This project was awarded through the low bid process of design/bid/build from the Texas Department of Transportation. With eight structures that required critical lift planning, Ed Bell Construction was the low bidder of 10 contractors at a value of $30.58 million on February 3, 2015.

3D Lift Plan was the primary tool used to aid us in deciding to utilize internal crawler cranes or outside hydraulic cranes. Also, we use the extensive library of cranes to check the various outside vendors different setups which can affect overall cost of the lift.

The software is used to determine placement and setup which drives many factors such as the building of pads, diversion of drainage and traffic, beam access, rigging needs, and manpower volume and skillset.

Utilizing the software to walk us through the stages of the lift also helps with determining timelines for our owner, other support equipment needs, safe planning for manpower durations, and understanding what type of transport we need to request from our vendors bringing in the loads to be lifted.

Having such a detailed lift plan which provides not only the visual but also the calculations and overview of the intended operations makes planning and communication to the owner clear and easy. During the approval and pre-lift process we utilize the software not only for internal pre-planning, but to convey to our owner, the load vendors, and local entities about the impact and duration of the lift operation. Clarity is key in a good lift plan and 3D Lift Plan ensures that everyone can be on the same page.

Also key to success in a critical lift is having documentation of how the lift IS to be performed and how it WAS performed. With a detailed plan such as created in the software, approved by a registered engineer, ensuring our plan and processes are documented and followed are all but guaranteed.

With eight structures requires critical lift planning (two over traffic and four over waterways) 3D Lift Plan proved invaluable towards ensuring a productive and safe lift for each structure. Unique challenges we encountered with each series of structure. The lift of the beams on the EBFR Ramp was particularly challenging due to limited access, the geometry of the structure, and various obstructions we had to avoid with our cranes. We used the software to ensure each set of crane pads and access roads was built only once and safely. Also, we needed to ensure that the cranes stayed on the right of way as the structure was designed with no easement on the south side. The software was able to show us where access entry would need to be requested. Part of the challenge for this project resided in the varied nature of the lifts. With various sizes and weights of beams, various qualities of access, and the need to utilize inhouse cranes as much as possible as opposed to rentals, multiple scenarios were needed for review on each structure. A large amount of underground utilities existed in the area where the cranes needed to pick from. 3D List Plan was used to ensure we avoided these areas while building our pads and pick points. Also, as the cranes needed to travel wit the live load, we had to ensure our ground bearing pressure in these areas never exceeded a safe capacity.

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