains, or scheduled meetings, thereby adversely affecting commerce and industry A great deal of planning and expense goes into the design, construction, and maintenance of both the structural and nonstructural (such as traffic signs, lighting, and utilities) of bridges Economic sense dictates that it may be less expensive to design and construct a new bridge than to continue maintaining a deficient or a very old bridge Also, the life-cycle costs can become much higher than the initial investment 3.2.2 Definition of the problem For rapid construction, the three Ms are men, materials, and machinery • Men will require training to build faster For the bridge engineers, training details are provided in Appendix TEMPLE-ASCE One Day Course on Rapid Bridge Construction • Materials need to be more durable and be readily prefabricated, such as lightweight concrete girders • Machinery should be modern, such as self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), and offer greater mechanical advantages to save manual labor 3.2.3 Appropriate structural systems for ABC There is a huge variety of bridge structures Each behaves differently, and structural analysis and design techniques vary ABC methods are more applicable for some structural systems than for others There are basically six types of structural systems being used in practice, according to the span lengths (short, medium, long, and very long) and the choice of alternative construction materials for new bridges Inspection reports, SHM, and rating results should identify the types of structural solutions for the maintenance of existing bridges Short- and medium-span girder bridges in steel and prestressed concrete are the most common, and ABC is easier to apply to these structures On the other hand, long-span cable-stayed or suspension-cable bridges are few and far between Moreover, the technology has changed dramatically in the past 200 years due to developments in construction materials Older cast iron, mild steel materials have given way to high-performance steels of extremely high strength Reinforced concrete girder bridges are limited to small spans, such as pedestrian bridges with smaller live loads, whereas prestressed concrete usage has become more common for larger-span bridges with more substantial live loads There has been a revolution in concrete manufacture for use with foundations, abutments, and piers The switch over to precast segments for the deck slabs, abutments, and piers, and the use of composites and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) concrete, has changed construction methods Similarly, glue-laminated timber has replaced sawn lumber, resulting in much stronger small-span bridges Chapters and will address innovative methods and prefabrication aspects in detail A review of the technical aspects shows that ABC is governed by the unique structural system for the type of bridge ABP is the first step toward ABC Hence, the span length, geometry, and aesthetics 106 CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems will dictate the material selection and shapes Sizes will be based on allowable stress distribution The six structural systems that are being used are: Beams (for short spans) Girders (for medium spans) Trusses (for medium spans) Arches (for short and medium spans) Cable-stayed girders (for long spans) Suspension cables with stiffened decks (for very long spans) ABC is all about the method of manufacture and the erection of common types of bridge components Superstructure and substructure components were described in earlier chapters Here, their use in an innovative manner is discussed, and the need for training of engineers is emphasized 3.2.4 Rapid design and construction challenges It was pointed out earlier that tall buildings are being constructed at a faster pace than ever before by using ABC This is possible by making bold management decisions and using innovative methods The success in the vertical construction of multiple floors can be copied in the horizontal construction of bridges and highways However, the scope of bridge work calls for heavier and more complex structural engineering, due to the large variety of bridges In conventional construction, there is a greater emphasis on minimum cost considerations and lesser emphasis on the duration to finish the job because of the availability of men and materials The changeover to rapid construction places an increased pressure on the contractor’s team and his/her limited resources The sensitive issues include continued manpower availability, relocation of trained staff to new project locations, and introducing modern construction equipment and technology Further research in project management to achieve faster implementation and improved coordination and communication is necessary, so that ABC methods can be made more economical The industry needs to develop a comprehensive construction code that spells out practical steps based on past experience for a refined and rapid type of construction To make this all happen on a large scale, incentives need to be given to the staff in the form of a bonus This approach will help encourage owners to select ABC teams for implementation on a greater number of projects instead of selected projects only 3.2.5 Logistics and rapid production Due to the short-term and long-term benefits of the design-build (D-B) method of construction management discussed in Chapter 2, federal organizations such as AASHTO and FHWA (with the help of certain universities like FIU) are looking into promoting important activities that influence ABC Their training and research are critical However, the problem does not just relate to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Since no two bridges are alike, only ABC principles and limited guidelines can be given For example, you cannot tell a painter or an artist exactly how to his job, as those rules will not likely be followed In the case of ABC, the contractor knows exactly “where the shoe pinches.” His experience, intuition, and independent judgment in making day-to-day decisions need not be curtailed by imposing restrictions To implement ABC, the contractor may be inclined, for example, to have his team work in 3.2 Variations in structural systems and scope of work 107 the field in extreme weather conditions The consultant also needs to play a more practical role by better appreciating what can be done in a given time length and by better coordinating drawings and details with the contractor’s team, who are responsible for translating ideas into practice 3.2.6 Rapid construction and associated needs The owner’s requirements are clear: reduction in schedule, wider decks, reduced seismic effects, increased bridge ratings, longer service life, cost savings, and lower maintenance Many innovative concepts are presented below Each concept is a subject in itself Modern, prefabricated construction materials and methods are vastly different from traditional methods and require innovative ideas for making the system safe and efficient ABC can be promoted through providing the owners with a better understanding of its benefits, as well as mathematical analysis In today’s competitive construction market, there are many project delivery methods to match the variety of projects However, tailoring your choice to the individual project’s specifications and circumstances can help ensure success The key factors dictating a particular type of delivery method include: • Time restraints • Risk • Budget • Level of quality The method of choice for many owners is the D-B approach, which has become more popular in the last 10 years Accelerated bridge construction through the precasting of bridge components helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by traffic delays and in simplifying long-term construction equipment operation Deck-plan shapes: The use of normal, skewed, or curved decks can make a big difference in construction duration Bridges rectangular in plan are easier to construct and cost less than shaped bridges Cross-sectional types: Beams