15

Part 4

Erection1

— 2017 —

FOREWORD

The purpose of this part is to formulate general rules as a guide for the erection of railway bridges. Part 1, Design is applicable
to erection of steel railway bridges except as modified by Part 4, Erection.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
Section/Article Description Page
4.1 General (1992) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-2

4.2 Definitions of Terms (2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-2

4.3 Work to be Done (2002) R(2015). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-3

4.4 Drawings or Special Provisions to Govern (1992) R(2015). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-3 3

4.5 Plant (1992) R(2015). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-3

4.6 Plans (2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-3

4.6.1 Steel Structure Supplied by Company (2002) R(2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-3
4.6.2 Steel Structure Fabricated by Contractor (2002) R(2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-3
4.7 Delivery of Materials (1992) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-4

4.8 Handling and Storing Materials (1992) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-4

4.9 Establishment of Lines and Elevations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-4

4.9.1 Substructure Constructed by Company (2003) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-4
4.9.2 Substructure Constructed by Contractor (2003) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-4

4.10 Bearings and Anchorage (2002) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-4

4.11 Erection Procedure (2016) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-4

4.12 Alteration of Members (2016) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-5

1
References, Vol. 13, 1912, pp. 83, 935; Vol. 24, 1923, pp. 146, 1143; Vol. 38 1937, p. 630; Vol. 49, 1948, pp. 206, 669; Vol. 57, 1956, pp. 555, 998; Vol. 62,
1961, pp. 550, 877; Vol. 63, 1962, pp. 386, 699; Vol. 68, 1967, p. 351; Vol. 70, 1969, p. 241; Vol. 76, 1975, p. 241; Vol. 80, 1979, p. 188; Vol. 92, 1991, p.
78; Vol. 93, 1992, p. 124; Vol. 94, p. 1. Reapproved with revisions 1993.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT)

Section/Article Description Page

4.13 Falsework (2016) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-5

4.14 Allowable Stresses During Erection (1991) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-5

4.15 Drift or Traffic Pins (1991) R(2016) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-5

4.16 Field Assembly of Members (2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-6

4.17 Fit-up of Field Connections (2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-6

4.18 High-Strength Bolted Field Connections (1991) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-6

4.19 Field Welding (1991) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-7

4.20 Field Connections Using Pins (1991) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-7

4.21 Field Inspection (1991) R(2015). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-7

4.22 Misfits (1991) R(2015). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-7

4.23 Field Cleaning and Coating (2016) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-7

4.24 Deck (1991) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-8

4.25 Removal of Old Structure and Falsework, and Cleanup (1991) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-8

4.26 Interference with Traffic (1983) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-9

4.27 Company Equipment (1983) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-9

4.28 Work Train Service (1983) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-9

4.29 Risk (1983) R(2015). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-9

4.30 Laws and Permits (1983) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-9

4.31 Patents (1983) R(2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4-10

SECTION 4.1 GENERAL (1992) R(2015)

These recommended practices establish general rules for the erection of railway bridges. For work of a special nature, or work
to be done under unusual conditions, these recommended practices may be modified, or supplemented, to adapt them to
special requirements. When applicable these general rules apply to contracted work or work to be done by Company forces.

SECTION 4.2 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS (2015)

See Article 1.1.1.

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SECTION 4.3 WORK TO BE DONE (2002) R(2015)

The Contractor shall erect the metalwork including erecting and removal of special erecting devices and falsework as required
and shall make all connections and adjustments, and do all the work required to complete the bridge superstructure, in
accordance with the plans, special contract provisions, and these recommended practices, and as required by the terms of the
contract.

SECTION 4.4 DRAWINGS OR SPECIAL PROVISIONS TO GOVERN (1992) R(2015)

Where the drawings, special provisions and/or these recommended practices differ, the drawings, special provisions and these
recommended practices shall govern in that order.

