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In the Caribbean, where white sands and coral reefs meet clear blue waters, American Bridge was chosen as the design-build contractor for a state-of-the-art cruise ship and upland facility. Tasked with overseeing the entire scope—from constructing a docking pier and access trestle for cruise passengers to designing a Ro-Ro ramp and marina—the company integrated sustainable site and civil infrastructure, creating a top-tier destination in harmony with its surroundings.

Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Design

Environmental stewardship was integral to the project. American Bridge deployed renewable energy solutions, including a solar array supplying 90% of the site’s power, along with waste-to-energy systems. An open-trestle pier design provided access to deep waters while preserving coral reefs, balancing high-performance infrastructure with eco-conscious design and showcasing American Bridge’s dedication to sustainable development.

Overcoming Remote Logistical Challenges

The project presented logistical challenges, requiring materials from multiple U.S. departure points and a carefully planned transportation network. To facilitate efficient construction, American Bridge built a loop road and established a Ro-Ro dock, ensuring materials moved seamlessly from the laydown area to the worksite. Without formal landfills nearby, waste disposal involved recycling and incineration, highlighting the company’s commitment to responsible site management.

Working in the Caribbean comes with unique challenges, especially in facing unpredictable weather. The American Bridge team developed a comprehensive Weather Preparedness and Recovery Plan to ensure project continuity and protect the team during hurricanes and other adverse conditions. This plan included strategies for minimizing the impact of high winds, securing materials, and safeguarding personnel, underscoring the team’s commitment to safety.

Precision Engineering for Long-Term Durability

Built in four phases—Building Construction, Site Civil Construction, Marine Construction, and Support Facilities—the project incorporated various engineering strategies, including a top-down construction method for the access and berthing piers. Supported by 36-inch diameter piles embedded in rock, these structures ensure resilience against environmental pressures. A specialized dolphin construction method and crane work further exemplified precision engineering tailored to the remote site’s demands.

Prioritizing Safety and Community Partnership

Operating in a remote location also required an onsite EMT for safety and close collaboration with the local community. By respecting local culture and enhancing economic opportunities, American Bridge built a sustainable, community-focused resort that aligns with the area’s natural beauty and cultural values. This project reflects American Bridge’s commitment to delivering excellence through responsible and innovative engineering, setting a high bar for sustainable development in paradise.

Nestled within Edmond, Oklahoma, Arcadia Lake is more than just a picturesque reservoir—it’s the lifeblood of the community, supplying a vital 12 million gallons of water daily through its low-level outlet works. However, as Edmond’s population and demand for resources continue to grow, the lake’s current capacity can no longer keep up with the city’s needs.

Forging a Path to the Future

To meet Edmond’s rising demands, a groundbreaking raw water intake system, paired with a cutting-edge pump station, is in development. At the heart of this expansion is an awe-inspiring 50-foot diameter by 72-foot deep wet well structure, reaching 43 feet below the lake’s normal pool elevation. This engineering marvel is designed to increase the current water output from 10.5 million gallons per day (mgd) to 30 mgd, with the potential to reach a staggering 65 mgd in the future—a leap that secures Edmond’s water supply for years to come.

Engineering the Blueprint of Progress

The centerpiece of the project is the construction of a new intake structure, strategically located at the northern end of the dam. Positioned where the rock meets the water, this intake system will utilize three microtunnels, extending deep into the lakebed to draw water from various depths. By pulling from different depths, the system can adapt to seasonal changes and environmental conditions, ensuring a stable and consistent water supply.

A Symphony of Pipelines

Below the surface, three 60-inch raw water pipelines will stretch toward the wet well, while two 42-inch discharge lines will run from the pump station to Edmond’s new water treatment plant. These intakes, ranging from 160 to 460 feet in length, are anchored in solid concrete foundations. The design allows the city to draw water from different levels of the lake, with intake tunnels spaced 10 feet apart vertically, providing the flexibility to select the ideal depth for water withdrawal based on current conditions.

Innovative Solutions at the Shaft

At the top of the 70-foot-deep shaft, essential components such as conduits and piping will be installed using innovative access plans, including scaffolding and precast beams. These beams will support the upper sections of the structure and allow safe access during the installation process, ensuring both safety and efficiency.

