Design and Evaluation of Accelerated Bridge Construction

New bridge systems are needed that will allow components to be fabricated off-site and moved into place for quick assembly while maintaining traffic flow. Depending on the specific site conditions, the use of prefabricated bridge systems can minimize traffic disruption, improve work zone safety, minimize disruption to the environment, improve constructibility, increase quality, and lower life-cycle costs. This technology is applicable and needed for both existing and new bridge construction. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recently developed a program to promote accelerated construction through the use of precast bridge elements. This paper will present the design and construction process for the first application of truly accelerated bridge projects in the state of Iowa. The FHWA Innovative Bridge Research and Construction program has awarded funding for two bridges that utilize precast, high-performance concrete elements to be constructed in Boone County and Madison County, Iowa. Researchers from the Bridge Engineering Center at Iowa State University will install instrumentation and monitor the structural behavior of these two bridges following construction. A discussion of the structural instrumentation and monitoring of these innovative bridges will be presented.