Humans have been using architecture to mitigate the gap between physical obstacles to give an easy passage throughout the ages, the true engineering marvel’s purpose is to connect communities and even countries. Constructing mega bridges is one the most complex jobs that is impossible without highly skilled engineering techniques. However, bridges are the landmark and most crucial infrastructure of countries around the world.
The extraordinary infrastructure and mega projects demand a combination of the most advanced technology, highly skilled engineering tools and techniques, innovative materials, and most importantly construction machinery and equipment. Without specialized equipment and advanced heavy machinery constructing any project is not worth considering.
In this piece of paper, we will try to explore the essential equipment that’s used in spectacular bridge construction and mega projects.
Straddle Carrier
The Straddle carrier is one of the most important pieces of equipment, straddle carrier is an outstanding piece of invention used to construct the bridge. Straddle carrier’s key responsibility is to transport and placement of precast concrete segments or steel grinders.
Straddle carriers are equipped with wheels or tracks that allow them to move freely and smoothly across the construction site. It is considered one of the most useful bridge construction equipment throughout the years, used in almost every bridge construction or large-scale project.
Straddle carrier also has the impressive capability to hold and move hundreds of tons that helpful in placing the girder and segments to create the superstructure of the bridge. The connective feature of the straddle carrier makes it very crucial and useful to place the segments in an accurate position and proper alignment.
Cranes
Every detail in constructing the bridge is significant, the base, structure, substructure, and superstructure, once the substructure work is done cranes serve as bridgework equipment to get the substructure and superstructure of the bridge in place. Recurrently it also involves the setting of beams and culverts in bridge construction. Cranes also play an important part in getting shoring in place to give temporary support when the bridge construction is under process.
There are various kinds of cranes:
Floating crane
A floating crane also known as a vessel or crane ship, is a kind of crane that is mounted on a shove or a ship for use in marine construction projects. Floating cranes are particularly used in projects that are carried out in water premises such as oil rig installation and construction the bridges over water. Floating cranes are useful in lifting weight, heavy loads, and material over water.
Tower crane
If you are living in an urban area then you must have familiar or somewhere seen the tower crane. A Tower crane is particularly used to lift heavy pieces of equipment and material to a greater height. Commonly used in large projects i.e. bridges and skyscrapers.
Hammerhead crane
Hammerhead crane is specially used for the construction of mega projects, large buildings, and bridges. Hammerhead crane is also known as the jib crane, the crane gets its name from its unique design and shape. The hammerhead carries heavy loads and equipment to great heights. And its ability to maximize the reach on the construction side is the biggest advantage that helps to build the project gracefully.
Strand Jacks
Another bridge construction equipment used for lifting the bridge segments effectively. Hydraulic strand jacks are significant equipment to put segments in an accurate position.
Torque and tension tool
Torque and tension equipment are the principal components to keep the bridge in balance by giving the right amount of torque and tension. Mega bridge is not just about the large segments, beams, and stuff but also minimalistic touch provides a large impact. It’s essential to provide an accurate amount of torque and tension. This is the last yet very important thing in bridge construction.
Backhoes
The base is the primary thing to consider when constructing the bridge, If the foundation of the bridge is strong and well constructed it will remain for decades. A backhoe is the bridge construction equipment that is essentially used to create the strong foundation of the bridge.
Like excavators, backhoes are the finest machines that can dig holes and trenches for the substructure at the end of the bridge span or support its superstructure.
Conclusion
In the vibrant world of large-scale projects, developments and infrastructure including the bridge construction project sometimes become symbolic of the region and identity. To construct a trademark project there is also a need the finer machinery, advanced bridge construction equipment such as various kinds of cranes, straddle carriers, hydraulic equipment, girder transporters, and launching machines. These are the significant required equipments to bring exceptional visions to life.
With every passing day as technology evolves, important construction equipment remains at the forefront of the advancement and innovation. Channing and shaping the future of bridge construction globally.
