Problem Statement (AISC Rules 2019)

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Steel bridges played an important role when the railroad was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands. These early steel bridges provided some of the highest and longest spans along many railroad routes consisting of rugged terrain that normally would be difficult to traverse.

In an effort to rebuild infrastructure destroyed during recent volcanic flows and earthquakes associated with the Kilauea Volcano and make Hawaii Volcanoes National Park accessible, the National Park commission is interested in paying tribute to the historic Hawaiian steel railroad bridges in the replacement and development of new bridges for the park. A feasibility study is being conducted that includes a competition to identify the best design for a limited access, short span bridge to cross a river near recent and past lava flows. The bridge must have the ability to support bicycles, pedestrians, park vehicles and emergency vehicles while prohibiting private motor vehicles. Models will be erected under simulated field conditions and will be tested for stability, strength, and serviceability using standardized lateral and vertical loads . Structural cost, construction cost and duration, and aesthetics are important considerations. Virtual costs are assigned to critical features, including a sliding scale for material that promotes robustness without wastefulness. Engineers associated with the park will judge the competition and will award the design/build contract to the company whose model satisfies specified requirements and best achieves project objectives.

Steel is specified for ease of prefabrication, rapid erection, superior strength to weight ratio, durability, and high level of recycled content. Designs with permanent or temporary piers in the river will not be considered. Recent and past lava flows near the banks of the river also preclude temporary piers elsewhere, as well as restricting the location of footings and the size of construction zones . Remote staging of material and equipment is required and the size and quantity of members to be transported is limited. Models will not include deck, foundations, and approaches.

Any attempt to gain advantage by circumventing the intent of the competition as expressed by the rules, including this problem statement, will be grounds for rejecting a model and terminating that company’s eligibility.