Steel is a versatile material that has been used to build bridges for over a century. They are ideal for several applications due to their durability, sturdiness, and reliability and are commonly used for road and railway projects. Moreover, they offer many benefits, including high strength-to-weight ratios, long spans, and various design options.
This post will review some of the most significant factors to consider while constructing a steel bridge.
Factors To Consider When Designing Steel Bridges
The following are the things to keep in mind when designing structural steel bridges:
Loads and Load Combinations
Loads are the forces that act on a bridge. Live loads are vehicles and other moving loads, while dead loads are the bridge structure. On the other hand, wind, seismic, and temperature loads are environmental loads. These combinations must be considered during the design process to ensure the bridge can safely handle them.
Structural Analysis
Structural analysis determines the behavior and performance of a bridge under various loads and load combinations. It considers different factors, including the structural system, material properties, geometric dimensions, and boundary conditions.
Redundancy
Redundancy involves providing additional structural members or elements to maintain the bridge’s integrity, even if one or more parts fail. Thus, a redundant design ensures the bridge’s safety, even in unforeseen events.
Limit State
Limit states are the conditions beyond which a structure can no longer perform its intended function. The limit-state design approach aims to prevent these conditions by ensuring the structure remains within safe limits under all loading conditions.
Design for Constructability
A well-designed bridge should consider constructability, reducing the complexity of the construction process and ensuring that it can be completed within budget and on time.
Design for Fatigue
Structural steel bridge designers must consider fatigue, especially for high-traffic bridges. Fatigue occurs when a material weakens and fails after repeated loading and unloading cycles.
Substructure Design
Substructure design refers to the bridge’s supporting components, such as piers, abutments, and foundations. It must maintain these components and maintain the bridge’s weight and load.
Splice Design
Splices are critical components of steel bridges, joining individual steel members together to create the overall bridge structure. It will ensure the connection is strong enough to resist various loads and combinations.
Bearing Design
Bearing design is essential in steel bridges, as it supports the bridge’s superstructure and transfers loads to the substructure. It must consider the loads the bridge will carry, the type of bridge, and its location. The most common types of bearings used in steel bridges are as follows:
Elastomeric bearings: commonly used in short and medium-span bridges
Pot bearings: preferred for long-span bridges
Spherical bearings: mostly used in curved bridges
The bearing design must also consider the bridge’s movement due to expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.
Bridge Deck Design
A bridge deck is critical in structural steel bridge design because it carries traffic loads and provides a stable surface for vehicles. In addition, it must consider factors such as the type of deck material used to ensure safety and longevity.
Load Rating
The bridge’s strength and safety depend on its ability to carry loads and withstand forces, and a bridge’s load rating determines its maximum load-carrying capacity. Thus, it calculates the safe weight limit for vehicles and other loads crossing the bridge.
Corrosion Protection
Moisture, salt, and chemicals can corrode steel bridges over time. Therefore, steel bridges must be designed and built with corrosion protection in mind to ensure their long-term durability, safety, and sustainability.
Build Durable Bridges With High-Quality Steel From Infra-Metals!
As one of the biggest steel service centers in the US, Infra-Metals offers an extensive selection of products and services to meet your needs. Our centers are designed to cater to each region’s unique demands. We are committed to delivering high-quality services that are both efficient and cost-effective!
As more individuals seek alternative energy sources, the demand for solar electricity is expanding. One of the critical components of a solar energy system is the mounting structure. Solar panel mounting systems give solar panels the support they need to catch sunlight and convert it into usable energy.
This post will discuss crucial factors when selecting the most suitable solar steel panel mounting structure for your business.
Types of Solar Steel Panel Mounting Structures
Different types of mounting structures offer various characteristics, so selecting one that fits your needs is important. Here are the most common types:
Ground-Mounted: These solar panels are typically placed on the ground, in a field, or large open spaces. They are supported by a frame or mounting mechanism that ensures they remain firmly in place even in inclement weather.
