As you can imagine, there are several steps when building a pedestrian bridge to cross over water, traffic, or any physical geographic feature. Of all those steps, installation is the final, although no less important, step in the process.
However, everything leading up to installing the structure is interconnected and dependent on the previous step. For example, designing the bridge, the first step in the process, will impact all the following parts. Here is what it entails:
A Comprehensive Bridge Design Paves the Way for a Successful Installation
An experienced and reputable design-build bridge construction company will take the time to define the scope of the project. This stage begins by determining the project’s engineering requirements and finding out what is important to a customer. This part of the project includes:
- Deciding on the bridge’s width
- Considering the site conditions
- Planning the abutment
- Procuring permits
- The durability required
Since there will be multiple design concepts from which to choose, the company will work closely with its customer to determine which ones meet their needs and preferences. The final choice will be structurally sound, safe, and meets the requirements of the project. Equally important, it will be aesthetically appealing.
After the client has decided on the best design option, the construction company can then produce design drawings for their approval.
Building the Bridge
Bridge fabrication can cover several services, including project management, design engineering, sourcing materials, and outsourcing subassemblies. In-house operations could include cutting, welding, bolting the components, and pre-assembling whenever possible. Design-build bridge construction companies should have their own professional engineering staff to solve any issues during this phase and the final installation.
While the company is building the tailor-made pedestrian bridge, it is also preparing the site and installing the abutments. Once the bridge has been manufactured, it’s ready to be installed.
It All Comes Together at Installation
Every step that came before—planning, communicating, collaborating, engineering, and designing—comes together at the pedestrian bridge’s installation. Since every site has a different accessibility and soils, each installation is unique, presenting various constraints and challenges. Before the bridge arrives, the company will have assessed the site to identify the most suitable installation methods and what environmental restrictions there may be.
Because this project stage involves the most potential danger, it should only be performed by the most highly skilled workers who thoroughly understand their roles and know what to expect before they arrive at the site. They must be prepared to take on the rigging and erection of the bridge when it arrives.
The bridge will typically be shipped in assemblies on trucks, unloaded at the site, and lifted by the cranes or excavators. Drawings will show the installation crew which assemblies are coming, how much they weigh, and how they go together. With all the planning that came before, installing the bridge should be a safe, quick, and trouble-free operation.
The installation is considered complete only after workers have applied the finishing touches. This last part includes final site grading, cleanup, and landscaping if needed.
Let Us Help You Plan, Design, Build and Install Your Pedestrian Bridge
The experienced professionals at Axcess LLC will collaborate with you to develop a plan and timeline that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Ready to span the gap? Give us a call at (937) 907-0069, or contact us here!
