A study into the fabrication and erection process of SPACES bridge

SPACES is a new form of tubular steel spaceframe bridge that offers considerable savings compared with conventional plate or box girder arrangements. Construction of SPACES structures does, however, because of the scale, require a different approach to that adopted for spaceframe roofs if these economies are to be properly realised. This paper describes how an IT-based, construction-led approach that recognises and addresses downstream fabrication and erection issues during the design process may be set up.