and girders will be rectangular, I-shaped, T-shaped, or hollow-box cross-sections Steel cables are round Piers have rectangular, square, or round columns Piles may have a tubular cross-section The moment of inertia of each shape will help in resisting bending moments Span types: Although there are no exact span lengths that can be classified as short, medium, and long, a broad range can be defined as follows: • Short spans: 100 ft • Medium spans: 101–300 ft • Long spans: 301–500 ft and • Very long spans: 501 ft and greater Selection of modern materials for girders and beams: Modern construction materials available to satisfy the structural systems and span lengths are: • Glue-laminated timber beams • Reinforced concrete beams • Prestressed concrete girders • Mild steel beams of 50 ksi yield strength • High-strength steel girders of 70 ksi yield strength 108 CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems • High-performance steel girders of 100 ksi yield strength • Steel ropes and cables of 270 ksi yield strength Similarly, there are many variations in the substructures and the foundation types Abutment types: • Cast-in-place wall abutments • Precast mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall abutments • Spill-through abutments • Stub abutments • Integral abutments without bearings Pier types: These are generally reinforced concrete Various types are as follows: • Solid concrete wall • Open or pier cap supported on columns • Piers with piles extended to caps • Integral piers without bearings Foundation types: Shallow foundations are less expensive than deep foundations • Spread footings • Piles • Drilled shafts • Combined footings • Mats Bearing types: These are made of steel alloys to transfer heavy reactions to the substructure They need to allow thermal movements A combination of fixed and free (sliding) bearings is used Fixed bearings are restrained in all directions • Free or sliding bearings • Multirotational bearings • Isolation bearings The above makes it clear that the permutations and combinations of structural systems, girders, and substructures (either composite or noncomposite) will result in dozens of unique bridge types Each system will require an individual type of ABC The behavior of each bridge type will be different and will require separate analysis and design ABC has become a more specialized subject in which engineers, technicians, field staff, manufacturer’s factory staff, and even vendors need to be on board and give their very best The majority of contractors and consultants only focus on selected types of applications For example, among varied types of bridges, some contractors focus on segmental bridges and others on steel truss bridges Examples are FIGG Engineering of Florida and Acrow of New Jersey It is expected that the sequence of rapid construction will fall in line with the behavior of the unique structural-system behavior, and this aspect must be kept in mind by both the designer and the constructor (refer to the latest version of the FHWA ABC Manual) 3.2 Variations in structural systems and scope of work 109 3.2.7 The owner’s role in promoting ABC In Chapter 2, the contractor’s role in ABC was defined The owner’s decision-making and necessary funding are of paramount importance Both the current bridge design manual and construction specifications of a given state are not geared toward ABC New guidelines, details, and specifications for ABC need to be prepared by a team of leading contractors and consultants Like in the dynamic automobile industry, billions of dollars are up for grabs in the construction industry for maintaining the infrastructure However, progress in technology is to some extent restricted by the flow of funds for maintaining the infrastructure It makes economic sense to investigate ABC for easier implementation so that the reconstruction and rehabilitation of bridges can be done more efficiently and in less time The end goal is to reduce inconvenience for the traveling public as much as possible by minimizing the duration of construction 3.2.8 The role of consultants and subconsultants in ABC In the present system, the consultant enjoys a privileged position by serving as an extension of the owner and his advisor Sometimes the contractor is labeled as adhering to a “low-level mentality.” However, the contractor plays an essential role in the “nitty-gritty” of erection and in ensuring that everyone pays close attention to detail; thus, the consultant’s technical approach needs to align with the contractor’s thinking A flexibility of approach on the part of the consultant is required for success in the D-B system and to avoid friction with the contractor The consultant can play the role of designer and checker in inspection and in certifying that the work is completed to the required quality in the scheduled amount of time If for some reason the contractor is falling behind schedule, the consultant should warn the contractor of the delay and suggest ways and means to redress it For ABC project management, subconsultants also may be required and used as specialty consultants For example, smaller firms can focus on specific issues such as seismic resistant design and flood scour–resisting foundations Federal and certain state funding rules require the mandatory use of subconsultants: • Who have qualified as disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs), • Small business enterprise (SBEs), and/or • Women-owned business enterprises (WBEs) The sub-consultants normally perform essential tasks such as field inspections, construction inspections, computer analysis, detailed design, or CAD support, etc Due to the large sums of funding involved, this approach makes the expenditure more rational and economical and also helps in creating a selected team of engineers with a variety of technical know-how Due to unified teamwork and better relations between the consultant and the contractor, there will be fewer claims or disputes in the ABC system Increased communications through e-mails, meetings, and video conferencing will help in achieving quicker construction There should be a provision in the contract for hiring specialist consultants and contractors from the industry, if so required, for solving any complex issues, rather than taking any risks that could arise from lack of proper knowledge about a situation 110 CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems 3.2.9 Avoiding failure modes of steel and concrete Common failures in engineering materials manifest themselves in the following forms: • Yielding (crushing, tearing, or formation of ductile or brittle plastic hinges) • Fracture (local cracking) • Fatigue (reduced material resistance) • Cracking (hairline cracks, minor or major cracks) • Rupture (shearing) • Large deformation (buckling) Constructability issues: The above modes of failure must be avoided during various construction stages These include transportation, lifting, erection, temporary support, equipment loading, and deck placement The following conditions must be observed: • No permanent inelastic deflection due to rotations at bearings shall be permitted • No yielding • No large deformation or web buckling • No lateral torsional buckling of compression flange due to wind (bracing is required) • Formwork and temporary supports shall not be unstable • Quality control methods will be applied to obtain the required concrete strength Shoring and temporary support work is required Paperless submission of documents (and electronic signatures) is useful for efficient communication between team members For owner review and approval, accelerated submissions are necessary Accelerated decision-making is required at all stages, including rapid fabrication, testing, resolution of erection issues, and field inspections (Refer to Appendix Bridge Inspection Terminologies) The use of composite systems and composite structural action between components has been neglected in both design and construction Deck slab is usually made composite with supporting girders or beams, by shear