Overcoming Challenges

Integrating multiple disciplines—mechanical, electrical, and plumbing—within this complex project presents significant challenges. Effective coordination is essential to prevent conflicts between systems and ensure that all elements work in harmony. Clear communication and detailed planning are key to keeping construction on track and avoiding delays. By fostering collaboration among teams, the project will result in a seamless and high-quality water system.

On the Horizon

This project represents the convergence of high-quality materials, advanced technology, and precise engineering, all meticulously integrated to ensure the long-term reliability of Edmond’s water supply. The result is a state-of-the-art water system that not only meets but exceeds industry standards, delivering a safe, consistent, and adaptable water supply to the growing community.

As Edmond moves into the future, the Arcadia Lake water expansion stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to sustainability and growth, ensuring that its residents and businesses have access to the essential resources they need for decades to come.

Situated at the heart of Rwanda, Kigali stretches gracefully over a beautiful landscape. The city’s well-maintained roads branch out, seamlessly connecting it to the rest of the country. With a population just exceeding a million, Kigali’s distinctive charm is felt throughout the region.

Yet, just 5.6 miles beyond this urban haven lies a stark contrast. In the communities of Cyahafi, Rwanda, the Kiryango River serves as a symbol of missed opportunities. During the rainy season, it becomes a harsh reminder of the hardships faced by residents who depend on crossing the river to access vital resources. That is where the Bridges to Prosperity team comes in.

THE JOURNEY TO BUILDING A BRIDGE

On March 2, 2024, our team of volunteers landed in Kigali, and the next day, we began our road trip to Cyahafi in two Safari Land Cruisers. Taking on the challenge of building a bridge in Rwanda came with both anticipated and unforeseen difficulties. From navigating unfamiliar landscapes to overcoming language barriers, each logistical hurdle pushed our team to find creative solutions. Every challenge became an opportunity to grow, as resilience and determination transformed obstacles into moments of empowerment.

In partnership with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), our team committed to building this bridge, aligning with B2P’s mission to create “a world where poverty caused by rural isolation no longer exists.” The dedicated team of volunteers joined forces with the local community and the B2P staff to complete the 120m Cyahafi suspended bridge in Rwanda. This bridge will provide year-round safe access to over 1,200 people in the area.

THE TEAM AND EXPERIENCES

This bridge was more than just a construction project. It was about creating lasting impact. Joel Blair, Southland’s Safety Manager, joined the team with a simple mission in mind: “I wanted to put my name on something that would last longer than me.” And that sentiment seemed to resonate with everyone involved. Building this bridge wasn’t just about safety protocols and ensuring the well-being of the team—it was about creating a lasting legacy for future generations in Rwanda.

Ben Okundia, Deputy Project Manager, emphasized the importance of service. “If you’re passionate about people and have an opportunity to help, don’t be scared.” He saw the project as more than just bridging a gap across a river; it was about bridging opportunity gaps for the local community. His motivation came from his desire to connect people to opportunities—whether that’s bridging a river or bridging the gap between fear and service.

For Kitty DiFalco, who has been with American Bridge Company for eight years as a project engineer, the B2P initiative resonated deeply with her personal values. She described her work as helping “children, adults, and even livestock safely cross dangerous situations.” DiFalco had first participated with B2P as an intern back in 2016, and this project further fueled her passion for ensuring the safety and well-being of people in underserved areas.

Aidan Williams, Southland’s Communications Lead, reflected on the warmth of the Rwandan people and the cleanliness of the streets. He brought toys for local children, witnessing their excitement firsthand. “Seeing their faces light up with joy is a memory I’ll never forget,” he said.

