The Best Equipment for Bridge Construction

Bridges remain some of the most integral parts of this country’s infrastructure. There have been some notable bridge collapses in American history, and businesses have sometimes closed due to the poor structural integrity and loadbearing of bridge neglect throughout time. Therefore, new bridge construction is important for the safety of daily commuters and surrounding towns. Here’s a brief list of the best equipment for bridge construction to ensure a job well done.

Skid Loaders

Skid loaders are responsible for removing soil and dirt at the bridge site. Bridge construction needs a level field free from debris. Skid loaders move dirt and rocks away from the build site to another location. They can also backfill holes to secure abutments in place for a level worksite.

Excavators

Excavators are another important piece of construction equipment. While skid loaders remove excess debris and large rocks from the worksite, excavators create the foundational substructure of the bridge site. Excavators also remove dirt and debris from the worksite to allow workers better access to install footings, abutments, and piers. Additionally, excavators can dig trenches and substructures with drillers and blasters for underwater construction.

Aerial Lifts

Aerial lifts are also among the best equipment for bridge construction. This equipment provides workers with safe access points during all stages of bridge construction. Aerial lifts provide extra height for certain spots on the bridge, like the bridge deck. Aerial lifts have their own limitations too. For one thing, they act similar to knuckle boom lifts but cannot fit in tight spaces. Boom lifts, contrarily, can provide greater reach in tight spaces but offer limited flexibility compared to aerial lifts.

Pipe Rehab Systems

Bridge pipe rehabilitation systems maximize traffic without putting too much pressure on the structural integrity of the bridge support. Once a bridge nears completion, pipe rehabilitation acts as a sewer replacement running under a town and the adjoining bridge. Trenchless rehab systems further allow seamless bridge construction without any additional digging. As a non-disruptive option, these systems allow for more sustainability to protect local ecosystems.