2015 T.H.E.
Conference
Short Span Bridge
Design Alternatives
By: Jack Elston, P.E.,
Steve Megginson, P.E., S.E.
AGENDA
Introduction
Bridge Planning Alternatives
Design Comparisons
Summary
2015 T.H.E. 2
Introduction
Pragmatic Comparison of Rural Bridges 40 120 ft
Precast Prestressed Concrete Deck Beams
Cast-in-Place Concrete Slabs
Concrete Slab on Steel Beams
Concrete Slab on Precast Prestressed Girders
Culverts / 3 Sided Structures <40 ft
2015 T.H.E. 3
Bridge Planning Alternatives
Precast Prestressed Concrete Deck Beams
Span Lengths: 40 ft to 100 ft
Predominant on County & Township Inventories
Quick Fabrication and Erection
Salt and heavy loads deteriorate shear keys
Concrete and
HMA & A-3
overlays improve
ride quality
2015 T.H.E. 4
Bridge Planning Alternatives
Cast-in-Place Concrete Slabs
Max Span length ~ 45 ft
Requires Piers in channel
Thin superstructure depth
Long life span / Low maintenance
High labor costs - Regional
2015 T.H.E. 5
Bridge Planning Alternatives
Concrete Slab on Steel Beams
Single Span Lengths: 60 ft to 120 ft
Weathering Steel / Integral Abutments
Long Life Span and Low Maintenance
Suitable for Rehabilitation/ Deck Replacement
Structural Steel Prices
have remained
competitive
2015 T.H.E. 6
Bridge Planning Alternatives
Concrete Slab on Precast Prestressed Concrete Beams
(PPCI)
Single Span Lengths: 60 ft to 135 ft
Long Life and Low Maintenance
Less Competitive Than Steel: Span to Beam Depth Ratio
New PPC-IL
Shapes planned
for release
2015 T.H.E. 7
Bridge Planning Alternatives
Box Culverts
Single and Double Boxes are most cost effective
Long Life and Low Maintenance
Labor Intensive Construction
Intrusive Instream Work
& Permitting / Debris
2015 T.H.E. 8
Bridge Planning Alternatives
3 Sided Structures
Provide quick construction and natural bottom
Applications can be limited by foundation material
Evaluate Scour Potential
2015 T.H.E. 9
Design Comparisons
Span Length
Life Expectancy
Construction Costs
Instream Work
Maintenance Needs
2015 T.H.E. 10
Design Comparisons
Determine Design Span Length
Site Layout Channel Width
Highwater & Hydraulic Capacity
Superstructure Construction Depth
Set Approach Roadway Grade
2015 T.H.E. 11
Design Comparisons
Optimize Constructability
Reduce Instream Work
Allow Equipment Access to Superstructure
Ensure Material Delivery & Logistics
Reduce
Closure Time
Allow Future
Rehabilitation
Salt Usage?
2015 T.H.E. 12
Design Comparisons
Average Bridge Cost Comparisons
CIP Concrete Slabs 3 span 154 $/sf
PPC Deck Beams 3 span 165 $/sf
PPC Deck Beams Single span 149 $/sf
Steel Beams Single span 173 $/sf
2014 Lettings
2015 T.H.E. 13
Design Comparisons
Case Study: Long Span Structure options
Vermilion County, Township Bridge, 120 ft length
1) Three Span PPC Deck Beam $642,000
2) Single Span PPC Deck Beam $580,000
3) Single Span Steel Beam $653,000
Steel Beams provided longer expected life span
Low Maintenance, Clear of Debris
2015 T.H.E. 14
Design Comparisons
Case Study: Multiple Span Structure options
Fayette/ Shelby County, C.H. 14 Bridge, 225 ft Length
1) Three Span PPC Deck Beam $1,263,000
2) Three Span Steel Superstructure $1,306,000
Limited Detour Options for Traffic
PPC Beams allow quicker construction
2015 T.H.E. 15
Design Comparisons
Case Study: Medium Length Structure options
McLean County, C.H. 36, 84 ft length
1) Three Span CIP Concrete Slab $774,000
2) Single Plate Steel Superstructure $800,000
Piers Eliminated in Channel
Adequate Freeboard for
Deeper Steel beams
2015 T.H.E. 16
Design Comparisons
Case Study: Short Span Structure options
Ford/ Iroquois County, Township Bridge, 68 ft length
1) Three Span PPC Deck Beam $193,000
2) Three Span CIP Concrete Slab $232,000
Concrete Slab provides
longer structure life
2015 T.H.E. 17
SUMMARY
In Conclusion:
Initial Cost and Life Expectancy most
often affect structure choice.
Communication and Planning of design
factors are critical to find the best
solutions.
2015 T.H.E. 18
2015 T.H.E. Conference
Questions?
By: Jack Elston, P.E.,
Steve Megginson, P.E., S.E.
