Computer Integrated Steel Bridge Design and Construction
Expanding Automation
Final Report

INTRODUCTION

In April 2001, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Bridge Technology in collaboration with the National Steel Bridge Alliance organized a workshop to discuss integrating advanced computer-aided technologies in the design, fabrication, and construction of steel bridges. The mission of the workshop was as follows:

Establish a roadmap for integrating steel bridge design through-construction processes and for advancing the state-of-the-practice in steel bridge manufacturing automation and productivity.

Edison Welding Institute (EWI) hosted this three-day workshop in Columbus, Ohio, with AASHTO and EWI co-sponsoring the event. Fifty-three individuals with diverse expertise and from three continents participated in the workshop, representing government and consulting engineers, fabricators, erectors, welding experts and academia. Appendix D lists the attendees.

Four theme area statements and accompanying action plans were developed. The action plans included objectives, rationale, short-, medium- and long-term tasks, potential resources to implement the plan, obstacles and potential payoffs.

Preface | Table of Contents | Background