A Narrative Review of Recent Advances in Accelerated Bridge Construction: Materials, Methods, and Implementation Challenges
Jamiu Lateef
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, United States.
Imran Muhammed Awwal
*
Department of Building, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The critical need to rehabilitate or replace aging highway infrastructure with minimal disruption has propelled Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) to a mainstream imperative. This paper presents a structured narrative review of post-2018 literature, synthesizing significant advancements in ABC across three core pillars: materials, construction methods, and implementation challenges. The review examines the transformative role of advanced materials, particularly Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC), in creating robust connections with development lengths reduced by up to 70%, as well as the growing application of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. It then analyzes the evolution of construction methods, including large-scale modular systems and the use of Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), which have enabled full bridge replacement in as little as 48 hours. Innovative geotechnical solutions, such as Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) abutments, are also discussed as critical enablers. Finally, this review addresses persistent implementation challenges, including design standardization, logistics, workforce training, and the necessity of comprehensive cost-benefit analyses. This synthesis provides a consolidated reference for practitioners and researchers, concluding that the future of ABC hinges on policy development, digital integration, and a systemic shift toward life-cycle and sustainability-based procurement.
Keywords: Accelerated bridge construction, prefabrication, modular construction, ultra-high-performance concrete, composite materials, bridge engineering, self-propelled modular transporters