DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDE FOR SELECTION OF SUBSTRUCTURE FOR ABC

PROJECTS

Quarterly Progress Report

For the period ending November 30, 2018
Submitted by:
PIs - Armin Mehrabi, Hesham Ali
Graduate Students - Mohamadtaqi Baqersad, Saman Farhangdoust

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Florida International University
Miami, FL

Submitted to:
ABC-UTC
Florida International University
Miami, FL

November 2018
1 Background and Introduction
While much attention has been paid to means and methods of accelerated construction of the bridge
superstructure, little has been done to provide proper guidance to designers and bridge owners on
the selection of type, design and construction of the substructure. The primary objective is to
provide guidelines for decision making by the designers and bridge owners for the selection of
substructure and foundation for new bridges and replacement of existing bridges using the ABC
methods, including evaluation, retrofitting, design, and construction. The project will include a
comprehensive review of the current practice and compilation of available ABC methods for
substructures and superstructures. This review should result in categorization of sub- and
superstructures that are best match. Efforts will be divided into two major categories: new bridge
construction and existing bridge replacement. An attempt will be made to identify issues and
obstacles preventing the adoption of ABC substructures for bridge projects, and exploring
solutions for facilitating a wider use of ABC substructure. Development of the Guide would rely
on information from various sources including open literature, survey of experts and stakeholders,
input of ABC-UTC Advisory Board members, and other domain experts nationally and globally.
Information obtained from these sources will be reviewed and synthesized carefully and organized
systematically. Gaps in the knowledge will be evident from this synthesis. This research project is
a collaborative project between Florida International University and the Oklahoma University.
FIU will focus its work on substructure and lead the development of the guideline, and OU will
focus its activities on foundation related subjects and provide support to FIU on other tasks.

2 Problem Statement
The aim of accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is to reduce the impact of bridge construction
on the public and bridge usage by reducing the construction time, especially when replacement of
an existing bridge is involved. In addition to reducing construction time significantly, ABC has
been found to enhance safety and reduce congestion. Although much work has been done in the
past to investigate the design, configuration, and erection methods for bridge superstructure, very
limited studies have addressed substructures and foundations (in this proposal “substructure and
Foundation” and “substructure” are used interchangeably). Often, it is assumed that the bridge
substructure and foundation are ready to receive the superstructure. Based on field experience,
site-specific testing, design and construction of foundations and substructures can be the most
time-consuming part of bridge construction. An informed and educated decision on the type of
foundation and substructure may define the viability and economic feasibility of the entire ABC
project. In the proposed study, the research team seeks to develop a Guide that can be readily used
by practitioners for the selection of substructures and foundations for different ABC projects. The
Guide will include parameters in design and construction of substructure and foundation including
type, geometry, location, superstructure and bridge configurations, and design methodology.
Issues related to construction of new bridges and replacement of existing bridges will be addressed
including evaluation and strengthening of existing substructure and foundation for potential reuse.
In addition to developing the Guide, the proposed study will identify gaps in existing knowledge
and practice and make recommendations for future studies to address these gaps.

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3 Research Approach and Methods
The primary objective of this project is to provide guidelines for decision making by the designers
and bridge owners for the selection of substructure and foundation for new bridges and
replacement of existing bridges using the ABC methods, including evaluation, retrofitting, design,
and construction. The decision will depend strongly on the type and configuration of the
superstructure intended for the bridge. From compatibility and conformity considerations, the
decision on the type and design of both substructure and superstructure needs to be done
concurrently. Geometric parameters such as span length, bridge width and bridge clearance are
also important parameters in the selection of substructure type. This study may also review new
types of substructures and/or closure joints and connection types for better performance and
service life of the bridge. As noted in the Problem Statement, the evaluation of substructure and
foundation of existing bridges for their structural capacity and functional adequacy and decision
on reuse or replacement will be an important part of this study.