SECTION 4.5 PLANT (1992) R(2015)

The Contractor shall provide all tools, equipment, temporary connectors, special erecting devices, and erecting falsework as
required for the expeditious handling of the work and for completion within the time specified.
1

SECTION 4.6 PLANS (2017) 1

4.6.1 STEEL STRUCTURE SUPPLIED BY COMPANY (2002) R(2017)

3
a. The Company will be responsible for furnishing, if available, the complete detail plans for the steel structure or
structures to be erected, including shop drawings, shop details, camber diagrams, erection diagrams, match marking
diagrams, list of field fasteners, and shipping statements showing a full list of parts and weights.

b. The Contractor shall prepare erection procedures and submit them for review and acceptance by the Company.
4
4.6.2 STEEL STRUCTURE FABRICATED BY CONTRACTOR (2002) R(2017)

a. The Company will be responsible for furnishing the design drawings and special provisions for the steel structure or
structures to be fabricated and erected.

b. The Contractor shall prepare shop drawings, shop details, camber diagrams, erection diagrams, match marking
diagrams, list of field fasteners, erection procedures, and shipping statements showing a full list of parts and weights;
and shall submit them for review and acceptance by the Company.

1
See Part 9 Commentary

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SECTION 4.7 DELIVERY OF MATERIALS (1992) R(2015)

Where the contract indicates that materials are to be furnished by the Company, the Contractor shall receive all such materials
at the place and under the terms specified in the contract documents.

SECTION 4.8 HANDLING AND STORING MATERIALS (1992) R(2015)

a. Where the contract requires unloading of the materials, the Contractor shall unload promptly on delivery. Demurrage
charges, when unloading is delayed for reasons within the control of the Contractor, shall be his responsibility.

b. Stored material shall be piled securely at least 12 feet clear from the center line of the track. Material shall be placed on
blocking, above the ground. It shall be kept clean and properly drained. Long members, such as columns, chords and
girders, shall be supported on blocking placed close enough together to prevent injury from deflection. The Contractor
shall check all material turned over to him against shipping lists and report promptly in writing any shortage or damage
discovered. The Contractor will be held responsible for the loss of any material while in his care, or for any damage
resulting from his work.

SECTION 4.9 ESTABLISHMENT OF LINES AND ELEVATIONS

4.9.1 SUBSTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTED BY COMPANY (2003) R(2015)

The Company will be responsible for the construction of the substructure to correct lines and elevations, and for the
establishment of the lines and elevations required by the Contractor for setting the steelwork.

4.9.2 SUBSTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTED BY CONTRACTOR (2003) R(2015)

The Contractor shall be responsible for the construction of the substructure to correct lines and elevations, and for the
establishment of the lines and elevations required for setting the steelwork.

SECTION 4.10 BEARINGS AND ANCHORAGE (2002) R(2015)

Refer to Part 5.

SECTION 4.11 ERECTION PROCEDURE (2016)

a. To assure the Company that erection will proceed in an orderly sequence and that it will be completed within the
contract time, the Contractor shall advise the Engineer fully as to the procedure which will be followed and the amount
and kind of equipment which he proposes to use. When required by the nature of the structure and so stipulated in the
special provisions of the contract, erection procedure plans shall be prepared by the Contractor.

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b. The Engineer will review the information and plans submitted in accordance with paragraph a, and the Engineer’s
consent shall be obtained before field erection may be started. This consent shall not be considered as relieving the
Contractor of responsibility for the safety of the procedure and equipment, or from carrying out the work in compliance
with the contract requirements.

SECTION 4.12 ALTERATION OF MEMBERS (2016)

If the Contractor desires to alter, modify, or reinforce any member of the permanent structure, such proposed alteration shall be
submitted to the Engineer for review and consent. If the Engineer consents to such proposed alteration, the Contractor shall
arrange with the fabricator for performing this work. Such alteration shall be at the Contractor’s expense. The Contractor
retains full responsibility for avoiding damage or detrimental overstress in members of the permanent structure at all times
during erection.

SECTION 4.13 FALSEWORK (2016)

Where the erection procedure involves the use of falsework, the Contractor shall prepare and submit to the Engineer for
review, plans for the falsework. The falsework shall be properly designed and substantially constructed for the loads to which
it will be subjected. Review by the Engineer of the Contractor’s plans shall not be considered as relieving the Contractor of full 1
responsibility.

SECTION 4.14 ALLOWABLE STRESSES DURING ERECTION (1991) R(2015)

3
a. During erection, members and connections subject to erection loads shall not be stressed to more than 1.25 times the
basic allowable stress. When the erection loads are combined with wind loads, members and connections shall not be
stressed to more than 1.33 times the basic allowable stress.

b. The allowable shear stress for drift or traffic pins in a fitted-up connection shall be 20,000 psi.
4
c. Fully torqued high-strength bolts and drift or traffic pins in the same connection plane may be considered as sharing the
stress.

