Connections Details for Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems

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Connections Details for Prefabricated Bridge
Elements and Systems
WASHTO-X Webinar Prefabricated Bridge Elements
and Systems June 17, 2008
Michael P. Culmo, P.E. CME Associates, 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 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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Source 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 Abutments
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Precast 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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Grid Decks
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Partial Depth Deck Forms
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Total Bridge Prefabrication
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Total Bridge Prefabrication
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Examples Epping NH
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Epping Bridge Prefabrication
construction of 1-07.avi
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Project Schedule

• Gather information
• Fall 2006 through Spring 2007
• Visit states that are leaders in accelerated
  bridge construction
• Winter 2007
• Develop manual
• Summer/Fall 2007
• Complete Manual
• Fall 2008

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Project Delivery

• The document will be available for all owners and
  designers for use in future accelerated bridge
  projects
• Website will be established on the FHWA Highways
  for Life Website
• www.fhwa.dot.gov/hfl/

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Questions?culmo_at_cmeengineering.com