Nothing is more frustrating and expensive than traffic disruptions. Bridge engineers, contractors, and owners have been focused on fast tracking these critical projects. Valmont has an innovative solution that can help streamline the construction process for spans 110' and shorter.
Valmont has expanded into the bridge superstructure market with their galvanized steel press-brake-formed tub girder (PBTG) bridge system. It lends manufacturing innovation to an established AASHTO / FHWA accepted engineering alternative to concrete box construction that arrives on the job (typically on a single truck) ready to set in place.
The significantly lighter weight reduces material handling costs throughout the process while reducing the size of the crane equipment. The girders have factory automated welding of sheer studs and come galvanized so that the contractor can unload and immediately set in place. Bridge decks can either be poured in place or the girders can be shipped to a coordinating concrete supplier for assembly with sections of pre-cast bridge deck for the ultimate in accelerated bridge construction. Valmont has case studies for both approaches.
And for replacing existing bridges, the lower dead load of the superstructure frees up more capacity for live loads thus increasing the live load capacity provided by the existing foundation. In cases where this change avoids new foundations, then the savings from both the foundations and the avoidance of environmental work along with the shortened project timeline would be astronomical.
The Valmont solution was recognized by the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance in 2021 with their Innovation Initiative Focus Technology award.
The system offers notably longer service life, negligible maintenance, and easy inspection.
PNW Lighting & Traffic Solutions is excited about this value added solution and will be supporting Valmont bridge solutions throughout the Washington State market, excluding the 5 counties in SW Washington that are supported with Oregon.
Please contact us for case studies, a Valmont design guide and much more. Valmont has an extensive set of technical documents ready to share for engineering review.