1. Selection Criteria For Short-Span Bridges Construction Methods
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Selection Criteria For Short-Span Bridges Construction Methods
Mohamed Darwish, PhD, PEng Nour Akroush,BSc
Mohamed Kasbar, BSc Laila Amin, BSc
Tariq Almahallawi, BSc Noorhan Helmy, BSc
Presented by:
Mohamed Kasbar

2. Presentation Outline 1. Categorize short-span bridges
2. Segmental bridges
Sub-categorization
Methodology
Governing factors
3. Arched bridges
4. Case study- Ravensbosch Viaduct, Netherlands
Construction flowchart
Method evaluation
5. Case study- King Fahd Causeway
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

3. Introduction Segmental Bridges Arched Bridges Short-span bridges
Concrete
steel
Arched Bridges
Steel
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

4. Pont de Gard Bridge (France- 12 BC)
Segmental Concrete Bridges
Segmental concrete bridges are made of repetitive structural concrete elements that are progressively joined together to form the complete bridge structure.
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Pont de Gard Bridge (France- 12 BC) (
Mohamed Kasbar

5. Segmental Concrete Bridges
Method of Construction
Casting Method
Cast-in-Place
Precast
Erection Method
Cantilever
Balanced
Unidirectional
/Progressive Placement
Span-by-span
Incremental Launch
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Casting Methods
Erection Methods
Span-by-span
Cantilever
Incremental Launch
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

6. Casting Methods Precast prefabricated , transported to site
and installed
Cast-in-place
Segments cast in their place in the
superstructure of the bridge
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Casting Methods
Erection Methods (
Span-by-span
Cantilever
Incremental Launch
Table forms
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

7. Casting Methods Segmental Bridges Introduction Precast
Advantages
Disadvantages
Precast
More economic in short spans since forms of precast elements can be re-used
Finishing done on the ground
Better quality control.
Major reduction in schedule (simultaneous work in do substructure while pre-casting 
Not suitable for large, heavy segments
High cost of pre-casting plant, the transportation, storage and installation 
Cast-in-place
Most suitable for large heavy segments, where precast cannot be used since the segments are too large and heavy to be transported
High cost of travelling forms
Segmental Bridges
Casting Methods
Erection Methods
Span-by-span
Cantilever
Incremental Launch
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

8. Span-by-span Method Construct piers
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Place first segments (using mobile cranes)
Rapid assembly
However
high level of mechanization
suitable for large number of spans
Casting Methods
Assemble gantry crane (truss system)
Erection Methods
Lift segments into position
Span-by-span
Cantilever
Align segments and apply epoxy-grout in connections
Incremental Launch
Repeat for a few more segments
Arched Bridges
Post-tension (if necessary)
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Move gantry crane to the next span and continue
watch?v=wqcj1GAayYY
Mohamed Kasbar

9. Balanced Cantilever Erection Method
Casting Method: pre-cast segments Casting Method: cast-in-situ
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Casting Methods
Erection Methods
Span-by-span
Cantilever
Incremental Launch
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1 (
Case Study 2 (
Mohamed Kasbar

10. Unidirectional Cantilever Erection Method
Introduction
Casting Method: pre-cast segments Casting Method: cast-in-situ
Segmental Bridges
Casting Methods
Erection Methods
Span-by-span
Cantilever
Incremental Launch (
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

11. Balanced and Unidirectional Cantilever Methods
Introduction
Balanced Cantilever
Unidirectional cantilever
Speed
Faster
Slower
Complexity
More complex
Less complex
Need for temporary support No
Yes
Accessibility
Less accessibility
More accessibility
Segmental Bridges
Casting Methods
Erection Methods
Span-by-span
Cantilever
Incremental Launch
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

12. Incremental Launch Erection Method
Construct Piers
Place temporary supports (if segments are long)
Cast first segment
Launching Nose pulls segment into position (using hydraulic jacks )
Cast segment 2, and cycle is repeated
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
First segment
Casting Methods
Erection Methods
Span-by-span
Cantilever
Incremental Launch
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
/unrestricted/11lucko_chapter4.pdf
Mohamed Kasbar

13. Steel Bridges Advantages of using steel:
High yielding strength (with a lower dead load)
Isotropic material
sustainable
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Casting Methods
Erection Methods
Span-by-span
Cantilever
Incremental Launch
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

14. Segmental Bridges - Governing Factors
Span-by-Span
Balanced Cantilever
Unidirectional Cantilever
Incremental Launching
Need for mid-span temporary supports
Not needed
Sometimes needed for moderate-long spans
Needed
Needed for moderate-long spans
Material
Precast concrete or steel
Concrete or steel
Level of mechanization
High
Moderate
Need for special design consideration
Should account for additional number of load cases
Additional load cases and limited for decks of constant sections and slopes
Construction Speed
Fast
Fastest
Cost
Cost saving for large number of spans
Cost saving for short-medium spans
Cost saving for shorter spans
Cost saving for short-moderate spans
Risk
Low
Highest
Mohamed Kasbar

15. Arched Bridges Aesthetical appearance Structural Behavior
Live Loads + Dead Loads  abutments
Inflatable forms can be used times
One inflatable form can be used to built
different sizes of bridges
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Cast-in-situ Pre-cast
( Span%20Arch%20Bridges_tcm pdf)
( Span%20Arch%20Bridges_tcm pdf)
Mohamed Kasbar

