Earthquake Resistant Design of Bridges
Construction Methods
Information
• This presentation contains methods and practices that is adopted for bridge
construction
• Multiple methods can be used at a time depending on the economy, ease in
construction, availability of technology and other factors. Hence the methods
described here are given in broad sense
• Videos, photos in this presentation are taken from the internet just for the sake of
your knowledge. They belong to different projects, different countries etc.
• Knowledge has been given preference over copyright (if any) for only this
presentation!!!
Different Methods
• Cast-in-situ method
• Balanced cantilever method
• Precast method
• Span by span casting method
• Incremental launching method
• Cable stayed method
• Arch method
Different Methods
Cast-in-situ method
• Flexible, i.e. unusual geometrical shapes can be easily achieved
• Economical for short span bridges
• Construction technique is simple (just scaffolds and formwork)
• For long spans also possible but requires more sophisticated falsework system
Different Methods
Balanced cantilever method
• Span 50 to 250 m
• Construction begins at each pier
• Special formwork is positioned and first the pier is casted
• The pier segment then used as an erection platform and launching base
• Cast-in situ segments are then formed in tandem on either side of pier
• Stability of end cantilever span maintained by temporary pier support
• Span of end span normally 0.55 to 0.65 times the length of the typical span of the
bridge
Different Methods
Balanced cantilever method
Different Methods
Balanced cantilever method
Different Methods
Precast method
• For short span bridges 5 to 50 m
• Construction with precast beams and/or precast slabs or precast segments
• Construction time is less
• More quality control
• Precast segmental decks can be used to span long distances
• For internally pre-stressed segments the construction time can be 1 span per
week, for externally pre-stressed it can be 3 spans per week
• Balanced cantilever method can be used to construct or crane or self launching
gantry system can be used
Different Methods
Precast method using gantry system
[Link]
Different Methods
Span by span casting method
• Most economic method and rapid method for spans up to 60 m
• Decks are arranged from one abutment and is constructed continuously by
placing segments to the other end
• Segments positioned using temporary assembly truss with sliding pads
• Assembly truss is placed over piers
• Pre-stressing through longitudinal tendons is applied
• Once one span is completed the truss is moved on to next span to repeat the
same process again
[Link]
Somewhat similar to span by span method
Different Methods
Incremental launching method
• For spans more than 250 m
• Bridge deck is built by pushing the structure from abutment to the pier
• Most suited for bridges with features like constant depth
[Link]
The video gives excellent description of the launching method !!!
Different Methods
Cable stayed method
• For spans more than 300 m
• Cable carries the bridge deck from one or
both sides of the tower
• Cable forces are transferred to the tower
[Link]
Not exactly a cable stayed method but worth it!!
[Link]
Proper cable stayed method!!
Different Methods
Arch method
• Economical choice to cross over inaccessible landscape
[Link]
One of the technique is shown in the video. Other procedures are also available
