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Appendix A: Amplifying Questions

  1. General
    What technology, methodology, or equipment have you used or developed to accelerate the construction of embankment and/or bridge foundations? In general this would include accelerated construction using, but not be limited to:

    1. New bridge and embankment foundation systems.
    2. Foundation equipment and technology for accelerated construction and rehabilitation.
    3. Innovative earth retention systems for accelerated embankment construction, rehabilitation, and widening.
    4. Innovative ground improvement technology for embankment and bridge foundations.
    5. Earthwork construction for the embankment.
    6. Contracting methods and procurement procedures.

    The technology or methodology could achieve the improved rate of construction by means such as those presented below.

    1. Faster rate of installation and acceptance. This would include:

      1. Faster production rates.
      2. Simplified access via reduced size or environmental impacts/ restrictions.
      3. A more consistent product, which reduces time spent on correcting defects, or mitigating time impacts to other aspects of the project.
      4. A quality control and quality assurance method that streamlines construction and improves efficiency.

    2. Greater production rates. For example, the ability to work:

      1. 24 hours a day via low noise (nighttime).
      2. 24 hours a day via low traffic impact (daytime).
      3. Close to existing structures via low vibration, headroom, etc.
      4. Faster production rates.

    3. Elimination of or reduction in time to construct other steps in the foundation installation process. For example:

      1. Eliminate the need to dispose of soil, wastes, overburden, and hazardous materials.
      2. Elimination of field placement of concrete or steel reinforcement in drilled or driven foundations.
      3. Elimination of pre-construction, post-construction, or off-site environmental mitigation.
      4. Reducing the need for subsurface borings and testing.
      5. Reducing time-consuming methods for protection of adjacent infrastructure and/or maintenance of traffic.

    4. Elimination of or reduction in time to construct other steps in the overall project construction process. For example:

      1. Reducing time for issuing contracts and approvals.
      2. Reducing fabrication time for on-site materials (e.g., prefabricated systems).
      3. Simplification of constructing or connecting to the foundation system

  2. In relation to Item 1, how or why does the technology, method, or equipment provide acceleration of construction? Please describe its development, history of use, and documented performance.

  3. With respect to Item 1, does your method(s) require any specialized foundation equipment? If so, please describe its special nature and provide any patent information.

  4. With respect to Item 1, what is the basis for the design method? Please describe the method and note any modifications from conventional foundation design practice.

  5. What conditions are favorable for the use of the accelerated construction methods that you described in Item 1 (i.e., how do you determine which method to use)?

  6. For each of the methods described in Item 1, what quality control/quality assurance programs are parts of the accelerated construction program?

  7. Do any of the methods, technology, or equipment described in Item 1 require special training, skills, or experience?

  8. With respect to Item 1, what safety issues are associated with the accelerated technology, method, or equipment?

  9. With respect to Item 1, how do you contract or purchase the skills associated with the accelerated technology, method, or equipment?

  10. Is there direct owner/agency involvement in partnering or cost sharing with respect to the development, implementation, and/or use of any of the accelerated technology, methods, or equipment described in Item 1?

  11. Do you have any ongoing research or have you identified any research needs required to advance any of the accelerated technology, methods, or equipment identified in Item 1? Please describe the method of sponsoring research for its development.

  12. With respect to Item 1, please address the following regional or site-specific issues:

    1. Seismic considerations?
    2. Environmental (e.g., air and water quality, noise, vibrations, odors, wildlife, etc.) considerations?
    3. Weather considerations?
    4. Other?

SECONDARY TOPIC 1. PREFABRICATED BRIDGE STRUCTURE AND FOUNDATIONS

Have you used prefabricated materials to accelerate the construction of the bridge or foundation systems? Please provide us with the information on the materials, successful performance, and case histories.

SECONDARY TOPIC 2. OTHER GEOTECHNICAL PRACTICES OF INTEREST

Please describe your experience in applying the limit state design methods in Eurocode 7.

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Page last modified on November 7, 2014
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000