Engineered Rigging Speeds Bridge Work: Rapid Bridge Replacement System Swaps Railroad Spans in One Day

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Sep 26, 2016, 10:13 ET

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark., Sept. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Engineered Rigging, innovators in motion, today launched its new Rapid Bridge Replacement System, which enables railroads and their maintenance contractors to exchange a railroad bridge span in a single day. In addition to substantial timesavings, the system also provides a safer method for bridge replacement than hydraulic cylinder approaches.

With Engineered Rigging's Rapid Bridge Replacement System, railroads and their maintenance contractors can remove and replace a railroad bridge span in just one day.

Manufactured with domestic materials in the U.S.A, Engineered Rigging's 250-ton Rapid Bridge Replacement System features four mechanically engaged lift columns (two at each end), a horizontal lift girder connecting the columns, drivable trolleys that guide the bridge span along the lift girder and transport carts to remove spans and deliver replacements.

Demonstrations of the Rapid Bridge Replacement System are available via video at (http://engineeredrigging.com/rapid-bridge-replacement-system/). To learn more, contact [email protected] or visit the company in booth 238 at the BreakBulk Americas trade show September 26–29 in Houston, Texas. BreakBulk attendees are invited to celebrate Oktoberfest in Engineered Rigging's booth on September 27 from 5–8 p.m. and September 28 from 2–6 p.m.

Unique Design Improves Safety, Shortens Bridge Closures

Unlike hydraulic cylinder lift methods, the Rapid Bridge Replacement System installs on top of the rails, rather than under, eliminating the need for extensive below-rail modifications to adjacent sections. The enclosed lift girder doubles as a safe passageway for crews crossing the bridge once the span is removed.

Crews construct the modular system on a nearby spur so rail service is not interrupted during set up. The system assembles in three to four shifts, ships on four or five legal flatbed trailers and requires no special permits.

Safe, Fast Operation

"Depending on the number of spans, railroads can safely and efficiently replace a complete bridge in days rather than months," explained Bogdan Gaita, vice president of Engineered Rigging.

This mechanically engaged lift system operates without cable drums or strands, which can fail, or hydraulics, which can leak. Its self-locking lift columns result in synchronized lifting and positive mechanical engagement. Even during a power outage, the lift columns remain stable. Plus, the system's remote operation enables crews to control lifting and transport from a safe distance.

Standard Configuration

Engineered Rigging's Rapid Bridge Replacement System features 250-ton lifting capacity and can replace most railroad bridge spans. Its components include:

Four 30-foot lift columns
Two lift column connector beams
One central span box girder
Two adjustable ladders
Two trolleys and drive systems
Lift system transport carts
Bridge section transport carts
Synchronized control system with power unit

About Engineered Rigging

Engineered Rigging provides innovative heavy lift and hauling, fabrication services and engineering solutions to a wide range of industries. The company leverages decades of experience and a wealth of technical expertise to overcome the most complex logistical challenges. For more information, visit www.EngineeredRigging.com.

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/Engineered-Rigging-Rapid-Bridge-Replacement.mp4
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160922/410880

SOURCE Engineered Rigging