connectors Girders are commonly made composite with the deck slab, but bearings serve as pinned connections between the girder ends and the supporting piers or abutments Bearings allow translations and rotations due to lateral loads However, this results in a weaker structure due to the lack of frame action between horizontal and vertical members Integral abutments, in this respect display, composite action and offer a much stronger bridge (refer to a paper by Mohiuddin Khan on modeling and seismic analysis of integral abutments published in ASCE Conference Proceedings, Nashville, 2004) In buildings, the slab is cast integral with the beam, which is also cast integral with the columns In most buildings, a unified or composite frame action is being utilized, which leads to the reduction of peak stresses both in the superstructure and substructure In bridges, partial composite action can be achieved by grouted cast-in-place concrete joints between the precast deck panels Integral abutments can be used in soft soils with exposed piles acting as columns Full fixity at the end of girder will not allow any rotation With integral abutments, rotation at beam ends is similar to the degree of freedom offered by the multirotational bearings The partial fixity of girder ends with the integral abutments reduces deflections and the peak stresses 3.2 Variations in structural systems and scope of work 111 3.2.10 Upgrading construction equipment Most accidents on bridges occur during bridge construction A recent example is the crane failure at Texas A&M, dated June 22, 2013 In College Station, Texas, workers were critically injured, after a barn frame collapsed at an $80-million Texas A&M University equestrian complex under construction Twisted metal beams could be seen at the site, where the ground was broken last fall The remainder of the structure that was still standing was stabilized, according to a statement from the College Station Fire Department Gamma Construction, on its, described the A&M work as one of its 2013 projects A lack of maintenance of equipment and training of operators can cause frequent breakdown and accidents • Many precautions are required to prevent accidents Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy wind, need to be avoided • On the other hand, the success of ABC is due to powerful equipment Different types of erection equipment are required for placing in-position the girders, box beams, trusses, arches, and cable-stayed and suspension-cable bridges These include jib cranes, mobile cranes, truck mounted cranes, pallet trucks, forklifts, winches and cable pullers, and waste handlers Not all of them are used in conventional construction • The erection contractor should invest and utilize modern robotics The type of cranes to be used on a given project will depend upon the structural system and the dead weight of component to be safely lifted It may initially increase the cost of the project, but the leasing period will be reduced due to ABC Examples of cranes are: • Tower cranes (for a maximum lightweight pick of 20 tons and heights greater than 400 ft) • Lattice boom crawler cranes • Mobile lattice boom cranes • Mobile hydraulic cranes • Lattice ringer cranes for varying heavyweight pickups and accessories 3.2.11 Field connection details The manufacturers of timber, steel, precast-reinforced, and prestressed concrete components may consider refining the structural details for constructability reasons The proprietary products are based on the details of previous productions through which the manufacturers usually develop a practical insight for the minutest detail Any changes in contract drawings deemed necessary by the contractor, however minor, must be submitted to the D-B team for their approval and for making any necessary adjustments in analysis or design Examples include connection details for seismic zones, slab-to-beam connections, or deck overhangs and parapets Special connections or hinges may be introduced for the transportation of long girders Very long girders may be split into subgirders that are the maximum length permissible by traffic restrictions for wide loads or long loads (e.g., lengths of 100–150 ft) or for SPMT (refer to the FHWA Manual on Use of Self-Propelled Modular Transporters to Remove and Replace Bridges, 2007; UDOT Accelerated Bridge Construction SPMT Process Manual and Design Guide, 2009) Figure 3.2(a) shows use of twin SPMTs to synchronize the transport of a wide, precast T-beam bridge Figure 3.2(b) shows the use of single, long SPMT transporting long-span girders 112 CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems (a) (b) (c) FIGURE 3.2 (a) Use of twin SPMTs for carrying a precast T-beam bridge (photo courtesy of FHWA) (b) Use of single, long SPMT for transporting long-span girders (c) Use of SPMTs for transportation of long bridge components 3.2.12 Self-propelled modular transporters Figure 3.2(c) shows a very heavy, precast double T-beam being transported by an SPMT 3.2.13 Assembling the transported components These details may require high-strength bolts in the field for joining together the structural components during erection These need to be made extra strong to account for secondary effects such as deck vibrations due to moving vehicles, fatigue and corrosion, etc For example, precast deck panels need to Table 3.2 Many Lunchtime FIU Webinars on ABC Topics Attended by the Author Description ABC and GRS bridge abutments in Ohio Warren Schlatter, County Engineer, Defiance County, Ohio (April 17, 2013) ABC and Innovative Bridge Construction for Minnesota Local Roads Christopher Werner, Project Manager, HDR Engineering, Minneapolis-St Paul, Minnesota (March 21, 2013) ABC Bridges from a County Perspective Eugene Calvert, Engineering Supervisor & Marlene Messam, Project Manager, Collier County, Florida (Feb 14, 2013) Defiance County was an early adopter of geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) for bridge abutments GRS allows the construction of vertical load bearing walls at very reasonable cost and with very rapid construction The vertical abutments provide an immediate cost savings in reduced superstructure length and cost Defiance County has also experienced additional cost savings over time as the construction crew gained experience There are 30 structures in service with GRS abutments and there has been success with construction with county crews and contractors GRS abutments were used with a variety of superstructure types including adjacent box beams, spread box beams, steel beams, concrete slab, and even an FRP structure In cooperation with the Minnesota DOT, the Minnesota County engineers Association, the Minnesota local road research board, and the FHWA Minnesota Division office, a number of counties in the state have built accelerated and innovative bridge construction projects on their local roads in the past few years These projects have included side-by-side precast box beams on sheet pile abutments, mechanically-stabilized earth (MSE) walls with single-line pile abutments, precast inverted tee slab span bridges, large precast box culverts, and three-sided structures The first two county precast inverted tee beam bridges have been recently constructed based on the groundbreaking work of the Minnesota DOT for this bridge type, and the first Minnesota county bridge with GRS abutments is scheduled to be built this year Through many domestic local bridge scanning tours with federal, state, and local partners, the featured presentation describes the reasons that Minnesota counties have implemented ABC and innovative bridge construction techniques The bridge elements, details, and costs related to these exciting local bridge projects are highlighted Upgrading structurally deficient and functionally obsolete bridges while maintaining traffic continues to be a significant challenge as the nation’s bridge inventory ages Many of these substandard bridges are owned by local governments But how counties address the significant challenges they face in replacing their deficient inventory? Can