HANDLING ARCHES

Planning receipt of arches should be as close to the installation date as possible to minimize the risk to damage during on-site storage.

Arches are stacked, crated with blocking as a unit (typically seven stacked arches due to transport height limitations) and shipped in a trailer from the fabricator. The arches crate is unloaded using a crane spreader bar or forklift.

Disassembling arches from the crate is done by hand. The blocking must be returned to the fabricator. Relocating arches to store or set in place by crane requires two nylon 3” wide endless sling straps separated by at least six feet.

Setting Arches

Arches are placed into the abutment by restraining (fixing) one end and allowing free horizontal movement at the other end until FRP decking installation is complete. This approach allows for minor movement of the arches, ensuring adequate arch-to deck connection.

Restraining is accomplished by using wire ties and fixing the arch end (via the arch positioning bar) to the abutment rebar cage at the specified location /elevation.

Wooden spacers and ratcheting nylon straps can be used to maintain the specified arch spacing prior to and during FRP deck installation.

MATERIAL CHECKLIST

A. Arches

B. Decking

C. Self drilling stainless steel screws to fasten deck to arch

D.& Grommets used to fasten side lap decking panels (lighter decking only)

E. 1” Ratcheting nylon tie-down straps

F. Scaffolding

G. PEX tubing or other when reinforced deck is required

H. Lumber for spacers, jigs and formwork

I.Standard construction fasteners (screws and nails for temporary formwork and bracing)