Roads

Bridges

Lock & Dams

Phase 1: Pipe & Drainage

Drainage is an essential element needed to maintain a highway system. The purpose of a highway drainage system is to convey water away from the road as quickly as possible to prevent erosion of the roadway and to prevent standing water or ice on the roadway surface. Heavy equipment is used to dig trenches and then pipe and drainage systems are installed.

Phase 2: Earthwork

Earthwork includes the excavation of existing earth material and any placement of fill material required for constructing the embankment. Heavy equipment such as excavators are used to excavate material. In addition, large trucks are used to haul away or bring in material.

Phase 3: Substructure

The substructure of a bridge is the part of the structure that is below the bridge deck. Parts of the substructure include piers, abutments, and wingwalls. The substructure is built on foundations installed in the ground. Bridge piers are built using large metal forms that are put in place and then filled with concrete.

Phase 4: Setting Beams

Concrete bridge beams can now be lifted by cranes and set in place on the finished piers and abutments. The beams are then bolted into the place. Once this is accomplished, it is time to start building the bridge deck, which will provide the base for the bridge roadway. Watch Concrete Bridge Setting in Action!

Phase 5: Deck Forming

Decking will be installed between the beams to provide the base of the road as it crosses the bridge. Before concrete can be poured for the bridge roadway, rebar is tied together across the decking. Finally, concrete is poured to create the main wearing surface on the bridge. Once that’s complete, the concrete finishing work can be done.

Phase 6: Asphalt Paving

Asphalt paving operations begin on the roadways leading up to the bridge. Asphalt pavement material is loaded into trucks for transport to the paving site. Once at the site, the trucks dump the pavement material intohoppers located at the front of paving machines. After the asphalt is placed, it is then compacted using a heavy roller, which is driven over the asphalt.