ABC provide a means to address these challenges? This featured presentation discusses ABC bridges from a county perspective and includes examples of how counties are using ABC to replace their deficient bridges Continued 143 Speaker and Date 3.14 Webinars on ABC at FIU Topic Speaker and Date Description Work-Zone Road User Costs— Comparison Between ABC and Conventional Construction Nathaniel Coley, Engineer Office of Transportation Performance Management, FHWA, Washington, DC (January 10, 2013) Economical Details over Piers Using Simple-for-Dead-Load & Continuous for-LiveLoad Design—Part 3: ABC Steel Girder Bridges Field Application of Simplified & Typical Details Wayne J Seger, State Bridge Engineer, Tennessee DOT and Mark J Traynowicz, State Bridge Engineer, Nebraska Dept of Roads (December 11, 2012) Economical Details over Piers Using Simple-for-DeadLoad & Continuousfor-Live-Load Design Part 1: ABC Concrete Girder Bridges Francesco (Frank) M Russo, Senior Technical Manager, Bridges, Michael Baker Jr., Inc., Philadelphia, PA (October 18, 2012) ABC offers many advantages over conventional bridge construction Those advantages include reduced traffic impacts, onsite construction time, environmental impacts, and life-cycle costs; and improved work-zone safety, site constructability, material quality, and product durability Most bridge owners are pursuing ABC to reduce onsite construction time and traffic impacts relative to conventional bridge construction Although the reason for using ABC is typically to reduce traffic impacts, bridge owners in general don’t currently include costs such as those related to how the construction is impacting motorists in their decision-making process on whether ABC is the best solution when considering bridge replacements When mobility impacts are not quantified, direct cost comparisons between ABC and conventional construction are not apples-to-apples comparisons The presentation compares work-zone road user costs for ABC and conventional bridge construction, and provides a simplified description of how to calculate them Resources for in-depth evaluations will be provided Simple-for-dead-load and continuous-for-live-load (SDCL) design details at intermediate piers in ABC bridges should provide good long-term performance, be as simple as possible, and be economical Various details have been used to connect steel girders over the pier using the SDCL system, with economy greatly influenced by those details Recent research results and case studies show that those details can be simplified to provide optimum continuity for live load over piers This presentation is on the use of SDCL design details over piers in ABC steel girder bridges Last month’s presentation described simplified details for continuity over piers based on the latest research This presentation will focus on ABC field applications, construction issues, and in-service performance of simplified and typical SDCL details in Nebraska and Tennessee, respectively Simple-for-dead-load and continuous-for-live-load design details at intermediate piers in ABC bridges should provide good long-term performance, be as simple as possible, and be economical This construction process has been used with prestressed concrete girder bridges built in a conventional manner for years Various publications cover the technical aspects of designing for continuous behavior, yet there is little guidance on how these design and construction issues are integrated into an ABC project This presentation discusses the advantages and disadvantages of achieving structural continuity in multispan ABC bridges, discusses continuous bridge continuity options that are nonstructural, and provides case studies of ABC continuity details adopted by various agencies in the recent past Guidance on LRFD application to continuous beam design and sample details used in case study bridges will be provided CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems Topic 144 Table 3.2 Many Lunchtime FIU Webinars on ABC Topics Attended by the Author—cont’d ABC Short-Span Low-Volume Bridge Types & Lessons Learned—Part 3: Concrete William Nickas, Managing Director, Transportation Services, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) (September 13, 2012) Thursday, September 13, 2012 2012 Domestic Scan Alexander K Bardow, State On ABC Connections: Bridge Engineer, Massachusetts Findings & RecomDOT (June 14, 2012) mendations Jack Harney, Director of Operations, J.F White Contracting Co Boston, Massachusetts (May 10, 2012) Construction ConWilliam G Duguay, Houston Area tractor Series#1: Manager, J.D Abrams L.P., HousExperiences with ABC ton, Texas (March 15, 2012) Projects in Texas Continued 3.14 Webinars on ABC at FIU Construction Contractor Series#3: Experiences with ABC Projects in Massachusetts Across the country, the use of ABC has proven beneficial for bridge types that range from short to long span, while maintaining traffic flows that range from low to high volume These projects have provided many lessons This presentation is the third in a series of three industry presentations on lessons learned from accelerated short-span low-volume bridge construction It will discuss solutions that can meet the need to replace single and multi-span bridges with total bridge lengths in the 20–140 ft range, and to replace these bridges in a prefabricated and accelerated manner It will describe details on various concrete ABC projects and will focus on ways to further improve the accelerated construction of concrete bridges This presentation provides an overview of the recently completed ABC Domestic Scan 11-02, “Best Practices Regarding Performance of ABC Connections in Bridges Subjected To Multi-Hazard and Extreme Events,” conducted as part of the NCHRP Project 20–68A, “U.S Domestic Scan Program” for the National Academies The purpose of the scan was to identify domestically used ABC connection details that perform well under extreme event loading, such as those experienced by bridges subjected to waves and tidal or storm-surges, seismic events, and other large lateral forces On the East Coast, the scan team visited MassDOT and the Florida DOT, and also had web meetings with the Texas DOT, MCEER at SUNY Buffalo, and the South Carolina DOT On the West Coast, the team visited the Washington State DOT and the Nevada DOT, with Nevada and California DOT jointly coordinating activities Findings and recommendations will be discussed This presentation is the third in the three-part Construction Contractors Series, to discuss what construction contractors really think about ABC This presentation features a Massachusetts bridge contractor’s perspective on ABC, including past ABC projects in Massachusetts Discussion will include what made those projects attractive, and how they could have been improved So, what construction contractors really think about ABC? This presentation features a Texas bridge contractor’s perspective on ABC, including past ABC projects in Texas Discussion will include what made those projects attractive, and how they could have been improved 145 Speaker and Date Description Part 2: Everyday Solutions: Application of SHRP2-Developed Tools in Case Studies Bala Sivakumar, Co-Principal Investigator, SHRP2 R04, HNTB, SHRP2 & FHWA Highways for LIFE (HfL) Program (Feb 16, 2012) Everyday Solutions: ABC Standard Designs from SHRP2 Bala Sivakumar, Co-Principal Investigator, SHRP2 R04 Vice President of Special Bridge Projects, HNTB (January 17, 2012) Full-Depth Prefabricated Bridge Deck Options for Durability and Cost Bruce Johnson, Oregon DOT, Chair, AASHTO Technical Committee for Bridge Preservation (Nov 17, 2011) The January 2012 presentation (Part 1) discussed the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) ABC toolbox that was developed under R04, “Innovative Bridge Designs for Rapid Renewal.” This presentation describes how the toolbox was used in two bridge construction pilot projects The first project, built in 2011, was the U.S Bridge over Keg Creek in Iowa, in which the bridge was replaced with a 14-day