Taller, Longer, Lighter,…Faster?

Structural engineers have always strived for achieving optimum performance through design, building things taller, longer or lighter. A fourth possible quest, related to the goal of fast or brief construction windows, has been traditionally left to the contractors, not the designers. In Canada in recent years, however, this goal has gained popularity in the design arena in the adoption of Rapid Construction Techniques. Through example of recent projects, techniques are highlighted such as jacking and mining, lateral sliding, rolling -in of bridges using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMT’s), and select use of advanced materials or elements for the sole purpose of speedier construction. The evolution of the design process is also discussed in light of this new criteria.