Forensic Engineering Analysis of an Emergency Bridge Replacement Project

A bridge that provided grade separation and vehicle access over a commercial rail line in a small town in the Southeast had sustained soil erosion and settlement as a result of a severe storm. Replacement of the bridge was undertaken by the State Department of Transportation as an emergency project in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration using the design-build procurement method. Subsequent to the bidding, the design-build team made several changes to the bridge foundations and superstructure that significantly increased the cost of construction. The contractor claimed damages against the other members of the design-build team resulting from design errors and an alleged breach of the customary standards associated with the design-build concept.