CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND MATERIALS: HEAVY CONSTRUCTION

As a general rule, the term heavy construction refers to the type of construction in which large bulks of materials and extra-heavy structural members are used, such as steel, timber, concrete, or a combination of these materials. In the Naval Construction Force, heavy construction includes the construction of bridges, waterfront structures, and steel flame structures. The Seabees construction functions, in support of the Navys and Marine Corps operating forces, might include the design and construction of these various structures or their rehabilitation; therefore, you, as an EA, should understand the terminology, the basic principles, and the methodology used in the construction of these facilities. Your knowledge of the methods and materials used in heavy construction will greatly assist you in the preparation of engineering drawings (original, modified, or as-built). This chapter will discuss basic heavy construction methods and materials.

A bridge is a structure used to carry traffic over a depression or an obstacle, and it generally consists of two principal parts: the lower part, or substructure; and the upper part, or superstructure. When a bridge is supported only at its two end supports, or abutments, it is called a single-span bridge. A bridge that has one or more intermediate supports, such as the one shown in figure 1-1, is known as a multispan bridge. Although bridges may be either fixed or floating, only fixed bridges will be discussed in this training manual (TRAMAN). The following is a discussion of the components of a fixed bridge.