Construction Plant and Methods for Erecting Steel Bridges

This paper is concerned with the erection, only, of steel bridges, and, in consequence, classification of the structures will be made more from a standpoint of the problems facing the erection engineer than from type of structure. The physical conditions at the site, time permitted for erection, particular season during which erection is to take place, quantity of river flow, and similar factors have a greater bearing on the way the structure is to be handled than the type of structure itself. In general, the construction plant for erecting a steel bridge is determined by the type and size of the bridge and the method by which it is to be erected. In consequence, the problems involved by the type and size, which determine the method of erection, will be discussed before the equipment necessary to develop this method of erection, is taken up.