11.3 Construction equipment and temporary works

Bridge construction requires specialized equipment and temporary structures. From earthmoving machines to cranes, these tools shape the site and place massive components. Temporary works like falsework and cofferdams support construction, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Equipment and temporary structures are crucial for successful bridge building. They handle heavy lifting, concrete pouring, and create safe work environments. Proper design, maintenance, and safety protocols are essential to manage risks and protect workers and the environment during construction.

Construction Equipment for Bridges

Earthmoving and Foundation Equipment

Top images from around the web for Earthmoving and Foundation Equipment

• 

  Caterpillar D9 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  3-IDF-D9-bulldozers-Zachi-Evenor | IDF Caterpillar D9 "Doobi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Caterpillar D9 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  3-IDF-D9-bulldozers-Zachi-Evenor | IDF Caterpillar D9 "Doobi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for Earthmoving and Foundation Equipment

• 

  Caterpillar D9 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  3-IDF-D9-bulldozers-Zachi-Evenor | IDF Caterpillar D9 "Doobi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Caterpillar D9 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  3-IDF-D9-bulldozers-Zachi-Evenor | IDF Caterpillar D9 "Doobi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• Heavy earthmoving equipment prepares sites and lays foundations
  • Excavators dig and move large amounts of soil and rock
  • Bulldozers clear land and push earth
  • Graders level and smooth surfaces
• Pile drivers and drilling rigs install deep foundations
  • Drive piles into the ground to support bridge structures
  • Drill holes for cast-in-place concrete piles
  • Adapt to various soil conditions (clay, sand, rock)

Lifting and Placement Equipment

• Cranes lift and place heavy bridge components
  • Tower cranes provide stationary lifting for tall structures
  • Mobile cranes offer flexibility to move around the site
  • Lift girders, deck segments, and other large elements
• Specialized equipment for segmental bridge construction
  • Launching gantries move and place precast segments
  • Segment lifters precisely position individual pieces
• Barges and floating equipment assist over water
  • Transport materials to bridge sites
  • Provide stable work platforms for construction over water

Concrete and Material Handling Equipment

• Concrete pumps and mixers manage concrete operations
  • Pumps distribute concrete to elevated or hard-to-reach areas
  • Mixers ensure consistent concrete quality on-site
  • Used for foundations, piers, decks, and other concrete elements
• Surveying and monitoring equipment ensure precision
  • Total stations measure angles and distances
  • GPS systems provide accurate positioning data
  • Crucial for aligning bridge components during construction

Temporary Works in Bridge Construction

Support and Formwork Systems

• Falsework provides temporary support during construction
  • Supports weight of uncured concrete and construction loads
  • Allows creation of complex bridge geometries
  • Removed once concrete reaches required strength
• Formwork shapes concrete elements
  • Creates molds for casting concrete bridge components
  • Determines final appearance of concrete surfaces
  • Can be custom-designed for unique architectural features

Access and Safety Systems

• Scaffolding and working platforms enable safe access
  • Provide stable surfaces for workers at various heights
  • Facilitate work on bridge superstructures and undersides
  • Adjustable to accommodate different bridge designs
• Temporary bracing and shoring stabilize partial structures
  • Prevent collapse or deformation during construction
  • Distribute loads evenly across incomplete structures
  • Removed systematically as permanent elements are completed

Environmental Control Systems

• Cofferdams create dry working environments
  • Allow foundation construction in water bodies
  • Pump out water to expose riverbed or seabed
  • Crucial for building bridge piers in rivers or coastal areas
• Dewatering systems manage groundwater
  • Lower water table in excavation areas
  • Prevent water infiltration during foundation work
  • Maintain stable soil conditions for construction

Site Logistics and Protection

• Temporary access roads and bridges facilitate movement
  • Allow equipment and material transport across difficult terrain
  • Provide access to remote or elevated construction areas
  • Often removed or repurposed after project completion
• Protective systems safeguard workers and environment
  • Debris nets catch falling objects
  • Protective barriers separate work zones from public areas
  • Erosion control measures prevent soil loss and water pollution

Design Considerations for Temporary Works

Structural and Load Considerations

• Structural integrity calculations ensure safety
  • Account for dead loads (weight of structure itself)
  • Consider live loads (construction equipment, workers)
  • Factor in environmental loads (wind, water currents)
  • Use safety factors to account for uncertainties
• Flexibility in design allows for adaptations
  • Accommodate changes in construction sequence
  • Adjust to unforeseen site conditions
  • Modify for varying weather conditions

Material and Cost Optimization

• Material selection balances multiple factors
  • Strength to support required loads
  • Durability to withstand construction duration
  • Reusability to reduce overall project costs
  • Weight for ease of installation and removal
• Cost-effectiveness influences design choices
  • Compare rental vs. purchase options for temporary equipment
  • Evaluate labor costs for installation and removal
  • Consider transportation costs for materials and equipment

Integration and Construction Sequencing

• Erection and dismantling sequences impact project timeline
  • Coordinate with permanent structure installation
  • Minimize interference with other construction activities
  • Optimize use of equipment and labor resources
• Integration with permanent bridge elements requires planning
  • Ensure proper load transfer between temporary and permanent structures
  • Avoid conflicts between temporary works and final bridge geometry
  • Design connections that allow for easy removal of temporary elements

Environmental and Site-Specific Factors

• Environmental factors significantly influence design
  • Wind loads affect stability of tall temporary structures
  • Water currents impact cofferdam and marine equipment design
  • Seismic considerations for temporary works in earthquake-prone areas
• Site conditions dictate design requirements
  • Soil properties influence foundation design for temporary structures
  • Topography affects access and equipment placement
  • Nearby structures may limit space for temporary works

Safety and Environmental Concerns in Bridge Construction

Risk Management and Safety Protocols

• Comprehensive risk assessments identify potential hazards
  • Analyze equipment operation risks
  • Evaluate structural failure possibilities of temporary works
  • Consider environmental risks (flooding, storms)
• Safety management plans mitigate identified risks
  • Establish clear safety procedures for all activities
  • Define emergency response protocols
  • Require personal protective equipment (PPE) usage

Equipment and Structure Maintenance

• Regular inspections ensure continued safe operation
  • Daily checks on critical equipment components
  • Weekly thorough examinations of temporary structures
  • Immediate reporting and addressing of any issues
• Maintenance schedules prevent equipment failures
  • Lubricate moving parts on schedule
  • Replace worn components before failure occurs
  • Keep detailed maintenance logs for all equipment and structures

Worker Training and Certification

• Proper training for equipment operators is essential
  • Specific training for each type of construction equipment
  • Regular refresher courses on safety procedures
  • Simulations for complex or high-risk operations
• Certification requirements ensure competency
  • Verify qualifications before allowing operation of equipment
  • Require specialized certifications for critical tasks (crane operation)
  • Maintain up-to-date records of all worker certifications

Environmental Protection Measures

• Environmental impact assessments guide protection strategies
  • Identify sensitive ecosystems near construction sites
  • Evaluate potential impacts on air, water, and soil quality
  • Develop mitigation strategies for identified risks
• Noise and vibration control reduces ecological disturbance
  • Use equipment with noise reduction features
  • Install temporary sound barriers around noisy operations
  • Schedule loudest activities during least disruptive times
• Proper material disposal and recycling promote sustainability
  • Separate recyclable materials (metal, wood) for reuse
  • Dispose of hazardous materials according to regulations
  • Implement on-site recycling programs for common materials
• Erosion and sediment control protects water bodies
  • Install silt fences to prevent soil runoff
  • Use temporary vegetation to stabilize exposed soil
  • Create settling ponds to filter water before release into natural waterways