Innovation Description and Benefit:

The FARM Bridge Program is using Simple for Dead Load-Continuous for Live Load (SDCL) design methodology to design and construct bridge replacements at 28 separate locations.  SDCL steel design methodology has many advantages over conventional methods of designing and constructing steel bridges, including lower initial construction cost, reduced life-cycle costs, easier inspection and reduced maintenance. Additionally, the SDCL bridge design methodology reduces uplift in unbalanced spans, reduces negative moments at the intermediate bents, simplifies fabrication, eliminates the need for bolted field splice, and results in shallower beam depths.