Pre-preparing and templating the bridge footing reinforcement at the project site - a case study of the non-level Shahed-Azadi roundabout in Mashhad

This study examines and compares two methods of reinforcement for bridge foundations, with an emphasis on the experiences gained from the Shohad-Azadi Skewed Interchange project in Mashhad. In the traditional method, which involves manually placing reinforcements at the final site, numerous issues such as prolonged construction time, inaccuracies in reinforcement positioning, high costs, and health-safety concerns arise. These problems were particularly evident in the Shohad-Azadi Interchange project, which is one of the main entry routes to the city of Mashhad and required reduced construction time and improved build quality.

In contrast, the modern reinforcement method, which employs industrial techniques and assembly processes, addresses these challenges. In this approach, the majority of the foundation reinforcement work is carried out in a controlled factory environment or on the ground away from the final location. The pre-assembled reinforcements are then transported to the installation site and installed using cranes. This method significantly reduces construction time, enhances the accuracy of reinforcement placement, lowers costs, and improves worker health and safety conditions. Additionally, it reduces dependency on the environmental conditions of the construction site, which is especially beneficial for projects like the Shohad-Azadi Interchange, executed under tight traffic and scheduling constraints.

The results of this study indicate that the new reinforcement method, due to its advantages in reducing time and cost while improving construction quality, is an effective and practical solution for bridge construction projects. It can be introduced as a new standard in the bridge construction industry in Mashhad.