Rooftop: Rooftop solar panels are an excellent solution for buildings with limited ground space. These are positioned on the building’s roof using a specialized mounting technique.
Pole-Mounted: Pole-mounted solar panels can be a great option in areas where rooftop and ground space are both limited. These systems may be deployed in several places around the facility and are mounted on one or more poles.
Floating: Solar panels built on bodies of water — such as reservoirs, ponds, or lakes — provide a unique chance to create renewable energy. The floating platform on which these panels are installed has many advantages, including lowering water evaporation and improving water quality.
Materials Used in Solar Steel Panel Mounting Structures
There are several materials used in mounting structures for solar products, including the following:
Cold-Formed Steel (CFS): This material has high strength, a long lifespan, and affordability. It is frequently used for solar panel systems that are roof-mounted and ground-mounted.
Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material easily molded to meet specific designs.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a long-lasting, corrosion-resistant material that can survive seawater exposure. Thus, it is frequently utilized for solar steel panel mounting structures in coastal locations.
Galvanized Steel: This material has been zinc-coated to prevent rust and corrosion, making it ideal for places with tough weather conditions.
Structures for mounting solar panels are best made of CFS. This is a popular choice because of its strength and low cost. Further, it can assist in cutting installation costs while assuring the system’s long-term endurance and dependability. Still, selecting the material that best meets your project’s unique requirements is most important.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Solar Steel Panel Mounting Structures
Choosing the right panel mounting structure requires careful consideration of various factors, such as:
Location and Geography
The location and geography of a solar project can considerably influence the mounting structure chosen. For example, if the site is on a steep slope, a pole-mounted structure may be preferable over a ground-mounted system.
Another key factor to consider is soil type, as some soils may only be able to handle the weight of a ground-mounted system with additional foundation work. Shade from trees or other objects near the location can further restrict the amount of energy produced by the panels.
Wind and Snow Loads
The construction must be built to handle the area’s projected wind and snow loads. Failure to do so may cause damage to the panels or the building itself, potentially resulting in costly repairs or replacements.
Solar Panel Size and Orientation
The appropriate angle and orientation of the panels must be set to optimize energy production while meeting size and orientation specifications. For example, if the location has a southern exposure, the panels should be positioned to face south. Hence, the angle of the panels should be adjusted to capture as much sunlight as possible.
Budget and Cost-Effectiveness
It is important to weigh the advantages of the mounting structure against its cost. For instance, consider the long-term savings obtained by selecting a high-quality, long-lasting mounting framework.
Sustainability and Environmental Factors
Select a structure that has a minimal environmental impact and is built of environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, it should be constructed to be easily dismantled and recycled at the end of its life.
Infra-Metals: Your Go-To Source for Steel Solar Panel Mounts!
At Infra-Metals, we are your one-stop shop for all your structural carbon steel needs! We have streamlined materials and processing capabilities, allowing us to provide you with the best materials and components for your application. Moreover, our extensive inventory enables us to offer multiple types of products on short notice.
Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help you. You may also request a quote today to work with us on your next custom solar panel mounting project!
Eric Gray is the Traffic Coordinator in Marseilles, IL.
Eric, formerly a bartender from Ottawa, IL., decided to look into job opportunities and found out about Infra-Metals through a family friend. An interview was scheduled with the operations manager and he was hired to work as a crane operator on 2nd shift in 2006. Eric notes that his training was kind of touch and go in those days, yet he learned how to master the cranes and keep up with the fast paced environment of loading trucks and getting them out the door. Fast-forward to 2015 where Eric applied to be 2nd shift supervisor. There we several applicants at the time but Eric ended up landing the spot.
“I liked the challenge. I have good relationships with the shift guys and feel like there was a strong camaraderie that was formed with a lot of them.”
Eric worked closely with operations, traffic and even sales to ensure loads were completed and ready for delivery. He would find himself filling in for the processing supervisor which allowed him to learn the software system better. Many of these skills would ultimately help prepare him for his next role.
