Full span precast pre-tensioned decks: The future of elevated urban metro viaducts

摘要

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is constructing the Airport Metro Express Line as a fast, reliable, modern and integrated connection between Connaught Place and Indira Gandhi International Airport. This project aims to provide relief from increased traffic congestion experienced over the last few years. While most of the line is underground, a part of it, from Vande Matram Road to Palam, runs elevated on a railway viaduct. To meet the completion target of 16-months, full span construction method was used in this project. This has resulted in increased speed of casting and erection of the superstructure, compared to the standard precast segmental construction method used nowadays in other viaducts. This paper describes the technical features of the full span deck. Another innovative solution to further improve the speed of construction, namely precast pier cap at top of pier, is also presented.