Arch was engaged to develop the Girder Transportation Plan for the safe and permitted movement of massive 42-meter-long, 3-meter-high curved and cambered steel girders through British Columbia’s public highway system. The scope required advanced engineering analysis and specialized design to satisfy provincial transportation regulations and meet the structural demands of the girders during overland transport.
The curved geometry and cambered profile introduced complex challenges, especially in managing eccentricities in the center of mass. These irregularities created non-uniform load paths and shifting torsional forces; particularly problematic when navigating corners or elevation changes at speed. To address these challenges, Arch designed custom trailer loading frames with engineered chain-down points at the front and rear. These frames offered eccentric support to balance the girders on the trailer and jeep, preventing lateral displacement during acceleration, braking, and turning.
As part of the Girder Transportation Plan, Arch performed structural analyses to evaluate wind loads, shear forces, and dynamic responses generated during transport. This was essential due to the contractor’s use of a dolly system, which introduced additional articulation and alignment variability between the tractor and trailer.
Arch also designed the crane lift plans for both loading and unloading. Loading used a single-crane pick, requiring precise rigging and center-of-gravity control. For unloading, Arch engineered a tandem crane lift, with two cranes moving in coordination to safely position the girders for final erection.