Career Growth
In January of 2018, Eric became the 2nd shift traffic coordinator. Working in the traffic department interacts with almost every department and is often times the busiest office during the work day. “I was at that point that I wanted a new challenge.”
In the traffic department, the workload changes daily from scheduling picks in the shop, to working with sales, to routing and delivery logistics. “Every day is different. When I walk through the door, the day always has something new to offer. I review the board and piece the puzzle together for that day’s deliveries.” He also handles the driver staff and ensures their routes are optimized for on-time delivery. Since his early days in the shop, Eric has seen a lot of growth at the Central Division, most notably the emphasis on safety.
“Everyone works together towards the same goals. We’re all moving together in the same direction.”
Hobbies
Eric enjoys running. He has competed in 3 full marathons, 8 half marathons and a spartan race. He is also a season ticket holder for the Chicago Bears. When not competing in marathons, running or rooting for the Monsters of the Midway, he cheers on his kids at their sporting events and band concerts.
Eric continues to keep his sights on the future and one day aspires to fulfill a management role at Infra-Metals. Congratulations Eric on a long career with us! You have been an integral part of the team and continue to add to the success of the Central Division and Infra-Metals as a whole!
Ken Crespi Jr. is the Traffic Manager in Atlanta, GA.
Ken’s career with Infra-Metals spans several decades and locations. He began working for Infra-Metals Wallingford in 1994 as the traffic manager. He was referred by his father, whom had been the long time credit manager at that facility. As the 90’s rolled on, business began adopting more network computer systems and the company was in need of someone to handle this new growth. In 1999 Ken was offered the position of IT Manager. At the time it was a brand new position for the company and he was left in charge to develop the roadmap for the solutions throughout the office and warehouse. He taught himself networking and implemented a peer-to-peer workgroup and email.
Career Growth
After spending four years in IT, he took on the opportunity as Credit Manager in 2003, taking after his father whom had retired several years prior. Ken was looking for more responsibility and was eager to learn something new. After six years as credit manager he looked again to what the company’s needs were and decided to that he enjoyed working in operations more and took another role as Processing Manager in 2009. Ken was in charge of scheduling work for much of the processing machinery in the warehouse, a role that brought him back to the production side of the business.
“I liked collaborating with the traffic department to fulfill orders. It was something I already had experience in.”
Eventually another opportunity opened up and this time it would take him and his family to a warmer climate. No more Nor’easters! He accepted the position as Traffic Manager at the Atlanta, GA. facility. Since the early days when the company was more decentralized, Ken has seen the Infra-Metals group come together and work towards more common goals.
“Because of the centralization and collaboration between the locations we have become a much stronger company.”
In his current evolution as traffic manager, Ken conducts daily discussion with drivers, many times covering safety concerns and best practices. The company has grown in his eyes and it now employs a positive environment for open communication.
“Infra-Metals is a place you can retire from.”
Hobbies
Ken has always enjoyed sports and in his spare time he likes playing softball, handball and soccer.
Thank you Ken for your many years with Infra-Metals!
Josh Kozlowski is the Traffic Manager in Wallingford, CT.
Josh, originally a Milwaukee native, moved to Connecticut when he turned 21. He began his career in the steel industry by working for a metal processor specializing in stamping. Josh gained valuable shop experience running one of the presses and eventually made his way into quality control. Eager to continue moving up within the organization, he quickly realized that there wasn’t a lot of opportunity for growth and decided to part ways and found his way to Infra-Metals through a referral. After interviewing, he began training with a class of 15 warehouse trainees in 2002. At the conclusion of his roughly three week training period, Josh began working as a 3rd shift crane operator. After a year in that role he became the 3rd shift loader. One year, in 2004, he moved up to shift supervisor where he’d spend the next 5 years.
