Arch responded under intense pressure to resolve a critical issue on the Quartz Creek Bridge, a highly complex steel bridge launch project. The bridge featured seven girders and nine segments, each curved, cambered, inclined, and super-elevated. As the structure advanced 4000mm past Pier 1, crews discovered it would not align with Pier 2 rollers and instead collided with the pier cap. With most of the bridge assembled and counterweights already in place, work halted under a stop-work order until a viable solution could be found.
To address the crisis, Arch mobilized two independent teams to model solutions in parallel. This dual-team approach enabled rapid outcome verification, encouraged innovation, and ensured independent checks. Each team explored different paths, developing models that simulated the complex behavior of the Quartz Creek Bridge during launch. They iterated segment and girder configurations, analyzing how each variation affected the structure’s deflection under dynamic loading.
The teams also evaluated counterweight placements and considered modifications to the launch nose while the bridge remained mid-span. These targeted efforts prevented deformation and supported a safe, accurate continuation of the launch.
Arch’s most innovative solution was a tower-crane assisted launch. Precisely executed, it landed within 5mm of the target; proving the effectiveness of the team’s engineering response.