With so many bridges across the country rated as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, bridge design, rehabilitation, and maintenance offer potential growth markets for civil engineering firms. One measure of the market is the growing number of bridge systems, structure-specific design aids—software and guides—and structural health monitoring devices available. In response to a request from CE News, companies provided the following information about their bridge products.

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) released the 2008 edition of the Manual of Concrete Practice (MCP). The MCP contains more than 190 documents, including all of the ACI documents needed to answer any questions about code requirements, specifications, tolerances, concrete proportions, construction methods, evaluation of test results, and many more topics. The MCP also includes the 2008 version of ACI 318-08, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary.
Request more information

The BEBO Arch System provides precast concrete arch spans from 12 feet to 102 feet. The BEBO system, provided by CONTECH Bridge Solutions, is a combination of precast concrete arch elements, headwalls, wingwalls, and cast-in-place footings. According to the company, the system has been an effective solution for short- and medium-span bridges, overpasses, and tunnels.
Request more information

Bentley Systems, Inc., announced a strategic initiative to deliver Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM) technology for the entire bridge lifecycle. A new business unit, Bentley BrIM, will provide broad access to newly acquired bridge products in Bentley’s software portfolio. In addition, the company said it will integrate these and other related Bentley products to provide an interoperable, data-managed bridge solution for planning, design, engineering, analysis, fabrication, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation. During the last year, Bentley acquired TDV GmbH, LEAP Software, and C.W. Beilfuss & Associates. Other Bentley products relevant to bridge projects include Bentley Rebar, GEOPAK Bridge, InRoads Bridge, and ProjectWise.
Request more information

Campbell Scientific’s new AVW200 Vibrating-Wire Interface module applies a new method for measuring a sensor’s frequency for bridge monitoring applications that takes advantage of a built-in spectrum analyzer using spectral interpolation instead of the traditional pulse-timing approach. It samples the returned signal, performs a fast Fourier transform to discriminate between spectral components, and then identifies and measures the resonant frequency of the sensor. Additionally, the company says the new method provides better measurement resolution—improving from 0.01 Hz to 0.001 Hz—as well as diagnostic information about the measured frequency. The AVW200 can be used via SDI-12, RS-232, or PakBus network protocol. Wireless versions are also available, allowing for remote deployment separate from the datalogger.
Request more information

CONTECH Structural Plate products include MULTI-PLATE, Aluminum Structural Plate, Aluminum Box Culverts, SUPER-SPAN and SUPER-PLATE bridge solutions. These structures meet a wide range of site-specific challenges with a variety of sizes and shapes available. According to the company, many are specifically suited for rehabilitation because of fast installation accompanied by extensive technical support.
Request more information

The CON/SPAN Bridge System offers fully engineered and patented precast modular component systems for bridges, culverts, and underground structures. Spans range from 12 feet to 60 feet with variable heights and lengths. The precast arch system delivers fast installation and extensive technical support. CON/SPAN bridges, from CONTECH Bridge Solutions, also provide opportunities for architectural treatments and facings and, according to the company, virtually no maintenance. Applications include airports, railroads, wetlands crossings, and roadway overpasses. More than 5,000 projects have been installed.
Request more information

Continental pedestrian truss bridges can span more than 250 feet, ranging from basic structures to unique designs with decorative railings and lighting packages. As part of the CONTECH Bridge Solutions product offering, Continental bridges are ideal for developments, trails, golf courses, skywalks, and even pipe-support and industrial applications. According to the company, these structures not only are functional and low-maintenance, but also can add aesthetic appeal to any project with a variety of architectural options.
Request more information

Creative Design Resolutions, Inc. (CDR) provides aesthetic design services for highway infrastructure, related transportation enhancement, and urban environment projects, including decorative concrete form liners and integrated infrastructure amenities created by its sister company Creative Form Liners, Inc. The company provided aesthetic design for an Oklahoma Heritage Bridge project. The bridge features Oklahoma’s state logo cast in full-color concrete on the outside of the bridge parapet. As vehicles pass under the bridge, travelers see a woven pattern, reminiscent of indigenous belts, pottery, and quilts, along the embankment. A stamped pattern of Arkansas ledge stone accentuates the side wing walls.
Request more information