closure using prefabricated elements The second project, to be completed in 2012, is the I-84 Bridge over Dingle Ridge Road in New York, in which two adjacent bridges carrying I-84 will be laterally slid into place each over a weekend Learn how the standard plans and details in the toolbox were used to ensure success on these projects The SHRP2 Renewal Area is developing ABC products that help bridge owners upgrade their aging bridges rapidly, with minimum disruption, to last longer, and to so consistently throughout the nation A major project to develop such products is R04, “Innovative Bridge Designs for Rapid Renewal.” The presentation focus is on the ABC toolbox that has been developed in this project The toolbox includes standard plans and details for designs that are as light, simple, and easy as possible to design, fabricate, transport, and erect Spans range from 40 to 140 ft for one-piece installation, and up to 200 ft for multiple pieces to be assembled at the site The standard plans and details for prefabricated modular abutments, piers, and superstructures will be discussed These modular sections were developed for erection with conventional equipment, including above-deck carriers and launching systems The presentation will also include a design example using these products Some states are replacing deteriorated bridge decks with full-depth prefabricated decks to accelerate on site construction and minimize traffic impacts Because prefabricated decks are typically erected as segments that must be joined together, the connections are the critical factor for ensuring good, longterm performance and achieving an economical solution This presentation describes design, construction, and maintenance details that have been developed to achieve good, long-term performance of full-depth prefabricated bridge decks Comparisons are made between some of the various details considered for a project in Oregon, with advantages and disadvantages that were identified for each CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems Topic 146 Table 3.2 Many Lunchtime FIU Webinars on ABC Topics Attended by the Author—cont’d 3.15 Seminar on ABC at Philadelphia Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE 147 3.15 Seminar on ABC at Philadelphia Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE The author made a presentation entitled Modern Repair & Rehab Techniques for Steel & Concrete, in December of 2010, on current practices, ongoing research, and future developments for bridge maintenance (Figures 3.4 and 3.5) A synthesis of bridge failures was presented to illustrate the points The importance of live-load deflections and its impact on the design of girders and cross-frames was outlined, as a solid understanding of this aspect is critical to proper repairs AASHTO LRFD procedures as modified by PennDOT DM-4, as well as inspection and rating procedures, were discussed in detail The author also led a discussion regarding methods to reduce important life-cycle costs through effective rehabilitation and repair strategies, and to extend the lifespan of these taxpayer investments The meeting was well attended and there were thoughtful questions raised afterward that extended the discussion 3.15.1 Training contractors in using innovative technology Rather than just selecting contractors to perform the job only based on lowest bid amounts, contractors should also be prequalified based on their capacity to handle new technology and by their familiarity with new techniques A written examination can be introduced for prequalification of contractors and consultants on special projects To promote ABC further, training of engineers employed by both the consultants and contractors in this specialized discipline is needed 3.15.2 One day ABC workshop at Temple University ASCE Philadelphia Section sponsored a joint technical meeting in November of 2013 It was attended by practicing engineers and senior students The full-day presentations were addressed by Benjamin FIGURE 3.5 Author presents repair and rehab techniques for bridges at an SEI meeting 148 CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems Beerman, FHWA In charge of EDC Program, PennDOT expert of LRFD software, Chief Engineers of Acrow, High Steel and Jersey Precast in addition to Professors of Temple University Appendix lists the details of the program, which included the latest development in ABC 3.16 Design-Build Institute of America’s training programs in promoting design-build methods These “core courses” are required of all candidates of the Designated Design-Build Professional certification program By attending the courses, the team is now ready to move on with a clear understanding of managing the design-build process (Table 3.3) 3.17 The need for a national center devoted to ABC A workshop was held on November 22, 2010, at Florida International University, to brainstorm the creation of a national center devoted for the promotion of ABC A series of presentations were made by experts in the subject Details are as follows: • Use of ABC by Counties—Eugene Calvert, National Association of County Engineers (NACE) • FHWA Every Day Counts (EDC) ABC Initiatives—Claude Napier, FHWA • Moving ABC Technology Forward—Sandra Larson, Iowa DOT • SHRP2 and Upcoming Products, Helping the Bridge Industry—Monica Starnes, TRB SHRP2 • Bridge Construction Industry—Bill Duguay, J.D Abrams, L.P • Prefabricators & Supplier Industry: Concrete—Sue Lane, National Concrete Bridge Council (NCBC) • Prefabricators & Supplier Industry: Steel—Bill McEleney, National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) • Utah DOT ABC Program—Carmen Swanwick, UDOT Chief Structural Engineer • Accelerated Bridge Construction: A State Perspective—Paul Liles, Vice Chair, AASHTO • Use of ABC by the States—Mal Kerley, Chair of the AASHTO Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures (SCOBS) The list of potential activities was divided into immediate, short-term, and long-term categories 3.18 Research challenges for developing ABC technology Earlier chapters discussed the needs and role of research to overcome the constraints that are withholding a wider use of ABC Research topics can be linked to the many innovative methods recently introduced by the joint efforts of research departments and construction management teams of contractors and consultants This chapter reviews the innovative methods introduced in practice so that they can be explained by research Research topics are identified and challenges are addressed in specific areas by the AASHTO Technical Committee (T-4) and at international conferences Table 3.3 Core Course Required for Designated Design-Build Professional Certification Program Core Course No Course Description Fundamentals of Project Delivery Principles of DesignBuild Project Delivery Design-Build Contracts and Risk Management Post-Award Design-Build Design Management Fundamentals Super-Charged Source Selection A general overview of the attributes of all the major project delivery systems, procurement methodologies, and contracting approaches It sets the stage for a clear understanding of managing the designbuild process The use of design-build focusing on essential concepts and characteristics, as well as critical elements of the RFQ/RFP process and overall project management It is an interactive, problem-solving course where students can take part in a structured, team-learning environment Applying effective contracting language as well as insurance, bonding, and surety products and strategies to successful design-build project delivery Key issues relevant to public and private sector owners and design-build entity teams are addressed for anyone utilizing integrated project delivery The course emphasizes providing relevant legal, contracting, insurance and risk management knowledge, and risk mitigation measures An overview of the construction and design-build contract management processes that are important as the construction phase ramps up Discussion includes typical project schedules and possible risk areas and