The RIDE Bridge Project
In military operations or emergency response scenarios, the ability to deploy a bridge within hours can be a critical advantage. The RIDE Bridge Project, led by the University of Arkansas in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ERDC), aimed to develop a rapidly deployable bridge system featuring aluminum decking for military bridges, capable of supporting MLC 40+ military loads over a 30-foot span—operational within hours, using minimal crew and equipment.
Project Objective
The goal was clear: design a compact, lightweight, and robust bridge system transportable by a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), and deployable with minimal logistics.
GuarDECK™: Unique Performance Characteristics
As part of the ERDC study, MAADI Group’s GuarDECK™ extruded aluminum bridge decking system was selected among existing solutions and highlighted in the final report for its unique performance characteristics:
• Exceptional lightness: At just 10 lb/ft², GuarDECK™ significantly reduces dead weight, making transport and rapid deployment easier.
• Modular tongue-and-groove connection: Enables fast, secure assembly—ideal for temporary or military bridge use.
• Robust T-bolt clamping system: Ensures firm anchoring to bridge structures while remaining easy to install in the field.
• Proven field versatility: GuarDECK™ is already used in pedestrian bridges, temporary roadways, military platforms, and marine/industrial applications.
• Reliable structural performance: With section moduli of 9.61 in³ (top) and 6.85 in³ (bottom), Finite Element Analysis (FEA) confirmed no yielding under MLC 40 tracked and wheeled loads.
GuarDECK™ is a fully engineered and manufactured product developed by MAADI Group, a Canadian company specializing in aluminum structural solutions. MAADI Group designs and fabricates advanced structures including floating docks, pedestrian bridges, marine gangways, and military light vehicle tactical bridges, all made from high-strength aluminum.
Two Deployable Bridge Concepts Explored
The study developed and modeled two superstructure concepts:
• Collapsible tube girder bridge
• Expanding scissor truss bridge
Both concepts used trackway systems for field deployment. Based on FEA and structural calculations, the collapsible girder model was deemed the most viable. A 1/3-scale prototype was built to evaluate the deployment mechanism.
A Canadian Innovation with Global Potential
The ERDC study confirms that GuarDECK™ is a strong candidate for future tactical bridging systems. As a Canadian-engineered innovation, it aligns with the needs of rapid response forces—not only in combat environments but also for civil protection and access in remote regions.
