How is speed achieved in steel bridge fabrication? What roles do the owner, engineer, and general
contractor play?
Speed may be a matter of urgency: on some projects, the steel was needed yesterday. Most projects
are less urgent, with the fabricated steel needed months or years out. Regardless, time always
matters. On every project, the fabricator is working to a delivery commitment and associated
schedule that is important. And accelerated or not, achieving the desired schedule depends on the
same factors.
Achieving speed in fabrication is only partly associated with the time it takes for shop floor
activities, like optimal cutting, fitting, welding, drilling, cleaning, and coating. Achieving speed is
also about time related to shop support activities, like getting materials, shop drawings, procedures,
and inspection on time. Further, these activities have significant time saving opportunities—and
the possibilities of significant delays.