Career Growth
In 2009 Josh took an opportunity to work in the traffic department as First Shift Traffic Coordinator. This ultimately would end up closely mirroring many of his current tasks and was an excellent preparatory position for what was to come. On the daily he would coordinate deliveries between sales and operations, building and scheduling loads all while paying attention to weight, trailer length and delivery geography. Traffic is the one department that has its hands in everything and every day poses its own unique challenges.
“Working as a team across all functional departments is key. We’re only successful together.”
Twenty one years later, Josh is now the Traffic Manager for Wallingford, CT. Josh enjoys the challenge everyday and not knowing what is going to pop up. He is responsible for the driver staff, managing carrier rates, scheduling truck and trailer maintenance and many other tasks.
“You never know what opportunities could be coming down the road. This company provides outside of the box opportunities.”
Over the last two decades Josh notes all of the growth that both the Wallingford facility and Infra-Metals overall has enjoyed. There have been many expansions, investments in new equipment and the implementation of key safety measures and personnel.
“The emphasis on Safety has been astounding compared to when I first started.”
Hobbies
Being from Wisconsin automatically makes Josh a Greenbay Packers fan. He really enjoys watching sports and supporting his team.
Quotation
“Always put your best effort in everything you do.”
Congratulations Josh! You have been an integral part of the team and the success of the Wallingford, CT facility!
We say farewell to long time President, Mark Haight.
After graduating from Ohio Northern University in 1980, Mark Haight went to work for a steel service center in MI. Mark was new to the business, but it was an opportunity, so he took it. He worked hard, tried to make a positive impression and it got noticed. Within a few months he was included in vendor, customer and industry meetings, taking notice of his opportunities to move up. Towards the end of 1982, that business was sold and the VP of Sales left to start a new business in CT, where he eventually would offer Mark an opportunity to join.
Years later in 1990 Mark was given the chance to build a business and Infra-Metals was born. His primary goal was to build a business that could survive in all markets. To accomplish that everyone needed to feel like they had a stake in the business and essentially feel like an owner.
“It has always been my mission to build a business where all involved had a chance to live their American Dream.”
After 32 years leading Infra-Metals and thereafter Delta Steel, we all thank you Mark Haight for your mentoring, leadership and friendship and wish you Godspeed and good fortune in your much deserved retirement from Infra-Metals and Delta Steel.
Effective January 1st Oak Williams was promoted to President of Infra-Metals and Delta Steel.
Oak joined the sales team at Infra-Metals in 1998 shortly after graduating college with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Vermont. In 2014 he accepted the challenge of being the leader of the greenfield operation we built in New Boston Ohio. As General Manager, Oak put together the commercial and operational teams that were ultimately responsible for the very successful startup we had there, achieving profitability in just a few short months.
In 2018 Oak was promoted to Vice President – Commercial and spent a lot of time reorganizing and reenergizing the leadership teams throughout Infra-Metals and Delta Steel.
Now as President and COO Oak looks forward to continuing to lead by example and continue the mission to create an environment where everybody wants to come to work each day.
Marcial Villalobos is the Safety Coordinator for Infra-Metals Marseilles.
Marcial decided that he wanted something more stationary as opposed to his prior job. He would travel out of state every week working as a foreman for a railroad company. Marcial had friends that worked in the warehouse and was referred for an interview which ultimately landed him a crane operator position on 2nd shift in late summer of 2004. Eighteen years later he has never looked back.
Two years later, Marcial moved to first shift crane operator and spent the majority of his time working in bay 1 of the facility. Fast-forward to 2015 and Marcial earned his spot as 3rd shift supervisor.
To say that Marcial is a veteran of the Central Division would be an understatement. He is an asset and a critical component to the success of the facility. He is known for his ability to unload barges in record time, operating forklifts in a pinch, and has a very intimate knowledge on how to pick and handle difficult material. He shares all this accumulated knowledge and experience to help make the rest of the shop team efficient, safe and successful.
