Guidance for Erection and Construction of Curved I-Girder Bridges

摘要

This report summarizes the methods, results, and recommendations from a research investigation on the behavior of horizontally curved girders during construction. The primary focus of the study is the behavior during early stages of construction when little or no bracing is provided. Girder behavior during placement of the concrete bridge deck was also considered. Research on the bridge behavior during early stages of construction provides valuable insight into the accuracy of past practices and is necessary to formulate safe construction procedures during girder erection and construction. In this research project all phases of girder erection and deck placement were investigated. The goal for the project was to provide a set of design guidelines that provide safe yet economical erected steel plate girders. The necessity of shore towers or holding cranes were also considered in the study.