Bridges, in both their simple and majestic forms, stand as symbols of connection and progress. They link communities, facilitate commerce, and enable transportation. Behind these structures lies a critical element often overlooked—the art of metal fabrication. In this article, we delve into the world of bridge construction and maintenance, highlighting the indispensable role of metal fabrication in bringing these engineering marvels into productive use.

The Backbone of Bridges

Bridges, whether spanning rivers, valleys, or highways, require a sturdy skeletal framework that can withstand immense loads and environmental forces. This is where large metal fabrication comes into play. The importance of metal fabrication in bridge construction cannot be overstated. Here’s why:

1. 1. Strength and Durability:

   Metal, particularly steel, is renowned for its strength and durability. It can withstand heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and the test of time. Metal fabrication ensures that the bridge’s components, from beams to brackets and supports, are manufactured to endure.

2. 2. Precision Engineering:

   Bridges demand precision engineering to ensure safety and longevity. Metal fabrication allows for the precise cutting, welding, and shaping of components to meet exact specifications, ensuring the structural integrity of the bridge.

3. 3. Customization:

   Every bridge project is unique, with specific requirements as well as design and engineering constraints. Customized metal fabrication enables engineers and designers to create bridges that fit the landscape, fulfill transportation needs, and adhere to safety regulations.

Stages of Metal Fabrication in Bridge Construction

1. 1. Design and Planning

The process begins with meticulous plans. Engineers and architects work in close collaboration with metal fabricators to conceptualize the bridge’s structure. Specific metals are chosen for their desired strength and the fabrication techniques are carefully determined.

2. 2. Material Selection

Steel, due to its exceptional tensile strength (strength-to-weight ratio), is a popular choice for bridge construction. The type and grade of steel are determined based on such factors as the bridge’s location, load-bearing capacity, and anticipated environmental conditions.

3. 3. Cutting and Shaping

Once the materials are chosen, they are cut and shaped according to the design specifications. Advanced cutting technologies like laser cutting and waterjet cutting ensure precise and clean edges, crucial for a secure fit during assembly.

4. 4. Welding and Assembly

Welding is a fundamental process in most metal fabrication projects. Skilled welders meticulously join the components together, creating the bridge’s framework. The quality of welds is of utmost importance to ensure the bridge’s structural integrity.

5. 5. Surface Treatment and Coating

Bridges are exposed to the elements, making surface treatment and coating essential for protection against corrosion and rust. Metal fabricators apply coatings that withstand weather, salt, water, and other corrosive elements to help extend the bridge’s lifespan.

6. 6. Transport and Installation

Once the bridge components are fabricated, they are transported to the construction site and assembled. This process demands that components are sized and shaped with precision and that installation is well coordinated to ensure good fit and structural integrity.

Maintenance and Repairs

Metal fabrication doesn’t end with bridge construction. Regular maintenance is crucial to preserving the bridge’s functionality and safety. Metal fabricators play a vital role in inspecting, repairing, and reinforcing bridge components, and supplying replacements as needed over time.

At Gilchrist Metal Fabricating, we are proud to contribute to the construction and maintenance of numerous bridges in New England and beyond. Our dedication to quality, precision, and customization ensures that every bridge component project we undertake is a testament to the endurance of high-quality metal fabrication.

“Don’t Burn Any Bridges”

Bridges are remarkable feats of engineering, and at their core lies the artistry of metal fabrication. The importance of large metal fabrications in bridge construction and maintenance cannot be overstated. It provides the strength, durability, and precision necessary to create these vital connections that link communities and fuel progress.

If you have any inquiries or would like to learn more about our metal fabrication services for bridge construction and maintenance, or any other application, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help build the bridges that connect our world.

 

We’d like to delve into the intricate world of welding for large, custom metal fabrications, where the fusion of traditional techniques and modern technology plays a pivotal role.

Navigating the complexities of large metal fabrications since 1975 while consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry, GMFCo is always studying and developing the art of welding. The advances in both robotics and human technique have come a long way since the mid-1970s and our customers are great motivators to stay on the leading edge of welding applications.