4 Description of Research Project Tasks

An overview of the study tasks is given below. The project is a collaborative effort with active
participation of Florida International University (FIU) and Oklahoma University (OU).
4.1 Task 1 – Draft Outline
A draft outline of the Guide for the selection of substructure and foundation for ABC projects was
developed collaboratively by the research teams at FIU and OU.
4.2 Task 2 – Conduct Literature Search on Topics Identified in the Draft Outline
A comprehensive literature search is underway on the topics identified in the guideline. To date,
different component of ABC bridge components has been identified as reported in the previous
progress report. Also, a preliminary flowchart to help selecting the substructure elements for
construction of new bridges using ABC technique has been developed. A summary describing the
development of the flowchart is as follows.
Construction of New Brides
The particular concept in the use of ABC method and prefabricated elements in the construction
of bridges is considering time equivalent to money. The main mission of the ABC and the use of
prefabricated elements in the bridge construction is reducing the onsite construction time and
erecting the bridge elements in the offsite area. This approach can reduce the project cost due to
offsite manufacturing, improve safety, and quality that leads to improving the long-term
performance of the bridge. The proper design and planning should be considered in the ABC to
make its advantages significantly pronounced in comparison to the conventional bridge
construction. While this study focuses on ABC substructure, it is also realized that design and type
of substructure is highly dependent on the design and type of superstructure and foundation, as
well as construction methods employed for the ABC project.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHW) provides a flowchart that, in general and mostly
qualitative terms, can help to identify whether implementing ABC method in a project is beneficial
(Figure 1) [1]. The decision makers including the owners and contractors who are responsible for

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selecting the construction method should consider the flowchart and related factors in utilizing the
prefabricated elements in the construction of a bridge.

Figure 1: Decision-making flowchart to use prefabricated elements in bridge construction [1]

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 Major Parameters Affecting selection of bridge type in general
The case of new bridge construction affords the designer the freedom to select the most appropriate
system for implementation. There are some major parameters that affect not only the decision
making for the construction method, but also provide constraints or facilitate selection of details
at system and element level. Common factors to be considered in the selection of new ABC Bridge
components are summarized in Figure 2.

ABC Project

New Bridge

Time Risk and Environmental Site Condition & Design Constraints Compatibility among super,
Constraint Cost considerations Accessibility and Considerations sub-structure, & foundation

Figure 2: Parameters affecting selection of ABC components

4.3 Selection of Construction Method and Type of Superstructure

Selection of the construction method and type of superstructure certainly is affected by the
parameters discussed above. FHWA Manual [1] has presented three flowcharts based on the
construction of a bridge over roads (Figure 3), over railroads (Figure 4), and over wetlands (Figure
5). By use of these flowcharts, the ABC method can be identified and subsequently the
corresponding superstructure systems can be selected. The type of superstructure element or
systems therefore is dependent on the feasible construction method according to various
constraints but mostly on accessibility as per condition of road, waterway, or railway the bridge is
going to cross over. It should be noted that the use of prefabricated elements is viable for all types
of ABC methods. Although these flowcharts have been developed to address type of construction
methods and superstructure, they will also be applicable for the case of substructrure type and
associated construction methods without a need for major modification in the charts. For example,
if lack of access under bridge or around it limits the type of construction to prefabricated individual
elements and the use of conventional crane, the same will apply to the type and construction of the
substructure.

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Figure 4: Decision flowchart for superstructure construction over the roadways [2]

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Figure 4: Decision flowchart for superstructure construction over the railroads [2]

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 Figure 5: Decision flowchart for superstructure construction over the water [2]

4.4 Selection of Substructure Elements and Systems

The type of substructure elements and systems depends on; a) parameters affecting selection of
ABC methods and elements in general as described in Figure 2, b) compatibility of substructure
with superstructure and foundation, and c) parameters specific to the substructure (Figure 6).

