Abstract: A formwork system, including a plurality of side formwork elements configured to confront a concrete structure, a horizontal formwork panel configured to support the concrete structure, and at least one working platform, wherein the system is configured to be split in a longitudinal direction and stricken or cycled from the concrete structure in two discrete parts.

Abstract: A roadway segment includes a body having a length along a direction of travel, a width along a width axis, and top and bottom halves along a depth axis. The segment also includes a strain sensor array with one or more optical fiber cables embedded in the bottom half of the body. The strain sensor array includes vehicle-strain sensors configured to detect strain on the body resulting from vehicles traveling across the top surface. The segment also includes a processor that operates the plurality of vehicle-strain sensors at a resolution of not greater than one picometer (1 pm). Any segments of the optical fiber cable(s) that intersect are separated from one another depth wise by at least two-tenths of an inch (0.2 in.). Each of the sensors is separated from each other along the width axis by at least two inches (2 in.).

Abstract: An upper deck frame assembly for a trailer chassis includes a flushed floor section defining a first floor height, and a header section, with a header, forward of the flushed floor section and defining a second floor height above the first floor height. A towing assembly may be secured to the header. A reduced size header section increases usable floor space, and the towing assembly is securable to the header.

Abstract: A vehicle and liner assembly is provided that includes a recreational vehicle having a housing, a front end, a rear end, a top, a bottom, and a pair of sidewalls. A frame assembly is provided wherein, the housing is mounted on and supported by the frame assembly. The liner is attached to the frame assembly and coves at least a substantial portion of the bottom of the housing. The liner has a first face having projections extending therefrom and a second face having openings therein. The openings coincide with and extend into corresponding projections on the first face.

Abstract: A tire trolley assembly comprises a frame having a pair of supports including a first and a second support extending between a first and a second end. A connector is disposed at the first and the second end, attached to the support, extending between a primary end adjacent to the frame and a secondary end spaced from the frame. A plurality of wheels includes a first and a second wheel attached to the connector. A plurality of mounting members, including a first mounting member rotatably attached to the first wheel and coupled to the connector and a second mounting member rotatably attached to the second wheel and coupled to the connector. A traveling control system controls and steers the wheels of the tire trolley assembly.

Abstract: A bridge support system includes a telescoping arm extending from a first end to a second end, the telescoping arm having a first arm section; a second arm section, the second arm section is configured to slidingly engage with the first arm section; a locking pin to secure the second arm section in a fixed position; a lower bearing assembly pivotally attached to the first end of the telescoping arm, the lower bearing assembly having a bearing plate pivotally attached to the first end of the telescoping arm via a pivot pin, the bearing plate is configured to engage with a ground surface; an upper bearing assembly pivotally attached to a jacking beam support, the upper bearing assembly having a plurality of holes for selective adjustment of the upper bearing assembly relative to the jacking beam support; and a jacking beam secured to the jacking beam support and secured to a bridge member.

Abstract: A system for and method of stabilizing rail track structures using a load transfer apparatus is disclosed. The load transfer apparatus includes a vertical load transfer element and a top load transfer element, wherein the top load transfer element is used to transfer applied locomotive and rail car loads to the vertical load transfer element. In one embodiment, the top load transfer element includes helical flights. In another embodiment, the top load transfer element includes a flared top. In yet another embodiment, the top load transfer element includes a load transfer cap. In a further embodiment, the top load transfer element includes two or more support legs each with a top support attached thereto. The railroad stabilization system can comprise any one type or any combinations of types of the aforementioned load transfer apparatuses.

Abstract: A cut and cover method of constructing grade separation structures includes partially burying precast substructure elements with associated trench boxes under live traffic. Once the precast substructure elements are buried, the substructure is completed and the bridge span is installed. Other methods include installing precast superstructure elements with a formwork system and forming a bridge substructure and excavating underneath the superstructure once the superstructure is formed.

Abstract: A cut and cover method of constructing grade separation structures includes partially burying precast substructure elements with associated trench boxes under live traffic. Once the precast substructure elements are buried, the substructure is completed and the bridge span is installed. Other methods include installing precast superstructure elements with a formwork system and forming a bridge substructure and excavating underneath the superstructure once the superstructure is formed.