The Mastery of Manual Welding

The craft of manual welding lies at the heart of custom metal fabrications. Our experienced welders are artists in their own right, possessing a deep understanding of metals and the subtleties of heat and fusion. This expertise allows us to address unique challenges and deliver customized solutions. The human touch brings:

• Adaptability:

  The human touch in manual welding provides the flexibility to adapt to the distinct characteristics of each project.

• Quality at the Core:

  Our welders’ skills ensure that each weld is a mark of craftsmanship, contributing to the structural integrity and longevity of the fabrication.

• Custom Craftsmanship:

  Manual welding is indispensable for custom projects, demanding a level of precision and personalization that only human expertise can provide.

The Evolution of Robotic Welding

The advancement in robotic welding technology represents a leap forward in efficiency and consistency for large-scale projects. These systems complement our traditional capabilities, ensuring uniform quality while enhancing productivity. Robotic welding offers:

• Consistency:

  Robotic welding provides unwavering accuracy, delivering consistent quality across all welds.

• Efficiency Boost:

  This technology allows us to handle larger volumes and complex tasks more efficiently, maintaining our commitment to quality and efficiency.

• Versatile Applications:

  Our state-of-the-art robotic system adapts to a variety of materials and welding techniques, proving to be an invaluable asset in our computerized fabrication portfolio.

The Synergy of Manual and Robotic Techniques

At Gilchrist Metal Fabricating, we believe in the harmonious integration of manual and robotic welding. This combination enhances the quality, efficiency, and scope of our end products, ensuring that we meet and exceed our clients’ diverse needs.

• Strategic Combination:

  We deploy manual and robotic welding where they excel, guaranteeing the best outcome for each project.

• Innovative Solutions:

  This dual approach allows us to innovate, creating structures that are more robust and aesthetically pleasing.

• Client-Centric Approach:

  By blending these techniques, we cater to our clients’ varied requirements, supplying a superior product faster than ever before, accelerating delivery and application in the market where it counts.

Dedication to Customers

At Gilchrist Metal Fabricating, our pursuit of excellence is relentless. Whether it involves a complex piece requiring the nuanced skills of our welders or a large-scale project benefiting from the precision of our robotic welding system, we ensure that every project reflects the highest standards of quality in metal fabrication.

Engage with Gilchrist

Have a project in mind? Reach out to us. We’re here to transform your vision into reality, combining tradition and technology seamlessly.

 

Last year, our company was recognized in Business NH Magazine for being a “Top Family Business.” This got us thinking about what it took to get where we are today, and what will move the company forward.

With the third generation of Gilchrists adroitly at the helm, we’ve discovered a few of the ways successful businesses succeed for multiple generations. For us, it began with principles set by the late John Stuart Gilchrist, our company founder. The common sense and pragmatism he espoused remain imbedded in our culture & methods today.

Aligning Goals and Methods

Creating large metal fabrications for global clients offers plenty of challenges. Differing approaches on the same executive team can lead to problems and even greater challenges. What we’ve figured out is that if you’re going to have two generations leading the company, “the old horse and the young horse need to pull together in a straight line.”

For the last three of his years at Northeastern University, Stuart Gilchrist worked for a large electrical contractor that was soon absorbed by a top five US construction company with annual sales in the billions. Four years after graduation, Stu brought his education, corporate experience and younger insights to GMFCo. New perspectives, processes and systems were introduced and some were debunked by the management team. Though not all suggestions survived the process, “The old horse and the young horse’’ often found themselves aligned. Gilchrist Metal Fabricating’s performance improved significantly since the young horse teamed up with the old horse.

Everyone Pulls Together

We try to make sure that all our team members are pulling together in the same straight line. A business like ours needs to find the best people it can and keep them. It takes a unified team to help carry out the strategy set by the leaders. At Gilchrist, we have patiently built a team that takes care of our customers and often amazes others in our industry.

Pulling in a straight line includes supporting all contributors equitably and all our employees matter to our continued success. Everyone working full time at Gilchrist receives the same benefits package as senior management because health is hugely important, and paramount to a successful life and career.

Lessons learned and applied since 1975 have worked at GMF for three generations and we’ve enjoyed record-breaking years with our young horse now in charge.