Prefabricated bridge deck and superstructure systems for rapid bridge replacement

Abstract EN

The condition of the interstate bridge network in the United States is deteriorating as the interstate highway system approaches the end of its service life.

Out of the 594,000 bridges nationwide, almost 135,000 are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, and an additional 3,000 bridges are added to this classification each year.

For this reason the demand for bridge repair and replacement is at an all time high and at the same time lengthy construction time and traffic congestion associated with bridge work have become unacceptable to the traveling public.

In an effort to remedy lengthy construction of an interstate bridge, the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has partnered with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to develop a system whereby prefabricated bridge elements can be utilized in an easily implemented ‘Rapid Bridge Construction’ (RBC) method.

This paper will highlight the currently used methods of RBC and will present case studies of several bridges that are in service.