Abstract: A method for building a bridge, said bridge comprising piers and at least one deck. The method including a cantilever step, wherein a girder is set in a cantilevered position relative to a bank or to a constructed zone of the bridge so that the girder comprises a first end overhanging the bank or the constructed zone, and a second end overhanging a construction zone of the bridge, and a construction step, wherein pier elements and deck elements are installed in said construction zone via a first and a second lifting devices mounted movable on the girder between the first and second ends. The first and second lifting devices cross one another along the girder during the cantilever step and/or during the construction step.

Abstract: Cart for building a bridge board forward progressive which incorporates a system for positioning reinforcement pieces, which have displacement tracks on the upper working surface and runners on which the reinforcement pieces are situated and which are displaced on the displacement tracks, where by means of the system for positioning reinforcement pieces it situates the reinforcement pieces in a position of the upper working surface for a subsequent concreting of a section of the board of the bridge, with the cart being fixed in the position thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a floor slab structure for a bridge, the structure comprising: a girder-integrated floor slab having a girder member which is supported on a pier and supports a floor slab member, and which integrally protrudes from the lower surface of the floor slab member, multiple floor slab members being arranged to be connected in longitudinal and transverse directions; and a side barrier-integrated floor slab having a side bather member which integrally protrudes from the upper surface of one side of the floor slab member, multiple floor slab members being arranged to be connected in longitudinal and transverse directions. Accordingly, on-site work is minimized, the construction process for a bridge superstructure is simplified, the construction time period is shortened, the construction costs are significantly reduced, and the construction of skew bridges or curved bridges is simplified.

Abstract: A plurality of movable temporary hangers 7 are placed on a stay cable 4B hung in tension above a target stay cable 4C, and then the target stay cable 4C is held on a lower portion of the temporary hangers 7. Then, the target stay cable 4C held with the temporary hanger 7 is detached from a bridge deck 3 and a main tower 2. Then, the target stay cable 4C and the temporary hangers 7 holding the target stay cable 4C are moved toward the bridge deck 3 and removed.

Abstract: A waterproof expansion joint comprises a ballast protection plate and at least one locating device configured to retain the ballast protection plate over a deck joint. A flexible sealing member located below the ballast protection plate can include at least one flange portion and at least one expansion feature. Each expansion feature can include a shape preformed into the flexible sealing member extending downward into the deck joint and configured to deflect, enabling variation in the width of the flexible sealing member to match the width of the deck joint.

Abstract: A large-span and special-shaped arch bridge, comprising a main girder (2), a center abutment (11) served as a central bearing point and two auxiliary abutments (12,13) served as bearing points at two ends, wherein further comprising an arch-axis combination (3) and two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) presented as arcs projected upwards, the arch-axis combination being built on the center abutment (11) with two ends connected to the inner ends of the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5), the outer ends of the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) being built on the two auxiliary abutments (12,13), the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) being connected to the main girder (2) via a plurality of inhaul cables. A method for constructing said arch bridge is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of movable temporary hangers 7 are placed on a stay cable 4B hung in tension above a target stay cable 4C, and then the target stay cable 4C is held on a lower portion of the temporary hangers 7. Then, the target stay cable 4C held with the temporary hanger 7 is detached from a bridge deck 3 and a main tower 2. Then, the target stay cable 4C and the temporary hangers 7 holding the target stay cable 4C are moved toward the bridge deck 3 and removed.

Abstract: A slip-mold having a housing having (a) concrete hopper having (b) means for distribution of quick set concrete within said hopper, (c) a mold cavity, and (d) at least one tunnel, in communication with said mold cavity, and extending through said housing from the leading to the trailing end of said housing. The tunnel through the housing is of sufficient height and width, and positioned within said mold housing, to permit rebars, extending from an iron work array, to pass through said mold cavity without becoming embedded in concrete, concurrent with the formation of a slip formed concrete structure on a portion of said iron work array.

Abstract: A monolithic protective waterproofing system for light rail and intermodal class I railroad bridges comprehends a multiple layer product installed in-situ. It includes a sprayed on primer, a sprayed on membrane having a thickness of between 60 and 120 mils, a second sprayed on layer of membrane having a thickness of about 20 mils that is utilized as an adhesive that is rapidly covered with a resilient mat having a thickness of between approximately 6 and 12 mm, a second layer of a sprayed on primer and a top coat of sprayed on membrane of approximately 30 to 50 mils. Both the product and method of installation are disclosed.