ways to avoid delays, the design–construction interface, and the responsibilities of each party (designer, builder, contract manager, and user) in a design-build contract In addition, the course includes a basic overview of the commissioning, testing, and turnover phase of work Effective integration of the distinctly different design and construction processes is a fundamental aspect associated with successful management of design within an integrated delivery framework, along with DBIA’s Design Management Guide Where cost is not the sole criterion, the selection process varies dramatically from traditional designbid-build practices This course includes an overview of the two-phase design-build source selection process, to identify the most highly qualified firms, as well as the final down-select to choose the ultimate winner It describes the key elements involved in qualifying a firm during phase one source selection and describes the steps involved in a two-phase selection and the key actions necessary to ensure success It also discusses the identification of the typical components of a quest for qualifications documents, the selection of key members needed for an effective evaluation team, the determination of appropriate evaluation factors and processes for the project, and the assessment of the appropriate number of evaluation factors for a particular project Additionally, the course also describes various methods for scoring proposals, including numerical, color scoring, or adjectival rating Continued 3.18 Research challenges for developing ABC technology Title 149 Title Course Description Conceptual Estimating Design-Build Sustainability Certification Exam Prep Course The fundamentals of conceptual estimating, assessing risk, and calculating costs before the designs are complete This course describes the role of the estimator in design-build, the various influences affecting building costs, the various types of estimates, how estimates are organized using standard estimating formats, how to use an estimating manual, how unit prices are developed, the fundamental concepts of value engineering, how to manage and control costs throughout the design process, and the various checks and balances needed to ensure the reliability of the estimate Explains the interrelationship of the design-build delivery method and sustainability using the collaborative process, as well as how to define and document green (sustainable) project goals, understand contractual and risk management issues specifically related to sustainability and design-build, and set up measurable tracking tools to monitor the success of the design-build sustainable project Course content provides an overview of concepts learned in DBIA’s four core courses, with an emphasis on the eight domain areas covered in the examination: • Project delivery • General attributes of design-build • Project team organization • Procurement • Estimating/specifying • Contracts and legal • Project management • Ethics/professionalism 10 Performance Requirements: The Key to Effective RFPs High Performance Contracting 11 Successful motivation requires a well-written contract that provides appropriate awards and incentives In traditional design-bid-build, contracts often contemplate only failure, with provisions and clauses that address what the adverse consequences will be once failure occurs This presumption of failure results in contracts that not contemplate how the contracting parties might appropriately reward one another for success and excellent performance CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems Core Course No 150 Table 3.3 Core Course Required for Designated Design-Build Professional Certification Program—cont’d 3.18 Research challenges for developing ABC technology 151 3.18.1 Important activities/areas of research ABC technology is developing, and, due to its multiple applications research, will be needed to resolve outstanding issues The following research areas are suggested: • Implementation and further development of innovative construction methods: Development of prefabricated seismically resistant systems, including substructures • Maintenance Aspects: Prescribing appropriate cost-effective, durable, preventive maintenance measures and rehabilitation methods for bridge components It requires the development of maintenance needs, accessibility, repairability, and inspection criteria • Identification of transportation and erection issues including loads and equipment, total bridge movement systems such as self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT), launching, etc • Cost and risk analysis: Implementation and further development of cost analysis and risk assessment • Quality Assurance: Development of quality assurance measures for accelerated techniques for superstructure and substructure construction, development of more efficient modular sections, and implementation of and further development of contracting strategies that encourage speed and quality • Optimized structural systems: Benefit/cost studies of these optimized structural systems (materials, details, components, structures, and foundations) Include assessment of real and perceived barriers to deployment of the various elements of optimized structural systems • Identification of technical and cultural barriers, both real and perceived, if any • Establishment of a database to track accelerated bridge and highway structures and substructures construction to demonstrate and document success, including costs • Connection details: Implementation and further development of rapidly assembled connection details and joints that are constructible, durable, and repairable • Implementation and further development of design considerations for the hardening of existing structures and rapid recovery after disasters (natural and man-made) • Monitoring: Identification of the available technology for monitoring structures and evaluation of the sensitivity of techniques (including dynamic monitoring to assess condition) Also include methods to monitor foundations and detect scour, to protect and/or strengthen foundations against scour, earthquake, and impact damage; identification of the types of structures/parts of structures where enhanced monitoring is needed and is most promising • Active and structured dissemination of information on available technologies and successful accelerated bridge construction projects to both decision-makers and designers; identification of the most useful data and information to be collected • Deployment of the most promising technologies as demonstrations • Development of recommended revisions to the AASHTO condition evaluation manuals • Development of automated data collection and reporting • Development of interpreting protocols and damage models using the data collected by the systems • Evaluation of current visual methods and recommendation of improvements • Evaluation of cost/benefit of monitoring/assessment systems Study of the implications of security and traffic management systems • Bridge decks: Including quantification of the impact of increased traffic volume and loads, nondestructive tests, methods for protection against and extraction of salt ion intrusion, and new materials and techniques for deck construction and repairs 152 CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems • Main load carrying members: Including girder/main member repair and strengthening methods, methods to eliminate expansion joints and bearings, and corrosion mitigation techniques, including coatings • Substructures: Including methods for corrosion protection and strengthening of piers and abutments • Foundations: to modify soil (including liquefaction mitigation), to protect salt-water foundations against corrosion (including identification of aggressive environments), and to determine suitable existing foundations for proposed rehabilitation or widening in terms of geometry, integrity and response and soil-structure interaction, • Identification of methods to accelerate construction of bridge foundations and earthwork