Temporary steel modular bridge

Types of temporary steel modular bridges

Temporary steel modular bridges have been developed over the years in several types with each accommodating the specific requirement of the usage scenario at hand. The various configurations are in most cases dictated by the load-bearing capacity, length or width of the crossing, and the type of vehicle to be ferried across.

Some of the commonly used types include the following:

• Modular military bridge

  These are temporary foldable bridges and are mainly constructed from aluminium alloy. This construction ensures they are not only lightweight, but also water-resistant and able to support a lot of weight. They are constructed in standard sections that can be manufactured inexpensively and quickly, and thus very useful in military operations when there is need to cross water bodies or rough terrain.

• Bailey bridge

  The Bailey bridge is made using steel and is a type of modular bridge that has been used commonly during the Second World War and later to the present day. It is a scored and riveted bridge that consists of panels which are put together without the use of special equipment. These features enable easy and quick assembly, even without skilled personnel.

• Pontoon bridge

  This is a type of temporary bridge that uses barges or rafts as the main supports. These structures and their arrangements enable the bridge to accommodate vehicles and pedestrians, and their construction can be done using locally available materials. Also, a Steel pontoon bridge has greater load bearing capacities than other languages.

• Truss bridge

  The truss bridge is formed through the use of triangular structures to distribute weight and thus provide support. In a modular form, the sections of the truss can be easily transported and assembled on the spot. This temporary modular design makes it possible for them to be deployed in emergency situations or in construction expediencies.

• Arch bridge

  The modular designs of arch bridges utilise steel manufactured in forms that are light and easy to transport. The arch structure aids in weight distribution and this enables construction of quite strong temporary structures. They have been useful where the semi-permanent type of bridging was desired, especially in conditions of relatively moderate water flow.

• Simple beam bridge

  Simple steel beam bridges are the most used type of temporary modular bridges. They are easy to assemble and can carry heavy loads. Usually, they consist of one or more beams placed across supports at either end. They are employed frequently in short spans where there isn't any need for complex structures.

Applications of temporary steel modular bridges

These bridges can be put to use in different kinds of situations and have proven to be very useful structures in many bridge constructions and restorations.

• Emergency response operations

  Temporary modular bridges are vital in emergency situations such as after disasters such as floods, and earthquakes, and even in warfare. These structures, having the ability to bear heavy loads in a relatively short time, are capable of facilitating the transportation of relief convoys, medical teams, and very important infrastructures such as water and power supply across affected areas.

• Construction applications

  In most construction projects, large investments are made. Also, it is important not to lose time by not being without access to places. Therefore, a temporary modular steel bridge is a solution for a construction company when access to a certain area of construction site is still not possible with an established network. In this situation, the use of a steel temporary walkway bridge will help in eliminating time delays and thus boosting working speeds.

• Road and rail transport

  TMSMBs are useful for the use and continuity of road and rail transport. They can be fixed in places where the current bridges are not available or are under renovation. Being strong, they bear heavy loads and huge traffic, hence enabling transport activities not to be interrupted. They improve the connection between two regions and two economic activities.

• Agricultural and forestry areas

  Temporary modular steel bridges are important in rural and out-of-town agricultural and forestry terrains. These bridges are used to enable farmers and loggers to transport their machinery and goods across wetlands and streams without damaging the delicate ecosystem of the area. These steel bridges are designed to have minimal environmental impact while being extremely tough and durable for the use in challenging agricultural and forestry terrains.

• Military applications

  Temporary modular steel bridges are especially used in military operations as well. Their lightweight structures allow for ease of transport in war regions, and quick fixes on rivers and other valleys for forces to be able to move equipment and vehicles. Also, most of these bridges can be disassembled and reused, making them practicable solutions for military engineering challenges encountered temporally.

• Mining operations

  In remote areas where mining is carried out, these types of bridges are used to connect disparate regions. They allow for the easier transportation of heavy mining equipment, supplies, and even workers from one area to another, and can be set up on difficult terrains such as swamps or river valleys. Their designs Modular primarily allows them to be easily fitted and removed as operations sites change over time.

Product specifications and features of temporary steel modular bridges

Key features

• High strength and durability: Temporary modular steel bridges are manufactured out of mild steel, known for its strength and ability to withstand extreme weather elements, weight loads, and even life pressure. Also, this steel structure lends itself high pertinacity and wearability, and thus, it can be used over the years.
• Lightweight construction: Despite being strong, temporary modular steel bridges can be easy to transport and install due to the use of innovative designs and the choice of materials. This is good for field work and quick installation.
• Easy assembly and disassembly: The modular designs of the bridge components, for instance, trusses, beams, and panels, have made the bridges simpler to install and uninstall. The only tools needed for putting up the structures are basic hand tools and no specialty equipment is required.
• Versatility: These bridges can be put to use on various spans and for different purposes, and can cater for varied loading stresses ranging from vehicles and pedestrians to heavy machinery. This makes them very ideal for several contingent bridgeworks.
• Minimal foundation requirements: Most of them have their sections manufactured in standard sizes that allow the bridges to be erected with the least amount of concrete work needed for the abutments. This means that the construction work does not require much time or special techniques, which is useful, especially when building temporary structures.
• Environmentally friendly: The major raw materials of modular steel bridges can be recycled after they are dismantled. This makes the bridge an eco-responsible solution for temporary crossings because the components can be reused.
• Cost-effective: The design and modular construction of these bridges have considerable savings on labor and time, which increases the overall savings. An access bridge is less expensive than building a permanent bridge, particularly when short-term needs predominates.