GT STRUDL Structural Design & Analysis software from Georgia Tech—CASE Center offers a wide range of frame and finite element capabilities for bridge engineers. Linear and nonlinear static and dynamic analysis features include moving load generation, response spectrum analysis, transient analysis, and pushover analysis. Models can include nonlinear geometry, plastic hinges, discrete dampers, sliding friction bearings, tension and compression only members, nonlinear connections, and cable elements. The software includes extensive graphical modeling and result display capabilities. Bridge engineers frequently use the specialized functions of GT STRUDL for analysis and design of cable-stayed and suspension bridges, tunnels, and seismic retrofit.
Request more information

L.B. Foster Fabricated Bridge Products offers several variations of its steel grid decking, allowing designers to match the strength of the decking to the requirements of the application. Open-grid and modified open-grid decking is designed to meet increasing performance, reliability, and speed of installation requirements without adding additional deck dead load. According to the company, half-filled grid products provide a higher strength-to-weight ratio and speed of installation than common rebar-reinforced slab, as well as superior durability. The concrete fill also provides a smooth, quiet, non-skid riding surface. Full-filled grid decking with concrete overfill is an excellent choice where dead-load weight reduction is not a primary goal but speed of construction, ride quality, long-term durability, and low cost are important.
Request more information

Leica Geosystems released a line of monitoring solutions, software, and tools that it says offer greater functionality and performance for a wide-range of applications, including structural monitoring. The Leica GeoMoS Version 4.0 advanced multipurpose automatic deformation monitoring software now features the ability to gather, store, and analyze data recorded by Campbell Scientific datalogger geotechnical devices, such as sensors and gauges, along with data gathered by geodetic instruments, such as GPS or total stations, into a single database. These sensors allow observations below the surface of the ground and directly on or inside structures with very high accuracy, the company says.
Request more information

Loyola Enterprises, Inc., expanded its Monitoring Systems Division to provide consultation on development and integration of structural health monitoring solutions for bridges and other structures. Loyola’s RTK-Net technology is the basis for a high-precision GPS network providing a framework to monitor structures. RTK-Net network technologies allow real-time detection of micro to macro movements of a structure, which are analyzed for trends over time. With other sensors placed on the structure, this information is evaluated to determine the safety of the structure and provides objective data as to whether a natural disaster, hazardous event, or material deterioration is compromising the structure’s integrity.
Request more information

The National Steel Bridge Alliance, with assistance from the Federal Highway Administration and HDR Engineering, is updating the Highway Structures Design Handbook, originally produced by U.S. Steel in the 1970s. The updated version will comprise 23 chapters and seven design examples. The initial chapters (Selecting the right bridge type; Stringer bridges; Loads and load combinations; Design for constructability; Bearing design; and Corrosion protection of steel bridges) and design examples (Three-span continuous straight composite I girder; Two-span continuous straight composite I girder; and Two-span continuous straight wide flange beam) are complete and available for download at www.steelbridges.org/pages/designhandbook.html.
Request more information

Steadfast vehicular truss bridges fit naturally and attractively in any environment as safe, durable, and affordable structures, according to the manufacturer. Designers can choose from a variety of shapes and sizes, with available spans as long as 150 feet. Steadfast bridges, as part of CONTECH Bridge Solutions’ product offerings, provide aesthetic designs and fast installation, and are accompanied by extensive technical support, the company says.
Request more information

StructurePoint’s recently updated pcaColumn program version 4.10 supports ACI 318-05 and CSA A23.3-04 reinforced concrete design standards. New features and interface enhancements have been implemented to increase the productivity of pcaColumn users. Multiple column sections can now be processed in batch mode using command prompt parameters and text-based input files. This newly added interface enables automation and integration with third-party software. Exporting column sections to DXF format and exporting points from interaction diagrams to spreadsheets are also provided among the new features to facilitate integration of pcaColumn with customized design solutions.
Request more information

Transpo Industries, Inc.’s T-17 Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Polymer Concrete is a 100-percent reactive, pre-packaged, two-component, solvent-free material system. It is designed for use on new construction and rehabilitation of older concrete structures. According to Transpo, T-17 MMA has a rapid cure time for quick return to service, is easy to handle in all working conditions, and requires no special equipment. On a recent project, T-17 MMA Polymer Concrete was installed as a flowable, neat mortar for bridge bearing pads, water-tight transverse panel joints, and expansion joint closure pours. Coarse aggregate was added as an expansion joint header.
Request more information