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 Bridge Substructure
Elements Selection

Compatibility with Compatibility with Substructure specific

General Parameters
superstructure foundation parameters

Time Risk and Environmental Site Condition & Design Constraints Impact of Vehicles Impact by Exposure to
Constrai Cost considerations Accessibility and Considerations and vessels Debris Water/Salt/Splash

Figure 6: Bridge substructure element selection parameters

Parameters affecting the selection of bridge elements and construction methods in general
As discussed in the previous section related to selection of construction methods and superstructure
element and system type, a set of general parameters discussed on Figure 2 influence the selection
process with accessibility and availability of space having the major impact. Apparently, these
parameters will affect in the same way the selection of substructure as well. For example, if there
is no accessibility to transport large systems to the site, individual elements installed by
conventional crane have to be used also for the substructure, the same way as for the superstructure.
Therefore, for the substructure, the type of elements and methods selected for superstructure
should be followed in general. Accordingly, there is no need to repeat the selection process for
substructure as far as general parameters are concerned. In the same manner, this also applies to
the construction method to be used for substructure, and the size of elements or subsystems.
Beyond these preliminary decisions that will follow those of the superstructure, following
describes the specifics on substructure in accordance with compatibility with superstructure and
foundation, as well as parameters specific to substructure.
Compatibility of Substructure with Superstructure and Bridge Configuration
In addition to geometric compatibility, the bridge elements and units are expected to be compatible
in design and construction with each other. For instance, the performance anticipated for
connection between super- and substructure may favor or limit the use of one or another type of
substructure. For fully-integral, semi-integral, or siding connection with the superstructure, the
abutment or pier cap shall accommodate the transfer of moment and shear as per design and
therefore these conditions will become defining parameters for the type of the pier or abutment.
Compatibility of Substructure with Foundation
Substructure is a component of the bridge that connects superstructure and substructure together
and transfer loads from superstructure to foundation. Therefore, the compatibility of substructure
with superstructure as well as foundation in design and construction is necessary for integrity and
unity of bridge. For instance, the seismic condition of soil may constrain the use of some types of
connections between foundation and substructure, causing limitation in selection of substructure
element, design, and construction type.

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 Parameters Specific to Substructure
There are some factors that may only affect the selection of substructure. One of them is exposure
of substructure to water, salt, or splash. In this case, special considerations should be considered
to select the materials and elements of the bridge substructure that provide for more durability in
the related harsh and corrosive environment. Additionally, in some cases the bridge substructure
may be impacted by vehicles for the case of bridge over roadway, or in the case of bridge across
waterways by debris and vessels. This may result in the use of protective elements around the
piers or the use of pier wall in the substructure.
4.5 Selection of Substructure based on Compatibility with Superstructure and
Substructure-specific Parameters
In this section, a flowchart for selection of substructure for ABC projects is developed based on
considering interrelations between superstructure and substructure as well as contribution of other
parameters that are specific to the substructure. As described earlier, the selection of substructure
element/system type and associated construction method will follow the same process as was
described above for the superstructure based on general parameters including the site accessibility
and space availability. Therefore, an earlier process should have already defined the type of
substructure system and construction method that in most cases will follow that of superstructure
for new bridges. To consider the effect of parameters beyond the general parameters, a preliminary
flowchart for selection of the substructure types and components accounting for compatibility with
superstructure and substructure-specific parameters has been developed and is shown in Figure 7.
The substructure elements included in this selection are comprised of pier system, abutment
system, and modular culverts.
4.6 Suitability of Substructure Types with Respect to Foundation
Work on this section will be performed in the next period.

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 New ABC Project

ABC Method

Superstructure Substructure Foundation

If part of the pier exposed to water

Pier sytem Modular culverts/
splash, salt water, variation of water Abument system
Arch system
level, the protective measures should
be applied

-Is pier affected by the errant vehicles? Wing wall Abutment

-Is there a potential for vehicle or vessel impact to pier? wall
-Do you need to prevent collection of debries between
No
piers in rivers?
Precast concrete Modular precast
Pier Column contiliver wing wall
Pier wall
Yes
-Is abutment or a portion of it
Is pier cap constructed to be
Yes made integral with
Is pier wall cap constructed to integral with superstructure? superstructure
be integral with superstructure? No

Fully Integral Semi Integral Cantiliver/stub/spill-

Yes Yes No
No Abutment Abutment through abutment

Pier wall Cap with Simple wall Pier Cap with

Simple Pier
integrity detail pier cap integrity detail
Cap

Is pier cap supported directly No

by deep pile extended from
finish grade?
Concrete Filled
Tubes Pier Column Pier wall
Yes

Deep Pile Footing

Deep Pile Shallow

foundation

Figure 7: Preliminary flowchart for selection of substructures

4.7 Suitability of Substructure with Respect to Foundation Type

This will be covered by OU.