The technical challenges were many, from rugged terrain to manual labor, but the spirit of collaboration kept the project moving forward. Brendan Bresser, Senior Field Engineer, noted that although certain methods were more labor-intensive than expected, the team adapted quickly and worked alongside the local community. “Some challenges we encountered here were not typical. Backfilling with an excavator could have been used instead of manual labor, but this site required throwing rocks into a hole by hand,” he explained.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Connection

In the end, the Cyahafi Bridge project was about more than just steel cables and planks. It was about human connection—between volunteers and the local community, between the past and the future. As Kwadwo Osei Akoto, who has been with American Bridge for over 34 years, reflected, “This bridge represents not just physical connectivity but also bridges the gaps in opportunities and empowers individuals to dream bigger and reach higher.”

Through hard work, passion, and a shared commitment to leaving the world better than they found it, the Southland and American Bridge teams have once again shown the transformative power of service. The Cyahafi Bridge will stand for years to come—a symbol of perseverance, collaboration, and the simple yet profound impact of connecting people to possibilities.

Transforming the landscape along the shimmering waves of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the comprehensive overhaul of the Southern Blvd. Bridge stands as a testament to ingenuity. This formidable enterprise didn’t just see the substitution of an outdated movable bridge; it ushered in a new era for this half-mile urban passage. This revitalized the Post Memorial Causeway and included the construction of a temporary bridge to the north, maintaining a smooth flow of daily life during the transformation of the old drawbridge.

The newly constructed structures showcase a blend of sophistication and sturdiness, offering spacious 12-foot lanes coupled with ample 10-foot shoulders. These pathways cater to both cyclists and pedestrians, offering 7 feet for bikes and 6 feet for walkers. They create a welcoming atmosphere that seamlessly blends with the coastal charm. A range of enhancements such as advanced drainage systems, secure bulkhead, retaining walls, and aesthetic lighting pave the way for an improvement of the signalization, signage, and pavement demarcations.

TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

A colossal undertaking in its own right, the temporary lift bridge sufficed brilliantly to manage the ceaseless flow of commuters. The temporary structure, boasting a 175-foot central span, was expertly crafted with precision and efficiency thanks to the team’s discerning approach. Anchored by four sturdy counterweight towers, its pedestrian safety was placed at the forefront of design considerations.

Spanning 948 feet, with 11 segments that include a notable 228-foot bascule portion, the bridge represents a harmonious blend of form and function. The continuous concrete slabs of the approach are balanced by a dually structured bascule span, arching overhead with a generous 21-foot clearance.

ENSURING CONNECTION

The Tide Relief Bridge, integral to the project, showcases a 7-span concrete slab configuration. Its stage-by-stage construction upheld the integrity of traffic along the slender causeway. Here, you can see the impressive attention to detail in the construction, with 48-inch and 60-inch drilled shafts supporting the approach and bascule piers, respectively.

APPROACH SEGMENTS

Approach segments (45 feet in dimension) rest upon sturdy pipe piles capped with steel beams. The sum of these efforts results in a sophisticated superstructure layered with rolled steel and precast concrete, topped with an asphalteous sheen for smooth transitions.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

But every transformation story has its challenges. Lake Worth Lagoon, with its varied geotechnical makeup, required creative solutions. Johnson Bros. and Applied Foundation Testing’s dedication led to the area’s most celebrated drilled shaft achievement. Their collaboration, coupled with careful planning, improved Palm Beach’s connectivity amidst evolving development, exemplifying adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience in the face of infrastructure needs.

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

Due to the various elements involved in the project, the safety program was created to be flexible, covering marine work, bridge construction, excavation/trenching, and road construction. Team members were given the authority to “stop work” if necessary, and were consistently reminded by supervisors to use this power, helping to identify issues early on that might have been missed during the planning stage.

In situations such as a foot injury during crew boat transfers, thorough investigations were carried out by both supervisors and field staff. These investigations highlighted the need for handrails on crew boats to support personnel while moving, ensuring they always have three points of contact. The findings from these investigations were shared with all employees during the monthly incident review, enabling each project to assess and enhance their procedures and receive appropriate training.

A strong emphasis was placed on hands-on learning, led by a mix of external trainers, internal trainers, and company experts. For instance, the fall rescue training involved collaboration with local emergency responders and project staff, providing valuable insights into the resources required for emergency rescue operations. Through the involvement of various experts and practical experiences, participants gained a thorough understanding of the skills and resources needed in real-world situations.