SECTION 4.15 DRIFT OR TRAFFIC PINS (1991) R(2016)

a. Drift or traffic pins (cylindrical body pins with tapered ends to facilitate driving) shall be used to line up the open holes
in a connection. They shall have the same nominal diameter as that of the open hole into which they are driven.

b. Drift or traffic pins shall be of hardened steel with a minimum yield strength of 50,000 psi.

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c. Drift or traffic pins shall not be driven to deform the material but only to line up the holes. High-strength bolts or
temporary fit-up bolts shall be used in combination with the pins to hold the plies of material together during the fit-up
process.

SECTION 4.16 FIELD ASSEMBLY OF MEMBERS (2017)

a. Members shall be accurately assembled as shown on the plans and carefully handled so that no parts will be bent,
broken or otherwise damaged. Hammering which will injure or distort the members will not be permitted. Bearing
surfaces and surfaces to be in permanent contact shall be cleaned just before the members are assembled as required by
Section 4.23a.

b. Unless erected by the cantilever method, truss spans shall be erected on blocking or falsework so placed as to
accommodate proper truss camber.

c. Beams and girders which are field spliced shall be erected on blocking, falsework, or held in the falls until sufficient
holes in the splices can be made fair and have been fitted-up as required by Section 4.17.

d. The Contractor shall be responsible for supporting the segments of the structure in a manner that will produce the
proper alignment and camber in the completed structure. Cross frames and diagonal bracing shall be installed as
necessary during the erection process to provide stability and assure correct geometry. Temporary bracing, if necessary
at any stage of erection, shall be provided by the Contractor.

SECTION 4.17 FIT-UP OF FIELD CONNECTIONS (2017)

a. The Contractor shall furnish the Company information showing the erection and/or erection plus erection wind forces
in all members, and shall show the proposed provisions for withstanding these forces and procedure for fitting up the
connections.

b. All connections shall be accurately aligned by driving sufficient drift or traffic pins in a pattern to fair-up the holes.
Light drifting will be permitted to effect this fairing-up of the holes, but heavy drifting which would deform the
material shall not be permitted. Unfair holes may be reamed or drilled oversize and corresponding fasteners used in
such holes, subject to review and approval by the Engineer. Sufficient fit-up bolts shall be used with pins as necessary
to bring the parts into contact and to stabilize the joint during alignment.

c. Following fairing-up of the holes, fit-up of the connection shall be completed with fit-up bolts and pins in a pattern
suitable to hold the joint material together and to withstand calculated erection stresses until final fastening is
accomplished.

d. Permanent bolts may be used as fit-up bolts provided they are installed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.

SECTION 4.18 HIGH-STRENGTH BOLTED FIELD CONNECTIONS (1991) R(2015)

a. Where high-strength bolts are used in field connections, they shall meet the requirements of Part 3, Fabrication,
Article 3.2.1.

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b. The installation procedure for permanent high-strength bolts and for fully tightened high strength fit-up bolts shall be
as specified in Part 3, Fabrication, Article 3.2.2.

SECTION 4.19 FIELD WELDING (1991) R(2015)

Field welding, where permitted by the provisions of Part 1, Design, Article 1.5.10, shall be done in accordance with the
provisions of Section 3.3.

SECTION 4.20 FIELD CONNECTIONS USING PINS (1991) R(2015)

Pins may be driven or jacked into place. Pin nuts shall be screwed tight, and the threads burred, unless another means of
retaining the pin nut is specified.

SECTION 4.21 FIELD INSPECTION (1991) R(2015)

1
a. The work shall be subject at all times to inspection by the Engineer or the Inspector.

b. The requirements for inspection and procedures to be followed for each type of work shall be as specified in
Section 3.5.

SECTION 4.22 MISFITS (1991) R(2015)

a. The correction of non-repetitive minor misfits shall be done by the Contractor without additional compensation.

b. Any error in shop work which prevents the proper assembling and fitting up of parts by the moderate use of drift or 4
traffic pins or a moderate amount of reaming and slight chipping or cutting, shall immediately be reported to the
Inspector, and his approval of the method of correction obtained. The correction shall be made in the presence of the
Inspector, who will check the time and material. Where material requiring correction is furnished by the Company, the
Contractor shall render to the Company within 30 days an itemized bill for such work of correction for the approval of
the Engineer.

SECTION 4.23 FIELD CLEANING AND COATING (2016)

a. Uncoated field contact surfaces shall be thoroughly cleaned to remove loose rust and loose mill scale. Any grease or
temporary protective coatings on such surfaces shall be removed.

