more stable configuration, accelerated schedule, and competitive construction costs) and bridge owners (e.g., versatility, reduced maintenance and lifecycle cost, and proven technology). The maximum span length for this system is currently limited to about 18 m, reflecting the longest press breaks that are available in the industry. The depth of the girder
ranges between 425 mm and 890 mm. Design tables have been developed for the preliminary girder sizing (see Macey, 2015). The FSPG system is considered to have “the potential to revolutionize the short-span bridge market” (Azizinamini, 2009) and even received AISC Special Achievement award in 2011.
Fig. 7 : Details of the Folded Steel Plate Girder (FSPG) System
Fabrication of the folded steel plate girder at the factory involves the following five simple steps: Cold bending the steel plates: Cold bending of 10 to
12.5 mm thick plates (A709 Grade 50 steel) using break press (Fig. 8). This operation takes approximately 2-3 hours.
Fig. 8 : Cold Bending of Plates to the Required Shape Using a Break Press (Source: Macey, 2015)
Installation of necessary hardware: Welding of bearing stiffeners, sole plates and bolting of flange separators, which takes approximately 1-2 days (Fig. 9). The Bridge and Structural Engineer
Installation of shear studs: welding shear studs may take about a day (Fig. 10).
Volume 47 │ Number 1 │ March 2017
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