If your bridge has splices, you must decide on one of the following methods for the splice assembly:
- On the ground before the pick.
- Bolt together while over a bent or false work.
- In mid-air with cranes on each side of the crossing, each holding half the bridge.
Be sure dirt and potential vegetation are not against the bridge steel.
Set the plates over anchor bolts or in the spot you intend to drill them in after the set. |
Small bridges require grease on the setting plates. |
Grease the plates on smaller bridges. Do not grease larger bridges as Excel provides Teflon® or Elastomeric pads (see your Excel shop drawings for specifics).
ALERT!
Notice how the straps go around the floor beam but do not put pressure on any part of the railing system.
Follow lifting instructions exactly, in order to avoid damaging safety rails or the structural components.
Use the correct spacing of the four straps or chains.
Be sure lifting straps or chains do not go around the top chord, i.e. the “railing.”
ALERT!
If abutments are unequal in elevation, look for the “high” marking on one end.
Setting the correct gap (see your Excel shop drawing for instructions)
 This view from above shows the bridge bearing plate on top of the setting plate and ready to drill in epoxy anchors. |
Painted bridges require special attention:
All straps must be padded and movement of the strap during the set must be prevented as much as possible. Touch-up paint will be supplied by Excel. Often it is an epoxy paint; pay special attention to the mixing instructions!
Additional consideration:
- Have the right tools and DO NOT do any flame cutting without authorization or you could void the warranty.
- Concrete decked bridges typically are delivered with the form pan in place, all you need to do is place the reinforcement and pour the concrete.
BE SURE you have your Excel shop drawings on hand before you build your abutment or install your bridge. Erection Instructions can be printed from the pdf file above.
