Streel Bridge

2010 Problem Statement:

A new road in a state park will facilitate travel across the park and improve
access to remote areas. A bridge will be constructed over a scenic river and also
will carry utilities to a new welcome center and camp ground.

The Park Commission has requested design/build proposals for the new bridge.
A deck bridge is specified to minimize visual impact. The bridge must provide
clearance for recreational boating and longitudinal passageways for utilities.

Steel is specified as the material because of its fast erection and exceptional
sustainability rating, based on durability and high level of recycled content. The
bridge must be able to carry specified patterns of loads without exceeding sway
and deflection limits. Based on past experience with performance and
maintenance, the Commission prefers bridges that are relatively light and stiff.

Concern for the environment is essential. To protect the river and adjacent
wetland, permanent supports shall be placed only on natural levees along the
two banks of the river. Consequently, there must be a cantilever span over the
wetland. However, temporary piers may be used anywhere during construction.
Construction barges are allowed in the river but terrestrial equipment shall
operate from only one side of the river. The wetland is too shallow for barges
and too soft for terrestrial equipment. Stock piles of material are restricted to an
existing parking lot, and the weight of transported loads is limited to minimize
soil compaction.

Your company's design/build proposal is among those that the Park Commission
has deemed responsive, and winning the contract would be a step toward
becoming a leader in the short-span bridge market. Each competing firm is
requested to submit a 1:10 scale model to demonstrate its concept. Models will
be erected under simulated field conditions and then load tested. A panel of
consulting engineers and park commissioners will judge the models by multiple
criteria including durability, constructability, usability, stiffness, construction
speed, efficiency, economy, and display. The contract will be awarded to the
company whose model best meets the specified needs and requirements. Any
attempt to gain advantage by circumventing the intent of the competition as
expressed by the Rules, including this Problem Statement, will be grounds for
rejection of the model and termination of the company’s eligibility.