Abstract: Abutment and bridge designs include a bridge superstructure and abutment wherein the abutment has a vertical portion of a backwall that can be fixedly joined to the end face of the bridge superstructure without an interdisposed expansion joint. A downward facing surface of the bridge superstructure can be fixedly joined to an upward facing surface of the abutment, or alternatively, a bearing pad may be disposed therebetween. The abutment may further comprise a backwall made from a plurality of panels fixedly joined to a plurality of supporting piles. The abutments and bridge superstructure may be made substantially from composite materials including recycled structural composite and other thermoplastics.

Abstract: A system for tension bracing a series of spaced girders forming a part of a bridge which includes a lateral member extending across the tops of the series of spaced girders. A first end of the lateral member is attached to a first girder in the series of spaced girders. A second end of the lateral member engages an adjustable mount, which is affixed to the last girder in the series of spaced girders. The adjustable mount adjusts the tension in the lateral member and, once a predetermined tension is reached, the lateral member is affixed to the intermediate girders in the series of spaced girders.

Abstract: A process for slip forming of concrete structures, specifically, concrete structural components, for road and bridge construction. This process has particular application for slip forming of monolithic structures having multiple component/functional parts, wherein the resultant slip formed monolithic, structure has exposed rebars bar the later integration with additional concrete structures arid/or mechanical structural elements, c,g. noise walls, barricades, guard rails and the like. This invention also includes a system adapted for the formation of these unique, monolithic slip formed structures with exposed rebars, including the tunnel mold assembly, which is utilized in this slip forming process; and, the resultant to slip molded monolithic structural component with exposed rebus.

Abstract: An upper structure for a bridge includes a coping placed on the top end of a pier, and a girder held by the coping, wherein a side surface of the coping and an end surface of the girder are configured as inclined surfaces (or vertical surfaces), wherein a shear key protrudes on one of the inclined surfaces (or vertical surfaces), and a shear key slot is formed in another one of the inclined surfaces (or vertical surfaces) so as to be engaged with the shear key. The present disclosure can reduce the construction cost, can realize improved structural efficiency of the bridge upper structure, can realize an easy installation of the girders, can easily combine the girders with the coping without plastering or fixing with mortar by site work, and can efficiently resist to a shear stress that may be generated in the bridge.

Abstract: Bridge including a bridge deck extending in a bridge direction or longitudinal direction of the bridge, and two prefab bridge railings situated on the longitudinal side of the bridge deck, wherein the bridge deck is substantially formed by one or more slabs spanning the bridge width, wherein the bridge railing includes a lower girder provided with a bearing, particularly a bearing edge, for a longitudinal edge strip of the bridge deck.

Abstract: A gangway comprises at least one component formed from a continuous piece of metal. The at least one component formed from the continuous piece of metal may be a support structure or an underbody, a platform, a ramp, a step, or other support surface. A method for manufacturing such a gangway comprises forming the at least one component from the continuous piece of metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are proposed for incremental casting of concrete cantilever bridge sections. The main trusses which form the load-bearing frames of the apparatus are angularly splayed so that they are positioned outwards of the main load bearing webs of the to-be-constructed section of the bridge, while still being supported on the webs of the already-constructed section of the bridge. In this way, the region above and below the construction space is kept free for improved access.

Abstract: A lifting device is configured to support a bridge cap when lifting the cap onto columns under a bridge deck. The lifting device includes an upper bracket arm configured to extend over an upper surface of the deck, and a lower bracket arm configured to extend under a bottom surface of the deck, and to selectively engage the cap. A side bracket portion connects the lower and upper arms, and is configured to transmit a force associated with a weight of the cap to the upper arm. The upper and lower arms and the side bracket portion are configured to define an open space extending from free ends of the upper and lower arms to the side bracket portion. The space is configured to receive the deck when the lifting device is supporting the cap as the cap is being lifted onto the columns.