All project staff, including subcontractors, owners’ representatives, and owners, were urged to play a role in promoting safety across the project. This shared responsibility demonstrated the team’s commitment to upholding a secure work environment, aligning with the company’s core value of ‘Protect My Family,’ and highlighting the significance of prioritizing safety above all else.

The San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge is not only a critical piece of infrastructure, but a marvel of modern engineering. The work involved in constructing the iconic self-anchored suspension span of this bridge included the use of innovative techniques that pushed the boundaries of modern construction. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the most fascinating aspects of the project, including cable band installation, suspender rope installation, and load transfer works that were essential during construction.

Cable Band Erection

Following installation of the PWS (Prefabricated parallel Wire Strands) that made up the main cable, and compaction of those 137 strands, attention turned to cable band erection. There were a total of 114 cable bands, each unique due to varying slope and rotation of the main cable. The cable bands were composed of two halves that were fastened together with 2” diameter bolts and tensioned to a predetermined load.

Suspender Rope Erection

Of the 114 cable bands, 100 had a pair suspender ropes.  Various methods were used to erect the suspenders, depending on the height above the deck.  For locations that a crane could not reach, a custom designed frame was fabricated that allowed a winch to pull the suspender into position.  The center of each suspender rope was marked during fabrication to verify suspender was properly placed during installation.

Load Transfer

Suspender Rope Jacking

The load transfer operation was a critical phase during the Bay Bridge’s construction.  During this operation the permanent suspender ropes were sequentially tensioned to transfer the weight of the bridge deck from the temporary truss to the main cable.  To perform this operation, engineers utilized a jacking system consisting of friction clamp weldments, threaded rods, and jacking beams at each suspender location to connect the suspenders to the bridge superstructure.

The friction clamp weldment was comprised of thick steel plates with machined surfaces secured to each suspender rope using eighteen 1.25” diameter A490 bolts.  The friction clamps were connected to a lower jacking beam using 4 high-strength all-thread rods.  The jacking beams were equipped with two hydraulic jacks.  Each individual system was capable of supporting the maximum load transfer design load of 800 tons, lifting the bridge superstructure, and permanently connecting the suspender to the bridge superstructure.

These jacking systems were vital to equalize the loads during jacking operations, ensuring the structural integrity of the suspender ropes.  The precision required in this process was remarkable, as each jacking location needed to lift and transfer the load incrementally to avoid putting excess strain on the structure during the load transfer operation. 

Jacking Saddle & Tower Adjustments

A unique aspect of the SAS span was it’s continuous main cable; each end of the cable was anchored into the deck at the east end and wrapped around the west pier.  This imposed challenges as the main cable was loaded during load transfer.  Prior to cable erection, the permanent tower was “pulled” approximately 20” west.  To perform this operation, ten 2.25” strands  were connected between the top of the tower to the adjacent island. Jacks on the lower end of the strands were used to manipulate the movement of the tower.  During load transfer, the jacks were adjusted to allow the tower to move at predetermined increments in order to balance the horizontal reactions from the cable.

Additionally, the cable between the two west deviation saddles needed to be adjusted during load transfer to maintain equal tension with the side span cable.  The jacking saddle, positioned between the two deviation saddles, was used to perform this operation.  At each of the jacking saddle’s four legs, four 300T jacks were used to adjust the location of the jacking saddle.  Throughout load transfer, the jacking saddle was sequentially “pushed” a distance of approximately 5’-5”.

In total, the team managed to jack and transfer the load in multiple stages, demonstrating incredible precision and control in their engineering methods. It’s a testament to the planning and expertise involved in constructing a bridge of this magnitude.

The Unsung Heroes of Bridge Engineering

The construction of the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge is a testament to the power of modern engineering. Each phase of the project required careful planning, precision execution, and immense technical expertise. These complex processes were integral in ensuring that the bridge could handle the immense loads placed upon it, while also standing as a symbol of engineering excellence for generations to come.

The next time you drive across the Bay Bridge, remember the countless hours of engineering and ultimately the successful load transfer process, that made this marvel of modern construction possible.