Manual on Use of Self-Propelled Modular Transporters to Remove and Replace Bridges

Chapter 8. Conclusions and Recommendations

SPMTs are computer-controlled platform vehicles that can move bridge systems weighing up to several thousand tons with precision to within a fraction of an inch. The prefabrication of bridges offsite under controlled conditions followed by rapid installation onsite can achieve quality installations with traffic impacts of minutes to a few hours compared to the months typically required for conventional onsite bridge construction. This technology should be considered for all bridge replacement projects where reduced onsite construction time is a priority, for example, in locations with high traffic volume.

The manual provides details from project conception to completion for using SPMTs to remove or install a bridge. Also included are various example calculations, diagrams, plan sheets, and specifications to use as a starting point for projects using SPMTs to remove or install bridges. The use of this manual in combination with the FHWA decisionmaking framework and analysis of delay-related user costs should provide the guidance that bridge owners and other bridge professionals need to understand the technology, determine whether using SPMTs will benefit a specific bridge project, and develop contract documents that incorporate the technology.