So for the last day and a half I have been involved in an Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) seminar. It has been interesting to see what is going on in the field of ABC. Most of the project presentations focused on large, traffic heavy situations. As well they should because this is where you get the most for your ABC bucks. (Meaning it is easier to justify spending the extra money on the project if it impacts a great number of drivers.)

I am currently designing a bridge on the other end of the spectrum, a County bridge, which will use ABC. It is a single span (50′) voided slab box girder bridge on precast abutments. I am designing it to be built in 7 days or less. (I’m hoping for 3!) The problem for my design   is the cost. It may well cost twice what a typical County bridge would cost. I’m working on that problem as well…..