NW 12th Ave Bascule Bridge Over Miami River
We often work directly for contractors as a Specialty Engineer, so we are very familiar with constructability issues including construction methods and equipment sizes. We often work with contractors to redesign bridges to provide a Cost Saving Initiative (Value Engineering Change Proposal). We have worked on well over 400 task work orders for contractors.
This unique experience benefits our clients because we know first-hand what contractors need to construct projects with economy, speed, and safety. We are uniquely qualified to update existing infrastructure and look forward to helping to Build Back Better as we help replace the country’s aging infrastructure and build new facilities that ease congestion and better connect our communities.
FBT was contacted by the contractor to perform Specialty Engineering services to replace the existing bascule bridge over the Miami River. FBT provided specialty engineering services including developing erection plans for lifting the aesthetic steel fascia girders through block-outs in the deck, redesign of all railing to substitute aluminum in place of steel, design of temporary sheet pile cofferdams for extreme loads from Manitowoc 2250 crane (300 ton), design of relieving platforms for cranes adjacent to existing sea wall (to shield the existing substandard sea walls from the surcharge from the crane), design of numerous precast element connection details, and addressing non-conforming construction.
In addition to working directly for contractors, we have served several industry-leading fabricators and vendors where our collaboration has resulted in economical designs and expedited construction. For instance, we work for the two largest sheet pile and specialty steel companies in the State of Florida where we have provided custom designs and developed shop drawings for complicated projects.
This translated to knowing price trends before most other engineering companies realized and this enabled us to proactively serve our clients determine accurate project budgets. This is especially beneficial for County Governments and municipalities which must receive Board approval before starting a project and where it is detrimental to increase the project cost later during the life of the design phase.