Abstract: A composite action support structure for a bridge or other civil infrastructure includes an elongate member made of a plastic material and providing load bearing capability. A cover plate is made of a plastic material and extends along at least a portion of the length of the elongate member. A lower surface of the cover plate is mated to the upper surface of the elongate member. A plurality of panels made of a plastic material are arranged at an angle to the cover plate, and a lower surface of each of the panels mates with an upper surface of the cover plate. The elongate member, the cover plate and the plurality of panels form a structural unit. The plastic materials used can include virgin plastic, thermoplastic, recycled thermoplastic composite, recycled structural composite, combinations thereof, and the like.

Abstract: A ramp system is disclosed which may include first and second components. The first component may include horizontal and vertical portions, and a hook. The horizontal portion may be supported by a lip of a structure, and may have a width equivalent to a length of the lip. The vertical portion may be coupled with, and hang downward from, the horizontal portion, and may have the same width as the horizontal portion. The hook may be coupled with the vertical portion, and may have the same width as the horizontal portion. The second component may include a protrusion and channel. The protrusion may have a width equal or less than the width of the horizontal portion, and be supported by the hook. The channel may be coupled with the protrusion, and have the same width. The channel may receive a planar component which forms a sloped surface of a ramp.

Abstract: The present invention claims a three-truss continuous steel truss girder-pushing device and an arrangement method thereof. The device comprises three supporting structures of left, center and right, the three supporting structures are provided respectively with left and right side truss slideway girders and a middle truss slideway girder. The front ends of the slideway girder are provided with an operating platform where horizontal continuous pushing jacks are installed; the front ends of the left and right slideway girder and the center slideway girder are each provided with four vertical lifting jacks. The three-truss continuous steel truss girder-pushing device simultaneously pushes the two side trusses of the steel truss beam only, while the center truss slides passively, thereby improving construction efficiency and reducing construction costs.

Abstract: Provided are partially and fully earth-anchored cable-stayed bridges, each of which uses a prestressing unit including anchor units and a prestressing member from deck segments installed at its main span such that the prestressing unit serves as a conventional windproof cable and can simultaneously introduce a tensile stress. Thereby, a magnitude of the maximum compressive stress acting on a cross section of each main-span deck segment is reduced, so that it is possible to reduce a cross-sectional area of each main-span deck segment and thus to ensure economical construction. All or part of the compressive stress generated at the main span can be offset by the tensile stress caused by the prestressing member.

Abstract: A bridge system is provided that utilizes foundation structures that are formed of the combination of precast and cast-in-place concrete. A method of constructing the combination precast and cast-in-place concrete foundation structures involves receiving at a construction site a precast concrete foundation unit having elongated upright wall members that define a channel therebetween, and multiple upright supports located within the channel; placing the precast concrete foundation unit at a desired use location; delivering concrete into the channel while the precast concrete foundation unit remains at the desired use location; and allowing the concrete to cure-in-place such that the elongated upright wall members are connected to the cured-in-place concrete by reinforcement embedded within both the cured-in-place concrete and the upright wall members. The bridge units may be placed before the pouring step to embed the bottoms of the bridge units in the cast-in-place concrete.

Abstract: A vertically-adjustable gantry assembly installation adapted for removal or placement of a train bridge-span of the type which spans and is supported by two piers, comprises a gantry assembly positioned on load-bearing first ground-support locations, the gantry assembly comprising a gantry and a ground-engaging vertical support and lift system, the vertical support and lift system adapted for supporting a combined weight of the gantry and a bridge span in at least one operational vertical position above respective bridge span support-surfaces of the piers including a position corresponding to a disembarking plane in which the leg portions are extended from a stowed position to an extent at least sufficient for the gantry assembly to self-liftoff the pre-installation conveyance system onto the first ground-support locations to effect the gantry assembly installation.

Abstract: A replacement bent for shoring a bridge and a method for installing the replacement bent. The replacement bent comprises a metal I-beam sill, telescoping, adjustable posts, and a metal I-beam cap. In one embodiment, the adjustable posts are connected at one end by hinges to the sill beam and are connected at the other end by hinges to the cap beam. In a second embodiment, the adjustable posts are connected at right angles to the cap beam and the sill beam by means of support plates. The posts may be telescoped and thereby adjusted to the necessary distance between the sill beam and the cap beam. The replacement bent is supported on the stub piles from the substandard bent that has been removed.