Marcial eventually made his way to first shift as a supervisor in 2018.
Career Growth
In the summer of 2022, Marcial became the Safety Coordinator for the Central Division. His nearly two decades of experience are rolled into this very important position; to ensure the safety training for all at this division is done thoroughly and correctly. His responsibilities include OSHA documentation, equipment training, employee safety record keeping, develop training procedures, toolbox talks and safety committee meetings. Marcial has a lot of experience handling a crane and enjoys showing tips and tricks for picking and unloading material.
“I’m happy I came to Infra-Metals. I knew after my initial training that I wanted to stay here until I retire.”
Marcial strives to always help others and really enjoys being a resource for all of the guys in the shop.
“I like being a teacher and training people.”
Reflecting back on his training almost two decades ago, Marcial feels a sense of pride and ownership in his role and takes it very seriously. “Everyone needs to leave the job the same way they came in.”
Safety at Infra-Metals is the highest priority and having Marcial in the seat, along with the team at the Central Division, is a recipe for success.
Hobbies
Marcial enjoys playing his favorite sport soccer and spending time with his family.
Quotation
“If you see something, say something.”
Congratulations Marcial! Team Infra can’t wait to see what you do next!
Ivan Lopez is Inventory Control in Tampa. Fifteen years and still going strong.
Ivan, young and working in Puerto Rico as a cabinet installer, was looking for a better opportunity for him and his girlfriend and to start a life in the states. He was referred by a friend when he began working at his first job stateside in Tampa as a 3rd shift crane operator in 2007. Shortly after he began working he got married and set his sights on a career in steel with us. Typically third shift loads material that was picked by previous shifts. However there are always situations when an operator must pick and load their own material, especially when there are 25+ trucks to load for the day; and if that material wasn’t under a crane way Ivan would hop in a forklift and go get it.
Moving on within Infra-Metals is very common with our employees and Ivan is no exception. In 2011 he moved onto first shift as a crane operator. Although the qualifications and skillset are essentially the same, first shift deals mostly with inbound material and inventory organization, which is a change of mindset and focus. Safety is always on our minds and being in the warehouse requires you to be on your toes. Sorting material with the proper equipment and safety protocols are all part of the job.
“I learned the proper way to stack and organize material, benefiting the next person who interacts with it, making everyone’s job safer and easier.”
Ivan also had to identify the different grades of inventory products and color code it by painting the ends, making it easier to identify when picking. Eventually, in 2012, opportunities opened up in the processing department and Ivan began working as a burn operator working on the plasma and oxy fuel machines. He quickly learned how to program CNC using Pronest and Autocad by working closely with the processing lead man at the time. Ivan would ensure he optimized the material usage by nesting it using these software tools and passing on those savings to the customers.
Career Growth
In 2021, Ivan became head of Inventory Control, a natural fit for someone that possess intimate knowledge of the inventory and warehouse operations. Inventory accuracy is of utmost importance because Infra-Metals uses a tag based tracking system. Almost every piece of material, with the exception of bundled stock, gets an individual tag and Ivan is the person responsible for all of it. When inventory can’t be found, he will conduct a small cycle count of a particular size in an effort to reconcile any variances.
“We operate in a harsh environment and often times tags go missing due to the extreme variations in temperature and humidity.”
His efforts are a critical part of our quality control procedures.
“My personal goal is to have the inventory as accurate as possible and make things run smoother for the shop to ensure quality for our customers.”
Fun Fact: Ivan learned what he calls “Infra English” because he didn’t know the English language when he first arrived. He took a class for 3 months and learned the rest on the job! Because of this it’s no surprise that Ivan enjoys a good challenge. That is his passion in his current role.
“Everyday is different and brings new challenges.”
Quotation
“Work safe, think safe and be the best you can be every single day.”
