Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Strategic Initiative 9 Pilot Bridge Concepts

011558382009Final ReportPDFTech ReportFHWA/OH-2009/10State Job No. 14811(0)BridgesPlanningConstruction managementBridge constructionBridge engineeringBridge designBridges and other structuresConstructionHighwaysI53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining WallsUnited StatesOhioOhio. Dept. of TransportationMiller, Richard{35132}Swanson, James A.Engel, Richard{55334}Nusairat, JamalWalters, RichardBarnhart, JamesUniversity of Cincinnati. Dept. of Civil and Environmental EngineeringE.L. Robinson EngineeringHNTB CorporationOhio. Dept. of TransportationUS Transportation CollectionOhio DOT created Strategic Initiative 9 to study ways to build bridges faster, smarter and better. This report examines the construction of 6 bridges. For three bridges, one continuous for live load steel stringer, one simple span steel beam with precast deck panels and an adjacent precast slab panel bridge the speed of construction was studied. For three adjacent box beam bridges, the use of lateral post-tensioning as a means of improving performance was studied. The main conclusion of the study was that the success or failure of the project was not caused by technical issues, but by human issues. Specifically, successful project had well done plans and specifications, used pre-bid and pre-construction meetings to get information to the contractor, used partnering, had all parties aligned to the same goals, had good change management and allowed significant latitude to field personnel to make decisions. It was also found that unless incentives/disincentives were very large, they did not make a difference. Finally, lateral post-tensioning was found to be effective at improving the structural behavior the adjacent box girder bridge, even at post-tensioning levels less than required by the AASHTO LRFD Specifications