Unique Construction Techniques Require Unique Testing

The adoption of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques in Utah has raised questions regarding how well ABC bridge spans handle unique stresses placed on them during construction as well as how well they might handle stresses posed by natural hazards, such as earthquakes. The Utah Transportation Center (at Utah State University) has partnered with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) in undertaking research projects aimed at answering questions that may arise from the application of ABC methods.

The ABC concept is a core component of UDOT's bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Since 2002, UDOT has utilized some form of ABC method on over 19 projects-including 77 bridges.