Hobbies
Ivan’ s kids are his hobbies. His 11 year old son plays little league and travel ball. Additionally his 7 year old daughter is in gymnastics with a 4 year old waiting for her turn. Additionally, Ivan likes to play basketball with all of his children.
Congratulations Ivan on a successful career! We look forward to the next 15 years and beyond!
Kevin Perez is the Quality Assurance Administrator for Wallingford, CT.
Kevin arrived at Infra-Metals in 1996 after an honorable discharge from the United States Army and leaving his job at a convalescent home. His 26 year journey began as a 3rd shift crane operator in Wallingford, CT. From 1998-2006 Kevin worked in the warehouse as a 3rd shift supervisor. During this time, the country experienced the worst terrorist attack on American soil and Kevin jumped at the chance to re-enlist and serve his country. While enlisted, he found himself working security for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah.
Career Growth
In 2015 Kevin became the receiving clerk for Wallingford. His responsibilities became very inventory focused. Kevin would schedule and receive all inbound mill deliveries, as well as attend to any mill claims and RMAs. This role would be a stepping stone for his next move.
In 2020, Kevin became the Quality Assurance Administrator. A culmination of work experiences made this move an easy one. He has a vast amount of operations knowledge that helps Kevin to successfully manage the QA program at Infra-Metals. From finalizing load checks, to processing quality checks and finalizing customer documentation for accuracy, Kevin’s is most often times the final person to oversee many task before a delivery is made to our customers.
“I like working with the guys in the warehouse and helping the new guys.”
Kevin works closely with all of the departments and that is something that he really enjoys. Kevin also enjoys his contributions to the toolbox talks. He wants to continue to grow with the company and is always eager to take on more responsibility. “Infra-Metals has provided me with a career and it’s the place I want to retire from.”
Quotation
“Stay Safe”
Hobbies
When Kevin isn’t working he can be found enjoying his motorcycle and practicing at the shooting range.
Congratulations Kevin! We look forward to your many more years with Infra-Metals!
Cheryl Bryant is the Credit Manager for Petersburg, VA.
Cheryl was originally hired in 2015 as an Assistant Credit Manager based in our Home Office of Langhorne, PA. She is a well versed in the credit department and holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Management. Her primary role was to assist the daily tasks of the current credit manager. Cheryl would spend her time opening accounts, setting up terms and releasing orders. Additionally Cheryl enjoyed traveling to other locations such as Tampa to assist the local credit manager at the time.
Cheryl grew into her position, learning new skills from the veteran credit managers and becoming more versed in the system and it’s reporting capabilities. As Cheryl continued to cover other locations when a credit manager was out of the office, she began taking more ownership of the orders and making credit decisions.
“I take personal ownership when I release an order because I also have to ensure we get paid for it and collect it.”
As she assisted her fellow credit managers in Atlanta, Langhorne, Petersburg and Tampa, her knowledge of the business grew and she was prepared for the next step in her career.
Career Growth
In May 2021, Cheryl became the credit manager for Petersburg, VA. Transitioning into the credit manager role was rather seamless she explains.
“Now that I am onsite and in the office, I have more interaction with Sales on a daily basis.”
Many of her daily routine remained the same but she now has full ownership of her customer base and collections. Over the past seven years Cheryl has been part of company that has grown in many areas. She takes great personal pride in the Petersburg facility and her competitive spirit rises up at every month end review to see which division did the best in the group.
” I want to continue in a leadership role to positively affect change and make my facility the most competitive and fun environment.”
Quotation
“Don’t worry, no order gets left behind.”
Hobbies
Cheryl enjoys reading John Grisham and Robin Cook novels and outdoor hiking.
Thank you Cheryl for your hard work and dedication to Team Infra!
Marcial decided that he wanted something more stationary as opposed to his prior job. He would travel out of state every week working as a foreman for a railroad company. Marcial had friends that worked in the warehouse and was referred for an interview which ultimately landed him a crane operator position on 2nd shift in late summer of 2004. Eighteen years later he has never looked back.
