Could a grouped design approach of bridges increase productivity and decrease cost and climate impact?

Paper in proceeding, 2024

Transport infrastructure is a crucial part of the society. At the same time, the construction industry is responsible for a large amount of the used material resources in the world. It is also an essential part of the economic growth in many countries. At the same time, the construction industry lags behind in productivity. One way to be responsible for natural resources is to optimise every bridge that is designed and built. In large infrastructure projects that include an essential number of bridges, there might be a potential to optimise groups of bridges. Grouped design of bridge members or bridges could lead to improved design and construction productivity and cost-effectiveness. With reduced time, it would be possible to complete the project earlier and thereby generate benefits for society earlier. This feasibility study discusses how grouping and standardisation of bridges could be used to deliver cost, production and climate-effective bridges.