and the demonstrated sources of construction delays • New materials: Structural systems must utilize existing and new materials more efficiently in terms of safety, durability, and economy However, research is needed to better characterize their properties and optimize their use, and develop efficient design and construction systems, standards, and details Characterization and optimization of material properties (including life-cycle performance) for both existing and newer materials include: • Traditional, high, and ultrahigh performance concretes • Traditional, high, and ultrahigh performance steels (including weld consumables and corrosion-resistant steels) • FRP composite materials • Geomaterials (including more accurate characterization on in situ soil conditions), geosynthetic products, and ground improvement techniques • Other new (perhaps yet unidentified) materials • Optimization of geotechnical and structural systems for safety, durability, and cost based on optimized materials and systems • Development of appropriate limit-state criteria for the use of these materials, details, components, and structures for adoption into the LRFD Specifications • Development of reliability-based engineering design properties for soil and rock • Implementation of advanced materials and continuation of materials research, e.g., highperformance materials, materials durability, lightweight concrete to provide lower self-weight for larger components, etc • Anticipated outcome: In the short term, monitoring devices must be identified to determine the optimum time to apply the preservation methods In the midterm, we should see the implementation of specifications, guidelines, and trial applications leading to deployment of the most effective existing methods, and development of the most promising emerging preservation methods In the long term, the goal is deployment of the most promising emerging preservation methods 3.18.2 Research issues The following items need to be considered: • Obtaining senior leadership involvement • Evaluating project risks • Defining the scope, schedule, and budget • Identifying the procurement method 3.18 Research challenges for developing ABC technology 153 • Prescriptive projects: gaining experience • Design-bid-build, construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC) • Better project performance: innovations led by contractor • Educating and communicating with industry • Implementing standardization • Improving based on lessons learned Project evaluation: The factors that need to be addressed in planning are scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, communications, and procurement Implementation of standards; • Develop guidelines for ABC project inclusion • Develop typical details and manuals • Include user costs in analysis • Encourage innovation • Provide training and obtain feedback Different types of bridges: For each of these bridge types, there are different techniques and research continues on the application of ABC for these scenarios: • Precast deck replacement only on existing footprint • Prefabricated superstructure replacement on existing footprint • Complete bridge replacement on existing footprint using preassembled bridges • Complete bridge replacement on a new footprint using preassembled bridges • Widening of bridges using prefabricated techniques 3.18.3 Continued research on ABC Based in Madison, Wisconsin, the Midwest Regional University Transportation Center began, in August, a study on accelerating bridge construction A 1-year study by Sam Salem of the University of Cincinnati includes surveys of all 50 states and a close study of Ohio’s efforts See the project description at http://www.mrutc.org/research/0504/index.htm Research on seismic resistances: The National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) was initiated in 1977 The ground shaking maps produced by USGS are extensively used in infrastructure design and assessment In addition to worldwide research in the countries affected by earthquakes, earthquake engineering centers and many universities in the United States are actively engaged in the development of models and technologies for their geographic regions These institutions include: • The Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER) • The Multi-hazard Center on Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) • The Mid-America Research Center (MAE) • The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) of California • The federal- and state-funded research projects at many universities Progress in technology: The traditional code-based approach is now transformed to a performancebased approach The seismic design of infrastructure is expected to achieve performance goals geared toward life safety and toward functionality and rapid recovery after an earthquake event 154 CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems Component fit-up requirements: The fabricator and erector shall construct the bridge in keeping with the AASHTO Bridge Construction Specifications requirement that “fit-up shall be assumed to be performed under the no-load condition.” Selecting bolt splice locations: Some flexibility in splice locations and cross-frame length and unavoidable variations in span dimensions or member sizes may be permitted, for quick construction Factory-made oversize holes are preferred Uplift at girder supports: Curved and skew bridges require special attention such as uplift at supports, achieving cambers, and reducing differential deflections between girders during erection 3.18.4 Role of post-design activities prior to construction To expedite the construction schedule, the designer or his representative should be available at all times during construction The resident engineer at the site may answer requests for information (RFIs) The shop drawing preparation and review process needs to be improved and made more efficient To save review time and avoid resubmission and to improve the quality of shop drawings, the consultant/designer should be consulted before the preparation and submission of shop drawings The contractor must hold meetings with the consultant/designer early to resolve any constructability issues and to avoid any misinterpretation of drawings The contractor should be familiar with AASHTO recommendations on preparation of shop drawings The erector should develop an erection plan substantiated with a written description of each step, erection drawings and calculations of stability, erection stress, residual stress, and deflections Calculations should be performed and checked by Registered Professional Engineers 3.18.5 Constructability review Fabrication and erection feasibility, construction sequencing, material availability and transport, site accessibility, and the construction schedule will be addressed A constructability review will be done during design and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) review prior to approval of drawings and construction specifications 3.18.6 Constructability planning Each of the following items shall be evaluated to ensure constructability and to minimize or eliminate “surprises.” • Material availability at reasonable cost • Fabrication and erection requirements • Site accessibility and material transportability • Erection feasibility • Construction risk • Effect of the selected construction alternate on the project • Construction sequencing of different operations • Environmental impact of proposed construction method (including lead-based paint issues) • Impact on activities that are on the critical path in the construction schedule 3.18 Research challenges for developing ABC technology 155 3.18.7 Financial incentives These will be provided for: • Tools and techniques to promote state-of-the-art technology • New manufacture processes • Striving for higher standards and quality performance • Improved safety • Faster construction and temporary staging to reduce traffic 3.18.8 Further research topics • Construction Schedules for ABC Reduction in the duration of construction schedule is