Contracting Methods for Accelerated Bridge Construction Projects: Case Studies and Consensus Building

Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is the solution of choice to upgrade substandard bridges, while maintaining traffic flow and optimizing safety through work zones. However, the perception of higher construction costs for ABC versus conventional construction continues in spite of numerous ABC projects having lower construction costs relative to conventional construction. This inaccurate perception and the fear of cost overruns are causing some bridge owners to be hesitant about using ABC technologies, especially those technologies related to bridge system moves which can provide the greatest benefit for safety and traffic flow impacts. Whether to use ABC for a specific project needs to be decided at the project development stage. Research is needed to assist state DOTs in identifying contracting methods which have been utilized for ABC projects in the past, including lateral slides, longitudinal launches, and self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) moves. Moreover, identifying successful contracting methods used for previously completed ABC projects will further encourage agencies to consider implementing accelerated construction practices for future project needs. This project will focus upon consensus building of contracting methods for ABC projects, as well as exploring potential advantageous alternatives when possible. Objective: The proposed research project will consist of a thorough exploration of current contracting methods for ABC projects. This will be accomplished via surveys, case studies, content analysis, interviews, documentation and observations, as outlined in the following sections. It is anticipated that this effort will coincide with a separate research project from the research team regarding bid items and the bidding process for ABC projects.

• Record URL:
  https://abc-utc.fiu.edu/research-projects/isu-research-projects/contracting-methods-for-accelerated-bridge-construction-projects-case-studies-and-consensus-building/

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $30,427
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747121

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)

  Florida International University
  10555 W. Flagler Street
  Miami, FL  United States  33174

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)

  Florida International University
  10555 W. Flagler Street
  Miami, FL  United States  33174

  Department of Transportation

  Office of the Secretary
  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Azizinamini, Atorod

• Performing Organizations:

  Iowa State University, Ames

  Institute for Transportation
  2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4700
  Ames, Iowa  United States  50010-8664

  Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)

  Florida International University
  10555 W. Flagler Street
  Miami, FL  United States  33174
• Principal Investigators:

  Freeseman, Katelyn

  Shane, Jennifer

• Start Date: 20180101
• Expected Completion Date: 20201231
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge construction; Case studies; Consensus; Contracting; State departments of transportation; Surveys
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01681642
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747121
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Sep 22 2018 2:10PM