Site Planning and Preperation
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Typically, a light weight hydraulic crane is used to set the arches and install the decking. The crane's reach needs to exceed the center (apex) of the arches so that they can easily be set. The hollow arch weight for a 12” diameter 50 foot span is approximately 200 pounds, and the same arch made out of 15" diameter would weigh 250 lbs. Thus, two men can easily lift and adjust the arches to their final position.
A concrete pump truck with a boom that can reach the apex of the arch is required for infilling the arches with concrete.
A loader/forklift is needed for unloading the arches from the transport truck, material handling, and leveling equipment work areas.
CRAFT LABOR
The general craft skill requirements of a working crew are: surveyor, light construction equipment operator, and four construction laborers, although two laborers might be sufficient in some cases. Typically, a working superintendent will have the skills necessary for surveying and operating equipment.
SCHEDULE DURATIONS
Given a 50 foot wide bridge with geometry of 50 foot span, and 10 feet arch rise elevation (above top of abutment) a representative duration for the following construction activities is:
Arch Setting (12” diameter): 12 arches per eight-hour crew operation with six-man crew.
FRP Deck Installation 20 panels per eight-hour crew operation with six-man crew. Note that for the heavier deck panels, installation time may vary as a crane is required.
Arch Embedment Concrete Placement: four-hour crew operation placement with four-man crew (excluding concrete truck driver and concrete pump operator); plus 2 day cure time before subsequent operation other than light foot traffic on decking. Note that in cases of small or no water passage, the arch embedment can be part of a single foundation pour.
Arch Concrete Placement: two-hour crew operation with two-man crew (excluding concrete truck driver and concrete pump operator); plus 2 day cure time before subsequent operations other than light foot traffic on decking.
Deck Reinforcing Mesh Steel: For instances when a reinforced concrete deck is required, one-day crew operation with four-man crew.
Deck Concrete Placement: For instances when a reinforced concrete deck is desired, four-hour crew operation with eight-man crew (excluding concrete truck driver and concrete pump operator); plus 2 day cure time before subsequent operations other than foot traffic on decking. (Note that for the non-reinforced deck option, concrete placement to infill the deck troughs is required, the crew size will be reduced likely by half for the same coverage.)