By: Contech Engineered Solutions
A Vision for Access and Beauty
In Texas Hill Country, the developers of Maverick Ranch needed more than just a roadway. They wanted an access solution that was cost-effective, reliable, and visually appealing. At the same time, the structure needed to blend into the rugged landscape rather than distract from it. With those goals in mind, the team began exploring bridge design options that could meet strict performance demands while still offering an attractive finish. They ultimately decided on a corrugated steel bridge to meet these needs.
Facing the Challenges of Floodplain Design
The project site sits in a floodplain that experiences heavy flow during a 100-year event. To handle that much water, engineers calculated that a structure equal to seven 11-foot by 11-foot concrete boxes would be necessary. Because each crossing stretched more than 315 feet from bank to bank, clear-span bridges were ruled out early due to their high cost. Precast buried bridges were also considered. However, they could not compete with the efficiency and economy of a corrugated steel bridge.
Why Corrugated Steel Was the Right Solution
Ultimately, the project team selected a triple-cell deep corrugated structural plate box culvert supported by Steel EXPRESS Foundations. This corrugated steel bridge solution provided significant savings on materials and reduced installation time. Even better, it eliminated the need for heavy equipment, which made the job safer and more efficient. The combination of performance, speed, and value made this choice the most practical for the developer’s goals.
Strong Foundations, Faster Construction
The Steel EXPRESS Foundation system worked hand in hand with the deep corrugated steel plate design. These prefabricated steel forms acted as stay-in-place components, blending the speed of steel plate with the economy of cast-in-place concrete. As a result, installation accuracy improved, construction timelines shortened, and risks to the crew were minimized. Because the system required little formwork experience, contractors could move quickly without compromising quality. Together, the foundations and triple-cell culverts delivered a corrugated steel bridge that was both functional and aesthetically suited to the Texas Hill Country landscape.
RELATED STORIES
Project Spotlight: Highway 50 Camino Safety Project
Stormwater Management Systems
John Rolfe Square – 2017 Retention/ Detention Project of the Year