Precision 3D Scanning for the Mt. SAC Pedestrian Bridge Installation

For the Mt. SAC Pedestrian Bridge, ScanTek 3D delivered detailed onsite scanning to ensure the perfect structural alignment of intricate steel tub girders. By providing precise spatial data during full road closures, we seamlessly integrated the massive structure over an active transit center, blending engineering innovation with practicality.

Why is Reality Capture Critical for Bridge Infrastructure?

Connecting active campus zones requires massive infrastructure improvements, but installing heavy civil structures over existing facilities introduces severe risks. Relying on theoretical 2D measurements for bridge installations often leads to catastrophic clashes during crane placement.

Detailed onsite scanning eliminates this costly guesswork entirely. By capturing the exact physical conditions of the site, civil engineers and structural steel fabricators can proceed with absolute confidence. This ensures that heavy lifts are executed safely and efficiently within tight installation windows.

What Were the Structural and Logistical Challenges at Mt. SAC?

The newly installed pedestrian bridge at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) is a massive leap forward in campus connectivity. Bridging Parking Structure S and the main pedestrian walkway required navigating an intensely complex, multi-layered construction environment.

This infrastructure project presented several high-stakes structural and logistical hurdles, including:

• Elevator and Stair Tower Integration: Connecting the massive main span to a newly constructed vertical access tower with zero-tolerance alignment margins.

• Active Transit Center Footprint: Safely suspending the heavy civil structure directly over the Foothill Transit Center being constructed simultaneously below.

• Complex Logistics and Road Closures: Meticulously planning multi-crane installation phases that required full road closures to place bridge sections safely without disrupting daily campus life.

How Does 3D Scanning Aid Steel Tub Girder Alignment?

The installation of this bridge marked a significant engineering milestone for the campus. Our involvement focused on delivering detailed onsite scanning during every critical step of the assembly and erection phases.

Heavy civil structures rely on highly engineered components that are incredibly difficult to adjust once rigged. Steel tub girders are prized for their aesthetic appeal and torsional stiffness, but their closed-cell geometry makes them highly unforgiving during field connections. Any deviation in the abutments can grind a critical lift to a halt.

We ensured each segment of the bridge—specifically the highly intricate steel tub girders—was perfectly aligned and structurally sound. By mapping the exact connection points in 3D space, we verified that the tub girders would seat perfectly on their tower connections on the very first try.

Delivering a New Campus Artery

Handling full road closures means the installation window is rigidly fixed. Delays caused by misaligned steel not only burn through the project budget but can create severe public safety and traffic nightmares.

Our ScanTek 3D team played a critical role in this phase, ensuring every detail was accounted for and seamlessly integrated. Because of this rigorous reality capture, the complex erection sequence was executed exactly as engineered. This pedestrian bridge isn't just a structure; it’s a new vital artery in the heart of Mt. SAC, enhancing the daily commute for students and staff.

Partner with ScanTek 3D for Complex Infrastructure Logistics

If your vision involves intricate and impactful infrastructure projects, ScanTek 3D is here to bring our reality capture expertise to the table. We provide the precise structural alignment data necessary to execute high-stakes installations flawlessly.

Are you a civil engineer, infrastructure general contractor, or structural steel fabricator managing complex site logistics? Contact ScanTek 3D today, and let’s collaborate to transform your heavy civil designs into physical reality.