Abstract: A bridge comprising first and second ground contacting pads spaced apart from one another; plural ribs with lateral stabilizing elements between adjacent ribs of the plural ribs, each rib of the plural ribs being supported on both the first and second ground contacting pads and the ribs collectively forming an arch extending between the first and second ground contacting pads; and an upper crossing surface supported by the plural ribs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for constructing a cable-stayed bridge with a tensionless stay cable, including the steps for: constructing a main tower 100, continuously installing a suspension cable 200 over a main span and a side span, installing a plurality of hangers 210 on the suspension cable 200, arranging an anchorage cable 220 in a longitudinal direction by connecting the anchorage cable 220 to a lower end of the hanger 210, installing a stay cable 110 in sequence, constructing a girder by connecting a segment 300 constituting the girder to each of the stay cables 110 in sequence, and connecting the segments 300 one another in a longitudinal direction, and removing the suspension cable 200, the hanger, and the anchorage cable 220.

Abstract: A lifting device is configured to support a bridge cap when lifting the cap onto columns under a bridge deck. The lifting device includes an upper bracket arm configured to extend over an upper surface of the deck, and a lower bracket arm configured to extend under a bottom surface of the deck, and to selectively engage the cap at opposite ends of the cap. A side bracket portion connects the lower and upper arms, and is configured to transmit a force associated with a weight of the cap to the upper arm. The upper and lower arms and the side bracket portion are configured to define an open space extending from free ends of the upper and lower arms to the side bracket portion. The space is configured to receive the deck when the lifting device is supporting the cap as the cap is being lifted onto the columns.

Abstract: A modular crossing system generally includes a set of modules and a set of segments (e.g., bridge segments). Each segment includes a subset of the set of modules, and at least a portion of the set of segments are configured to be rotateably interlocked with a subsequent segment such that the set of segments form a crossing assembly having a deployed state and a collapsed state. Each module of the set of modules may include a hinge pin opening configured to removeably accept one of the set of hinge pins. The set of segments may be rotateably interlocked via the set of hinge pins.

Abstract: Beam placement during bridge construction by a carriage moving across an abutment or pier, supporting the end of a beam or pipe to position and align it on the abutment. A lift assembly lowers the end and the carriage is disengaged and moved to receive another beam, placing multiple parallel beams, without requiring a large crane. A carriage formed in sections separates to return to a new position. A screw jack or hydraulic unit moves the lift assembly, and deposits the beam on a load plate, and opposed separately-operated lift plates connected by a hinged cross-bar may form a beam-receiving basket assembly. Carriage rollers bear against a channel iron that protects underlying concrete structure from damage. A first set of rollers may bear against a horizontal surface and a second set of rollers bear against a vertical face of the abutment, aligning the carriage and beam along orthogonal axes.

Abstract: The invention provides a special launching carrier with variable position platform and a method for bridge erection using the same. The special launching carrier with variable position platform comprises a special carrier for erection bridge beam and an under-bridge machine with platform. The special carrier for erecting beam comprises a main beam, a front wheel group, a rear wheel group and a lifting device; the under-bridge machine with platform comprises a under-bridge, a rotatable rear leg, a front roller, a middle roller, a rear roller and an erecting trolley arranged on the under-bridge, and the variable position platforms are installed on both sides of tail portion of the under-bridge. When erecting bridge beam, the front wheel group moves onto the variable position platforms, which may be elevated and folded in terms of conditions of the first and last spans of different bridges, so that the bridge erection is achieved.

Abstract: A lifting device is configured to support a bridge cap when lifting the cap onto columns under a bridge deck. The lifting device includes an upper bracket arm configured to extend over an upper surface of the deck, and a lower bracket arm configured to extend under a bottom surface of the deck, and to selectively engage the cap at opposite ends of the cap. A side bracket portion connects the lower and upper arms, and is configured to transmit a force associated with a weight of the cap to the upper arm. The upper and lower arms and the side bracket portion are configured to define an open space extending from free ends of the upper and lower arms to the side bracket portion. The space is configured to receive the deck when the lifting device is supporting the cap as the cap is being lifted onto the columns.