16. Methodology Foundation Formworks: inflated forms or false work
Cast-in-situ Pre-cast
Foundation
Formworks: inflated forms or false work
Control shape by steel strapping
Set reinforcement rebar
Shot Crete (6 to 11 inches/ layer)
Disassemble forms
Introduction
footings
Place sections. Takes 1 day or less.
Place earth fills on footings
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

17. Governing Factors Bridge Construction Type Range of Heights and Spans
Cast in situ (single form)
span: up to 17 ft
Height: up to 8.5 ft
Cast-in-situ (multiple forms)
span: up to 48 ft
Height: up to 8 ft
Precast arch
Span: 30 ft
Height: 14 ft or
span: 40 ft
Height: 10 ft
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

18. Case Study – Ravensbosch Viaduct
Ravensbosch Viaduct, Netherlands
Location
Maastricht – Heerlen, Netherlands
Type
Concrete Segmental
Erection Method
Incremental Launching
Casting Method
Precast?
Duration
26 months (short)
Price
7.5 M Dutch Florins
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

19. Construction flowchart
Decide on design (42 spans of 6 x 56 x 42)
Build construction yard (75m x 25m)
Place temporary mid-span supports
Assemble launching nose (15m)
Assemble jacks (6 hours to move a 19m segment)
Place plates between launched box girder and concrete bearings on piers
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

20. Method Evaluation 1. Conventional method :false work for 25 m height
2. Precast segment: Cost of transportation + large cranes + large trucks
3. Left with segmental
A. span-by-span requires precast members
B. Cantilever methods: cannot
C. time is of essence. Incremental Launching Method is the only left alternative and it is the fastest segmental erection method.
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

21. Case Study – King Fahd Causeway
Location
Saudi Arabia - Bahrain
Type
Concrete Segmental
Erection Method
Span-by-span
Casting Method
Precast
Duration
5 years (time of essence)
Price
USD 800 m
Length
25 km
Height
Significant variations
width
23 m
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

22. Method Statement Phases
The causeway was composed of seven embankments (12,570m) and five bridges (12,430m) totaling approximately 12 km in length.
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
| segment | segment |----segment |
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

23. Construction flowchart
Cast concrete box sections
Connect 2 box sections side by side into a segment
Lift by cranes onto barges
Transport each segment into its location
Lift segments into position using cranes
Post-tension continuity cables
Pour common slab above each segment
Repeat for other segments
Introduction
Box section
1 span segment
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

24. Method Evaluation
1. Conventional (cast-in-place): difficult – in the middle of the Arabian Gulf (6 km)
2. Incremental launching method: impossible – vertical curvature
3. Cantilever methods: time consuming (cast-in-place & precast)
4. Span-by-span with shorter spans: [smaller spans = smaller barges + smaller cranes] BUT would be need more time
Introduction
Segmental Bridges
Arched Bridges
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Mohamed Kasbar

25. References
Alberta Transportation. (2013). Standard Specifications for Bridge Construction. Alberta Transportation, Bridge Engineering Section. Edmonton: Alberta Transportation.
Barker, J. M. (1981). Segmental bridges: the best in the business. Retrieved January 29, 2015, from Concrete Construction: Resources for contractors and specifiers including construction methods, materials and equipment.: pdf
BBR. (2014). BBR | Construction Methods. Retrieved February 7, 2015, from BBR Network:
Blank, S. A., Blank, M. M., & Luberas, L. R. (2003). Concrete Bridge Construction. In W.-F. Chen, & L. Duan, Bridge Engineering Construction and Maintenance (pp ). Boca Raton, FL, USA: CRC Press.
CISC. (2008). Handbook of Steel construction (9th ed.). Toronto, ON, Canada: Canadian Institute of Steel Construction.
Dunn, L. E. (1996). Bridge Falsework. In R. T. Ratay, Handbook of Temporary Structures in Construction (2nd ed., pp ). New York, NY, USA: McGraw-Hill.
Durkee, J. (2003). Steel Bridge Construction. In W.-F. Chen, & L. Duan, Bridge Engineering Construction and Maintenance (pp ). Boca Raton, FL, USA: CRC Press.
FHWA. (2003). Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects. Washington DC: US Department of Transportation.
Katz, J. G. (2011, March 13). File:SF-Oakland Bay Bridge Replacement.jpg. Retrieved January 31, 2015, from Wikipidia: Oakland_Bay_Bridge_Replacement.jpg
KFCA. (2013). Causway Technical Information. Retrieved February 7, 2015, from King Fahd Causeway Authority:
Khan, M. A. (2015). Accelerated Bridge Construction Best Practices and Techniques. Oxford, UK: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Leonard, G. (2007, October 13). File:Pierre Pflimlin Bridge UC Adjusted.jpg. Retrieved January 31, 2015, from Wikipidea:
Ruhl, V. R. (1997). Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing of Complex Shaped Concrete Formwork. Retrieved February 3, 2015, from Research Gate:
Storfix. (2005, July 24). File:Itztalbruecke jpg. Retrieved January 31, 2015, from Wikipidia:
VSL Inc. (1977). The Incremental Launching Method in Pre-stressed Concrete Bridge Construction. Berne: VSL INTERNATIONAL LTD.
VSL Inc. (2013). Bridge Construction Partner. Labege, France: VSL Inc.
Mohamed Kasbar