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5 Task 3 – Identify Stakeholders and Conduct Survey
The FIU and OU research team members will work collaboratively and with the ABC-UTC
committees to identify stakeholders for this study. The stakeholders would include, but not limited
to, state DOTs (bridge divisions, construction divisions, and maintenance divisions), bridge
designers, contractors, academic institutions, and TRB committees. A survey has been prepared to
be sent to stakeholders in the next period to identify existing practices, selection processes,
parameters affecting selection, and issues and challenges that are not available in the open
literature (Task 2). Online instrument named Cualtrics has been used in preparing the survey.
Statistical analyzes of results (for multiple choice questions) can be automatically conducted by
this instrument. This task is ongoing collaboratively by FIU and OU.

6 Task 4 – Analysis of Literature Search and Survey Results

Information from the literature search (Task 2) and the survey (Task 3) will be analyzed carefully
to document existing practices, best practices, issues, and other important factors such as cost,
service life, construction/retrofitting time, and durability. Outcomes of this task will be
instrumental to the development of the Guide. FIU will focus on substructure and OU on
foundation.

7 Task 5 – Identification of Issues and Potential Solutions

Findings of Tasks 3, 4 and 5 will be used to identify the issues related to design and implementation
of ABC substructures and foundations and the knowledge gaps. They will also help identify issues
hindering the design and use of ABC substructures. To the extent permitted by the scope of this
project and the limited budget, solutions to these issues will be explored by the FIU and OU
research teams. FIU will focus on substructure issues and OU on foundation issues.

8 Task 6 – Develop Draft Guide

Based on the outcomes of Tasks 1 through 5, a draft Guide will be compiled and submitted for
review by the Advisory Panel. The draft will be revised based on the review comments. FIU will
lead this task with the support from OU.

9 Task 7 – Final Report

A comprehensive final report will be prepared and submitted. In addition to discussing the Guide,
the process used in the development of the Guide will be included. FIU will lead this task

10 Expected Results and Specific Deliverables

10.1 ABC-UTC Guide for Selection of Substructure and Foundation for ABC Projects
The main deliverable for this project is a Guide for selection of substructure and foundation for
ABC projects.
10.2 A five-minute Video Summarizing the Project
A short video will be prepared describing the guide developed in this project.
This research work and the Guide to be developed are directly applicable to the selection, design,
and construction of ABC projects, including new bridges and replacement of existing bridges.

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Designers, bridge owners, and other stakeholders should be able to use this Guide to determine the
substructure that best serves their purposes.

11 Schedule
The bar-chart below shows the schedule and work progress.

PHASE RESEARCH TASK 2018 2019

M A M J J A S O N D J F MA M J J A

Task 1 - Revise Draft Outline

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 # 100 100 100 100 100

Task 2 - Conduct Literature Search on Topics

Identified in the Draft Outline 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 # 100 100 100 100 100

Task 3 - Identify Stakeholders and Conduct Survey

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 # 100 100 100 100 100

Task 4 -Analysis of Literature Search and Survey

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Results 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 # 100 100 100 100 100

Task 5 - IdentificationDetermination of Issues and

Potential Solutions 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 # 100 100 100 100 100

Task 6 - Development of Draft Final Guide

Task 7 - Final Report

Work completed
Work remaining

12 References
1. Tang, B., Framework for prefabricated bridge elements and systems
(PBES) decision-making. 2006.
2. Culmo, M.P., Accelerated bridge construction-experience in design,
fabrication and erection of prefabricated bridge elements and
systems. 2011.

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