James Bauer

Construction, as an industry, is under tremendous
pressure to innovate. Limited natural, capital,
and human resources create a necessity to seek
new ways to deliver projects faster, more cost
effectively, and smarter than traditional methods.
New technologies and contracting systems exist
today that are born of these pressures, and early
adopters are embracing these to differentiate
themselves in the market, as well as deliver true
value to their customers. Yet gaps… Show more

Construction, as an industry, is under tremendous
pressure to innovate. Limited natural, capital,
and human resources create a necessity to seek
new ways to deliver projects faster, more cost
effectively, and smarter than traditional methods.
New technologies and contracting systems exist
today that are born of these pressures, and early
adopters are embracing these to differentiate
themselves in the market, as well as deliver true
value to their customers. Yet gaps still exist to truly
innovate the traditional construction process. Show less

Overview

A constant challenge among our nation’s infrastructure managers and their engineering partners is to determine the most cost-effective, long-lasting bridge structure that will fit the many constraints of today’s bridge replacement project. Many deficient bridges across America can be found on rural, low-volume roads that are ideally suited for prefabricated steel truss bridges.

These constraints may include environmentally sensitive stream crossings, or expensive railroad… Show more

Overview

A constant challenge among our nation’s infrastructure managers and their engineering partners is to determine the most cost-effective, long-lasting bridge structure that will fit the many constraints of today’s bridge replacement project. Many deficient bridges across America can be found on rural, low-volume roads that are ideally suited for prefabricated steel truss bridges.

These constraints may include environmentally sensitive stream crossings, or expensive railroad grade separation projects, coalescing public input and support, or projects where the need for speed is imperative. Many of these raise the cost of the project without any tangible benefit. A long, clear span is proven to solve many of these problems. By virtue of an impressive span-to-weight ratio, steel truss bridges can eliminate piers, improve hydraulics and reduce installation costs where other bridge types cannot. Further, an often-repeated reason for specifying steel truss bridges banks on the fact that people like them; they enhance the landscape and create a signature impression to the traveling public.
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Overview

The United States remains one of the world's fastest growing industrialized nations. Its population is projected to increase to 392 million by 2050 — more than a 50-percent increase compared with 1990, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This growth is expected to create increased demand for pedestrian steel truss bridges for many purposes including, but not limited to, recreational and fitness activities and tourist attractions. The most common use of prefabricated pedestrian… Show more

Overview

The United States remains one of the world's fastest growing industrialized nations. Its population is projected to increase to 392 million by 2050 — more than a 50-percent increase compared with 1990, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This growth is expected to create increased demand for pedestrian steel truss bridges for many purposes including, but not limited to, recreational and fitness activities and tourist attractions. The most common use of prefabricated pedestrian steel truss bridges is for trail applications in park and community environments, which is the main focus of this article.

The history of prefabricated steel truss bridges dates to the 1930s when modular systems were used to meet the needs of the British military in remote locations. In the 1950s, deck/girder bridges were developed as a replacement for deteriorating timber bridges. Today, truss designs are longer, wider, stronger, and more durable. These designs, combined with technology improvements and manufacturing efficiencies, will continue to support the ever-growing and ever-changing needs of society as they relate to pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian traffic.

This article provides an overall approach to siting and design considerations for prefabricated steel truss pedestrian bridges, but is not intended to be an all-inclusive, step-by-step tutorial on bridge design. A basic understanding of bridge components and layout, including design codes, bridge styles, and loading, is explained in general detail.
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