CONTECH Written

Written

Author
Sean L. Johnson, P.E., P.Eng.; and Mike Hemann, P.E., S.E.

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this article, the reader should be able to understand:

• What is a Prefabricated Modular Steel Bridge

• When to consider prefabricated modular construction

• Specification options common to prefabricated modular construction

• Design and fabrication considerations

• Installation considerations

Abstract
Many bridge owners today are burdened with narrow design windows, ever-shrinking design and construction budgets, and tight construction timelines. To serve these situations, we, as bridge engineers, often need to put away the finite-element model and instead rely on a classic, tried-and-true engineering design principle: KISS (keep it simple, stupid). Prefabricated modular steel bridges are founded on this principle by using simple materials, simple geometries, simple analysis models, simple erection equipment and simple installation techniques. However, even the simplest bridge designs require comprehensive engineering evaluation and analysis to maximize the structure’s performance at a minimal cost.