LMS build skills: Bridges

Bridge construction in the modern world has reached a new technological level, both in terms of the use of high-strength building materials and construction techniques.

Bridges vary in the following parameters:

• Size (the longest bridge in the world is over 164 km long).
• Function (viaducts, pipelines, bridges).
• Form (arched, cantilevered, spiral, girder).
• Materials of construction (timber, stone, metal).
• Variety of designs.

Bridge operation is connected with strong environmental impact and intensive loads, therefore, special importance is attached to the quality of used construction materials and strict observance of construction technologies.

The key to successful construction is careful planning, precise calculations and pre-project preparation.

The preparatory stage includes a feasibility study, selection and approval of the site for construction with the execution of documents, obtaining specifications for connection to utility networks. Then the design is developed with subsequent approval and working documentation.

Different materials (reinforced concrete, concrete, steel) are used for bridge construction. Aluminium is another material that has only recently begun to be used in bridge construction.

The implementation of the project involves a large complex of engineering and construction and installation work on land and water, which places high demands on the observance of occupational health and safety.

In addition to the construction of the artificial structure, the shoreline is being reinforced and the supports are being protected against mechanical impact. In addition, access roads are built, electricity is supplied and the surrounding area is landscaped.

Stages of bridge construction

Bridge construction starts with a complex of engineering and geodetic surveying. Measurements, analysis of soils and water area are made in the process, the most suitable area for construction is chosen. The construction itself consists of several stages:

1. Preparation of the construction site, delivery of construction equipment and materials.
2. Installation of the bridge abutments, which transfer the main load of the superstructure onto the ground and the foundations. The piers are installed in the floodplain and water area.
   
   The installation of the abutments is carried out in several stages:

• Installation of the foundation base. The foundations can be shallow, piled with a low, intermediate and high deep-depth rostrum.
• Construction of footings and intermediate footings. The abutments can be of sloped or unsloped construction. Intermediate piers can be floodplain or channel piers.

3. Installation of span structures, which may be of beam, truss, arch, frame, suspension, cable-stayed or combined type.
4. Construction of the roadway, road paving, waterproofing works, installation of guardrails and landscaping of adjacent areas.

The Turkish LMS, a parent company, has been involved in the construction of bridges, overpasses, flyovers, transport tunnels and interchanges for many years and provides all set of design and bridge construction services. The portfolio of completed projects includes:

• Çanakkale 1915 bridge over the Dardanelles.
• Porbandar-Biladi Highway in India with 46 bridges.
• The Espiyo-Carşibasi Highway in Ankara with 9 bridges.

Build the history, proud of the result!