Before the end span of the new Pattullo Bridge—now known as the stal̕əw̓asəm (Riverview) Bridge—could behave as a cable-stayed structure, it relied on a carefully engineered system of temporary bracing. This article explores how those short-lived elements provided critical stability during construction, then disappeared without a trace.

Temporary works must do more than carry load—they must manage settlement, seismic demand, and constructability under real-world constraints. Part B of this article explores how the TP3 temporary tower was engineered to mitigate settlement, redirect seismic forces, support construction sequencing, and then be removed without a trace.

Temporary works play a critical role in building major bridges, yet disappear once construction is complete. This article explores the TP3 temporary tower that supported the Pattullo Bridge end span for six months, enabling construction to proceed before the stay cables were engaged—and leaving no trace once its job was done.

The Sombrio Bridge (2012) replaced a timber span on Highway 14 with a two-lane steel plate girder crossing. Four girders, ~500t of steel, were launched without a nose or temporary pier. Stability was achieved using precast deck panels as counterweights, removed during tipping and added back as the cantilever grew. This construction-driven solution cut costs, improved safety, and strengthened the permanent bridge.

The Gilbert River Bridge in Quebec (2013) demonstrates why capturing camber in analysis is critical to incremental launching. By adjusting support elevations during staged analysis, engineers accurately predicted reactions and deflections, ensuring the 4,000-tonne superstructure met both geometric and structural demands during erection.

The Athabasca River Bridge in Fort McMurray set a North American record in 2009 with the widest simultaneous steel girder launch. Nearly 5,000 tonnes of steel were incrementally launched across 375m of the 472m-long bridge, eliminating the need for a temporary pier through an innovative jacking strategy. This value-engineered solution reduced costs, improved safety, and accelerated construction.

Center-span girder segment lifting and erection using a stiffening truss with a 400 ton crane for the new Athabasca River Bridge.

Bridge girder erection plans outline steps, equipment, and logistics for safe placement of girders.

Pushing systems in incremental bridge launching: hydraulic jacks, rams, winches, and cranes, each with unique pros and cons.

The launch nose reduces bending moments during bridge girder launches, ensuring smooth transitions and structural integrity.

The launch bed is essential for assembling and moving steel girder segments during bridge construction, tailored to project-specific needs.

Toronto's historic Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge nears completion with deck casting completed.

This post outlines staging analysis for incremental launching, covering launch stages, FEM creation, and results in the erection manual.

Planning an Incremental Launch: key steps for efficient, safe, and cost-effective bridge construction using the Incremental Launching Method

The Incremental Launching Method a technique used to erect bridge girders. It's suitable for challenging terrains with difficult access.

The final selection of a crane is a collaborative process requiring accurate loads, placement, boom length and checks, and load charts.

Discover how we lowered a century-old truss bridge onto its permanent bearings while ensuring structural safety in an orchestrated jack-down

The St. Andrews Lock and Dam Bridge rehabilitation project reached a milestone with a successful jacking-up to lift Truss Span 1 at Pier 1.

The Strathcona Footbridge, had its structural steel recently erected. The complex process involved cranes, trucks, and meticulous planning.

When planning a bridge erection methodology using cranes, selection of appropriate crane model(s) is crucial. This not only ensures...