A traditional bridge construction process involves significant challenges pertaining to economic losses for indigenous businesses, disruption of emergency and utility services, and increased traffic snarls. Most of the bridge designs, especially the complex ones, are initially designed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to get a better picture of the asset to be built. In horizontal construction, BIM remains a relatively under-utilized method. BIM can dramatically increase sustainability, improve efficiencies, and reduce waste over any infrastructure project lifecycle. However, issues arise when the client has a specific requirement of a faster project delivery method, ensuring reduced mobility disruption and economic impact.

When compared with the traditional approach, the Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) method proves to be an appropriate choice for reinstating the structural strength in bridges. The decisions related to agency cost, construction cost, and user cost are of pressing concerns to the decision-makers in adopting the methodology to go ahead with the repair and rehabilitation works. This calls for a quick project delivery tool/platform which enables the decision-maker to look for all the possible factors affecting the bridge construction and delivery process.

ABC is an initiative to expedite the bridge construction process through pioneering planning, design, and construction methods while reducing environmental impacts and construction mobility. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the state Departments of Transportation (DOTs), while adopting the ABC approach, can shorten the planning and build phases of bridge construction from years to a mere 48 to 72 hours.

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