By: Atlantic Industries Limited
Military-Grade Loads Meet Steel Strength
When Defence Construction Canada (DCC) set out to replace a key crossing at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, they needed a solution. It had to handle the immense weight of Leopard 2 tanks and military transporters. The answer came in the form of a buried structural steel plate bridge. It was a resilient, high-capacity structure designed for extreme live loads and demanding environments. This standout project didn’t just meet specs—it earned the title of NCSPA Special Application Project of the Year.
From Proven Performance to Larger Spans
This wasn’t DCC’s first experience with buried steel structures at Gagetown. A similar stream crossing installed in 2019 had already demonstrated the benefits of this design approach. When it came time for a new, wider crossing, a structural plate arch with a 64.3-foot span (19.6 meters) provided the ideal solution.
With military loads increasing and reliability more critical than ever, a buried steel plate bridge offered the necessary strength. This was achieved without the downsides of concrete or more complex bridge types.
Long-Term Durability Built In
The design team focused on longevity from day one. They applied a protective coating to the leg sections to extend the structure’s service life beyond 75 years. To speed up installation and improve quality, they chose a modular precast panel system for the headwalls and wingwalls. This approach reduced on-site labor and kept the schedule on track. At the same time, it added long-term durability in a high-demand environment. By combining smart materials and efficient construction methods, the team delivered a bridge built to last.
Precision Engineering Meets National Standards
To ensure the structure met all design code requirements, engineers utilized Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling tools. These were calibrated to Canada’s CHBDC S6-19 standards. A driven steel pile foundation supported the bridge. This was designed precisely based on structural load reactions calculated during the modeling phase.
This project shows just how far a structural steel plate bridge can go when design precision and performance requirements go hand in hand.
Collaborative Success from Start to Finish
This project succeeded because of strong teamwork. From the start, DCC’s consulting firm, Englobe Corp, worked side by side with the supplier to build clear budgets and timelines. They tackled planning well before the tender phase. Meanwhile, the contractor—who also handled the 2019 project—returned with hands-on experience and insight. Together, the team kept every stage moving, from design through installation. As a result, this structural steel plate bridge didn’t just meet expectations. It raised the bar for military infrastructure projects going forward.
RELATED STORIES
I-70 Over Deer Creek: 2017 Rehab Project of the Year
Building Steel Bridges: A Sustainable Solution for Windfarm Access Roads
2021 Project of the Year Winner – Polymer Coating: Hydrite Chemical Rail Expansion