Abstract: A system and method for replacing existing deteriorated piers of bridges in the same location as the existing pier, without the use of temporary bents comprising the steps of: installing one or more drilled shaft, preferably round, columns in the earth on opposite sides of the existing pier to be replaced transverse to the axis of the bridge; installing at least one temporary support bracket or embedded support beam on each of the columns; installing a temporary transverse girder onto the support brackets or beams of two columns; installing temporary support posts on the transverse girder; transferring the load from the pier to the temporary transverse girders once the columns have attained adequate strength; removing the pier to an elevation below the cap; constructing a new cap; transferring the load from the temporary girders to the new cap once the cap has attained adequate strength; and removing the temporary supports.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, poly-styrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention claims a three-truss continuous steel truss girder-pushing device and an arrangement method thereof. The device comprises three supporting structures of left, center and right, the three supporting structures are provided respectively with left and right side truss slideway girders and a middle truss slideway girder. The front ends of the slideway girder are provided with an operating platform where horizontal continuous pushing jacks are installed; the front ends of the left and right slideway girder and the center slideway girder are each provided with four vertical lifting jacks. The three-truss continuous steel truss girder-pushing device simultaneously pushes the two side trusses of the steel truss beam only, while the center truss slides passively, thereby improving construction efficiency and reducing construction costs.

Abstract: A construction method of a steel composite girder bridge includes installing steel girders on piers and forming shearing connectors on the steel girders at intervals of a predetermined distance, installing stagings and a first form for casting deck concrete in the steel girders, installing non-composite members in an upper flange of the steel girders to form each non-composite section of supporting points, installing a second form around each of the shearing connectors to form a shearing pocket, arranging sheath pipes in the supporting points and forming supporting point decks by casting and curing concrete, applying pre-stress to each section of the supporting point decks through the sheath pipes and performing a grouting process, forming span decks adjacent to the supporting point decks by casting and curing concrete in each span between the piers, and filling the shearing pockets with non-shrinkage mortar.

Abstract: Provided are partially and fully earth-anchored cable-stayed bridges, each of which uses a prestressing unit including anchor units and a prestressing member from deck segments installed at its main span such that the prestressing unit serves as a conventional windproof cable and can simultaneously introduce a tensile stress. Thereby, a magnitude of the maximum compressive stress acting on a cross section of each main-span deck segment is reduced, so that it is possible to reduce a cross-sectional area of each main-span deck segment and thus to ensure economical construction. All or part of the compressive stress generated at the main span can be offset by the tensile stress caused by the prestressing member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing a bridge using pre-cast materials, including steel piles, steel reinforced concrete caps, and metallic male and female connectors. The pre-cast materials can be formed to precise standards in a controlled factory environment before being brought to the worksite for the bridge replacement project. Further, the male and female connectors provide for a quick and robust way to connect the caps to the piles without the use of welding between the piles and the caps.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bridge replacement method is disclosed. The bridge includes a deck supported by a pair of abutments, each abutment having wing walls. The deck is removed, footings are cast in holes dug behind each abutment and a pier is provided on each footing. Substantially parallel and coplanar cambered beams are provided. Each beam spans between and is supported by the piers. A brace assembly reinforces the beam camber. On each adjacent pair of beams, precast deck elements are placed, such that each element of said plurality spans the beam pair, to define at least transverse gaps between the elements and put the upper surfaces of the elements in compression in a transverse direction. The gaps are grouted. After grout curing, the brace is adjusted to reduce the beam camber and cause the upper surface of the elements to also be put into compression in a direction parallel to the beams.

Abstract: Stabilized, durable stream crossings are built from contained plant growth medium secured to the stream banks, bridge footings installed behind the contained growth medium, and an open-construction bridge deck spanning the footings that permits light and rain water to reach the growth medium on the banks underneath the bridge.

Abstract: Beam placement during bridge construction by a carriage moving across an abutment or pier, supporting the end of a beam or pipe to position and align it on the abutment. A lift assembly lowers the end and the carriage is disengaged and moved to receive another beam, placing multiple parallel beams, without requiring a large crane. A carriage formed in sections separates to return to a new position. A screw jack or hydraulic unit moves the lift assembly, and deposits the beam on a load plate, and opposed separately-operated lift plates connected by a hinged cross-bar may form a beam-receiving basket assembly. Carriage rollers bear against a channel iron that protects underlying concrete structure from damage. A first set of rollers may bear against a horizontal surface and a second set of rollers bear against a vertical face of the abutment, aligning the carriage and beam along orthogonal axes.