How to install

When it comes to installation, these types of bridges are designed to be installed, often with rough and unskilled personnel around, and this is quite fast. In many cases, they are erected in a matter of hours, all depending on the span size and site conditions.

Here are some of the key stages in the installation process of temporary steel modular bridges:

• Site preparation: The first is always the preparation of the site. This involves the construction of the necessary access roads and the blowing up of the foundation sites or laying the required galvanised steel bridge.
• Foundation work: Concrete abutments or just simple wooden piles are required to support the modular bridges sections. These pieces are then built into the superstructure of the bridge.
• Assembly of sections: In most modular bridges, the structure's sections are assembled in a manner that the sections are brought together to form a single structure. This particular stage involves placing the deck on top of the supporting trusses or girders.
• Installation on supports: Once the bridge sections are complete, they are then lifted by crane to take them into position on the piers or abutments. These sections are then bolted together to form a single stable structure.

Maintenance

However, temporary bridges are designed and constructed in a way that they can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled, but they still need some form of maintenance and care to increase their lifetime and to make them acceptable for use.

• Regular inspections

  Visual inspections should be summarised repeatedly for such items as metal fatigue, subsystem awkwardness, configuration corrosion, and damage over the commercial life of the product. In particular, the underlying structures should be checked more often in challenging weather conditions or when used more frequently.

• Corrosion protection: Since most of the components are made from steel, it is necessary to prevent conditions that favour rusting by applying paints or other forms of rust-preventing measures such as coatings. The coating must be checked often, and wherever it is evident that there is a coating failure, re-coating must be done as early as possible.

• Load management: Care should be taken not to load the bridge beyond its set capacity. Education for all users about these restrictions and traffic management might aid in restricting overloading.

• Tie-downs and fittings: Any bolts, ties, or fittings used to secure the modular bridge might need checking often to ensure they are tight and there is no significant wear. Re-tightening and, when necessary, replacement must be scheduled after some time in a routine maintenance check.

How to choose temporary steel modular bridges

There are a number of factors that customers should consider when selecting an ideal temporary steel modular bridge.

• Span length and width:

  The choice of a temporary modular steel bridge depends on the span length and width of the crossing to the intended application. The bridges are designed for specific span ranges, and if the span is too large or wider than the bridge can accommodate, the structural integrity cannot be compromised and hence become non-usable.

• Load capacity:

  It is also important to consider the total load capacities that the bride can carry. This includes the greatest traffic that will possibly use the bridge, too, such as cars, heavy equipment, or even trains, as well as the general environmental effects, including wind, rain, and temperature. All the bridges have the load capacities that they are rated for, and these help in ensuring safety at all times.

• Soil and site conditions:

  For sustainability purposes, soil type and general site conditions need to be assessed before putting up a bridge. Shallow pits, soft soils, and typical flood-prone areas can undoubtedly undermine the stability of a bridge. Therefore, proper foundation requirements for these kinds of sites should be clearly defined.

• Access and transportation:

  Modular bridges, especially in military and disaster situations, are always available quickly. It entails assessing whether the site can easily have access to bring in all the materials necessary for the construction. Further, the modular components should be made light and easy to transport to the site and put together for quick access.

• Ease of assembly:

  The modular designs and the connection techniques used have a big influence on the ease of assembly and disassembly. The selection of designs from which the bridges are constructed comprises components that can easily be erected and pulled down with ordinary hand tools. It saves time and makes the structure occupiable in emergencies or temporarily.

• Environmental impact:

  The temporary steel modular bridges are designed with regard to environmental issues. Many have minimum requirements for the foundation, and some can be reused. The bridge selected should have the least possible effect on the ecological environment of the surrounding area.

Q&A

Q1: How long can a temporary steel modular bridge last?

A1: However, called temporary bridges, these modular steel bridges can be used for several years if properly maintained and cared for. In many cases, they are used for five to ten years, although this depends on various factors such as environmental conditions, load level, and use frequency.

Q2: Are these bridges suitable for pedestrians?

A2: Most temporary steel modular bridges are fabricated to accommodate vehicular traffic, but some are also made to carry pedestrian walkways. These bridges can help people cross over areas that have been difficult to cross, enhancing accessibility and mobility, particularly in rural and disaster-prone areas.

Q3: What is the process of dismantling a temporary bridge?

A3: Dismantling any temporary steel modular bridge is quite simple. The modular steel bridges consist steel parts that can easily be unbolted and taken apart. To pull it down as simply as possible, the bridges are designed with a view to recycling the materials used in it.

Q4: How are these bridges environmentally friendly?

A4: The major reason for the environmental friendliness of these types of bridges is that they are almost entirely made out of steel, which material is completely recyclable. The designs of the modular components mean that little, if any, damage is done to the habitats of the sub-ecology during their placement or removal, which is also a plus for its sustainability rating.

Q5: What maintenance is required for these bridges?

A5: Basic maintenance often consists of regular inspection for corrosion, load management, and checking tie-downs or bolts. Campaigns for re-coating the bridges whenever there are cases of corroded steel and re-tightening of bolts should be observed as early preparations for the time when the load might be too much for the bridge to handle.