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b. Where the rust-inhibiting coating on machined surfaces required by Part 3, Fabrication, Article 3.4.2a is of a type
which must be removed prior to erection, such coating shall be removed immediately prior to field assembly of mating
surfaces so that rust will not form.

c. Field-applied coatings shall be in accordance with the system selected and specified by the Engineer.

d. Steel work inaccessible after placing of deck shall be field coated before the deck is placed.

e. Weathering steels, ASTM A588, and A709 Grade 50W, Grade HPS 50W, and Grade HPS 70W, need not be field
coated provided the field coating requirement is waived in the contract documents or is otherwise deleted by the
Engineer.

SECTION 4.24 DECK (1991) R(2015)

Where required by the special provisions and the terms of the contract, the ties, guard timbers, guard rails, fire decking,
concrete decking, waterproofing, ballast, deck planking, track rails, and tie plates, and other specified deck appurtenances shall
be placed and, when applicable, fastened by the Contractor in accordance with the plans, specifications, and special provisions
furnished by the Company. Unless otherwise specified, all such material will be delivered by the Company to the Contractor. If
treated timber is used, the Company will deliver it properly framed to the Contractor. Untreated ties shall be framed by the
Contractor to give a full and even bearing on girders or stringers and under the rails. Where necessary to do any framing or
cutting of treated timber, the resulting surfaces shall be treated with wood preservatives as directed by the Engineer.

SECTION 4.25 REMOVAL OF OLD STRUCTURE AND FALSEWORK,

AND CLEANUP (1991) R(2015)

a. Where required by special provisions and terms of the contract, the Contractor shall dismantle the old structure and
either load the material on cars for shipment or pile it neatly at a site immediately adjacent to the tracks with clearance
specified in Section 4.8b, and at an elevation convenient for future handling, as specified. Where the old structure is to
be used again, it shall be dismantled without unnecessary damage and the parts match marked according to diagrams
furnished by the Company.

b. Where the falsework is the property of the Company, the Contractor shall follow the same procedure as specified by
paragraph a.

c. Where the falsework is the property of the Contractor, he shall dismantle it and remove it completely from the site.

d. The Contractor shall cut off piling at the surface of the ground, or at a lower elevation, or shall completely remove it as
required by the special provisions and terms of the contract.

e. On completion of his work, the Contractor shall remove all debris and refuse from the site, and leave the premises in
good condition.

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SECTION 4.26 INTERFERENCE WITH T RAFFIC (1983) R(2015)

a. The special provisions and terms of the contract will state definitely the procedures to be followed by the Contractor to
minimize interference with the movement of trains where the structure is being erected under traffic.

b. The special provisions and terms of the contract will stipulate any special requirements which may apply to
interference with waterborne traffic when the structure is erected over a navigable body of water.

c. The special provisions and terms of the contract will stipulate any special requirements which may apply to
interference with vehicular or railroad traffic above or below the structure being erected.

SECTION 4.27 COMPANY EQUIPMENT (1983) R(2015)

When the special provisions and terms of the contract provide that the Company will furnish equipment to the Contractor, such
as flat cars, water cars, bunk cars, etc., the Contractor shall repair all damage to such equipment furnished for his use and
return it in as good condition as when he received it, less normal wear and tear.

SECTION 4.28 WORK TRAIN SERVICE (1983) R(2015) 1

Where the special provision and terms of the contract provide that work train or engine service is furnished to the Contractor
without charge, the Contractor shall state in his bid the number of days such service will be required. Any excess over the time
specified in this bid shall be paid for by the Contractor at the Company’s schedule of rates.

SECTION 4.29 RISK (1983) R(2015)

The Contractor shall be responsible for loss or damage to materials, for all damage to persons or property, and for casualties of
every description caused by his operations during the progress of the work. Injuries or losses due to events beyond the control
of the Contractor shall not be borne by him unless they occurred because he was dilatory in handling the work, with the result 4
of extending the time beyond the limit designated in the contract.

SECTION 4.30 LAWS AND PERMITS (1983) R(2015)

a. Permits for the location and construction of the structure shall be obtained as directed by the Company.

b. The Contractor shall comply with Federal, State and local laws, regulations and ordinances, and shall obtain at his
expense the necessary permits for his operations.

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SECTION 4.31 PATENTS (1983) R(2015)

The Contractor shall protect the Company against claims on account of patented technologies used by him on the work.

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