| Competition
A century-old bridge that crosses an
environmentally sensitive river must be replaced. The
bridge carries truck traffic serving the farms and agricultural
processing industries that are the basis for the economy
of this rural region, as well as providing access and
emergency services to residences. A quick replacement
is necessary because no other river crossing is available
for miles.
The State Department of Transportation
has requested design/build proposals for replacing the
existing bridge. Any appropriate type of bridge will
be considered but the State DOT has specified steel
as the material because of its durability and fast erection.
The bridge must provide clearance for flood flows and
it must be able to carry specified patterns of loads
without exceeding sway and
deflection limits. Based on past experience with performance
and maintenance, the DOT prefers bridges that are relatively
light and stiff, with low profiles. The new bridge must
accommodate modular decking, which the DOT salvaged
from another bridge. Decking units may not be modified.
Flood control and environmental concerns
prohibit piers in the river; piers must be built on
the banks and on a natural island that is connected
to the river bank by an existing causeway. A construction
barge may be operated within a designated section of
the river but must not disturb the river banks, causeway
or island. Soil conditions restrict the weight that
may be lifted by cranes.
Your company's design/build proposal
is among those that the State DOT has deemed responsive.
The DOT has asked each competing firm to submit a 1:10
scale model to demonstrate its concept. Models will
be erected under simulated field conditions and then
load tested. The DOT will evaluate the models by multiple
criteria including durability, constructability, usability,
stiffness,
construction speed, efficiency, economy and aesthetics.
The contract will be awarded to the company that submits
the best model. This is an opportunity to become leaders
in the bridge replacement market. | 