the most important benefit of using ABC • On a given superstructure replacement project, a comparative study between conventional construction of the superstructure with the following ABC methods is required, to appreciate the differences in construction time: • Identify the construction season and months in a given year for the allowable field work window (for bridge sites that are subjected to extreme weather) • Identify activities on the critical path when using prefabrication and SPMT method and with Design-Build management Compare overall duration of construction with Design-Bid-Build Method • Identify activities on the critical path when using lateral slide-in method with temporary bents and with Design-Build management Compare overall duration of construction with Design-Bid-Build Method On a given substructure and superstructure replacement project, a comparative study between conventional construction of the substructure and superstructure with the following ABC methods is required, to appreciate the differences in construction time: • Identify activities on the critical path when using prefabricated abutment wall components and precast pier columns and caps Can the new abutments be constructed prior to the demolition of old abutments? • Does the existing foundation need to be removed before constructing new foundations, if pile driving is required? 3.18.9 Contract clauses for ABC A sample set of contract clauses between the owner and contractor for the prefabrication and SPMT method and lateral slide-in method for projects completed is required What incentives are given for completion in time and penalties for any delay? 3.18.10 Need for special provisions in construction specifications A sample set of special provisions (for detailed construction method) as approved by the owner for the prefabrication and SPMT method and lateral slide-in method for projects completed, is required 156 CHAPTER 3 Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems 3.19 Conclusions on identifying the ways and means to promote ABC structural systems For rapid construction, the three main factors are men, materials, and machinery Therefore training of engineers in ABC, research on new materials and introducing innovative construction techniques and machinery, will be necessary to achieve the goals Due to the practical importance of ABC, many suggestions and recommendations can be presented here: Bridge rating procedures to identify deficient bridges and setting up priorities to fix them were reviewed Structural health monitoring methods using remote sensors will help to prioritize bridges for rehabilitation ABC planning, analysis, and implementation methods vary for each of the structural systems and lead to many diverse applications for small, medium, and long spans, each of which has its own unique construction techniques ABC should apply to the majority of construction scenarios The role of the transportation agency in patronizing and promoting ABC is critical The roles of the ABC team (including the consultant and specialized subconsultants) come next for introducing innovations in design and field connections Preparing an evaluation matrix for selecting the type of fix or replacement is helpful The key factors dictating a particular type of delivery method include time restraints, risk, budget, and level of quality Rapid constructability requirements (such as those for erection) need to be met, since most accidents occur during bridge construction Preventive measures in construction to prevent failures need to be introduced 3.19.1 Important activities/areas of research are described Innovative techniques need to be made more popular and adopted as routine bridge construction Certain improvements for economical design include the following: • An upgrading of most modern construction equipment is required • Current plan preparation and presentation should reflect ABC • Payment and accounting of pay items need to be accelerated • Utilization of arching action in deck slabs: There is reserve strength that is being neglected • Deck overlays for riding surface quality: Latex Modified Concrete, corrosion inhibitor aggregate concrete or Hi-friction Skid-resistant Polymer Overlay may be used • Bridge deck expansion joints for precast deck units • Compliance with permitting regulations: Environmental permits may hold up the start of construction • Insurance against risk and liabilities • Utility coordination: Outside agencies can delay construction ABC applications to railway bridges: The scope of work is different from that of highway bridges and must be carefully considered FHWA initiatives: The listed items should lead to the development of more robust ABC provisions Training: Training normally follows research Training programs are discussed in another chapter There is an urgent need to train bridge engineers in ABC through continuing education programs FIU 3.19 Conclusions on identifying the ways 157 and ASCE webinars have taken a lead in that direction There is a need to set up a national ABC Center to promote ABC due to the economic benefits Web-based training modules for ABC and rapid delivery construction projects (such as using slidein bridge construction) need to be promoted FHWA, TRB, ASCE, FIU, Iowa State University, and some other universities and states have taken the lead in this respect Research: A review of research challenges from the AASHTO Subcommittee (T-4) on the developing subject shows many emerging areas that need further development The many initiatives taken by New Jersey were presented by the author at an FHWA Conference Project management, improved coordination, and communication skills need to be researched, so that ABC methods can be made more economical A comprehensive construction code that spells out practical steps based on past experience for a refined and rapid type of construction needs to be developed Research topics can best be sponsored by each state at universities and research departments with adequate facilities Innovative techniques in ABC that require research are described in Chapter The need exists both in new construction and structure rehabilitation for improved and optimized systems and standards for geotechnical constructions and foundations Substructures and superstructures can reduce cost, increase standardization, accelerate construction, and result in longer-lasting, low-maintenance bridge and highway structures 3.19.2 Constraints in implementing ABC It is easier said than done Experience is the best teacher Following constraints need attention: • MPT, approach slab construction, permits and utility relocation, etc are unavoidable constraints and would be on a critical path for early completion • Contractors in general have trained technicians in formwork and cast-in-place construction and new training in ABC is required • The manufacturing nature of precast products creates a proprietary system and monopolistic environment, which may lead to unemployment of some number of construction workers • Overemphasis of incentives/disincentives can pressure the contractor into adopting unrealistic schedules at the expense of quality control • To make above recommendations to happen on a large scale, incentives may need to be given to the construction and design staff NOTE: Bibliography for this chapter is listed at the end of the chapters in Appendix A list of Bridge Inspection Terminology and Sufficiency Ratings used by PennDOT are given in Appendix ... details and manuals • Include user costs in analysis 3. 12 Continuing education, training and research in ABC 135 • Encourage innovation • Provide training and obtain feedback 3. 12.1 Trained... UDOT Chief Structural Engineer 138 CHAPTER 3? ?? Research and Training in ABC Structural Systems 3. 12.4 Training of contractors and consultants in using PBES PBES requires different skills and areas... needs 3. 12 Continuing education, training and research in ABC One goal of ABC training and development is to implement standardization as follows: • Develop guidelines for ABC project inclusion