Different categories of Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems for constructing the bridge

Prestressed I beam, prestressed box beam, prestressed channel, and slab span are considered as the most vital prefabricated concrete elements for any bridge construction. This construction article sheds light on various types of prefabricated bridge elements and systems.

Categorization of Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems for Bridge Construction

? Precast and prestress slab spans
? Multi stemmed beams
? Prestressed double tee and channel
? Prestressed inverted channel
? Prestressed single tee
? Prestressed I beams
? Prestressed box beams
? Prestressed bulb tee
? Segmental construction
? Pre-stressed subdeck panels
? Precast and pre-stress deck slabs
? Precast parapet
? Substructure elements
? Precast culverts

Precast and Pre-stress Slab Spans for Bridge Construction: Precast slab members are developed with different widths, depth, and length at a distance of up to 15 m. Smaller spans are generally reinforced and casted in simple precast plants. Long spans are generally voided and post tensioned or pre-stressed. The process is very simple for fabrication, transportation, and formation of precast slabs. Generally, distance of precast slab is 3-9 m and distance of pre-stressed slab varies from 6 to 15 m.

Multi Stemmed Beams for Bridge Construction: Multi stemmed beams are built up with various length and width and its distance is generally among 8 and 15 m. Weld plates and grouted keyways are used to transmit shear among beams.

Pre-stressed Double Tee and Channel for Bridge Construction: Higher pre-stress, wider webs, and thicker flanges are applied to build up pre-stressed double tee and channel which are considered as the inherent part of any bridge construction. For this prefabricated bridge element types, medium length distance is required and it varies from 6 to 18 m.

Alike multi stemmed beams, weld plates and grouted keyways are used to transmit shears among beams. In situ concrete is poured like an overlay whereas channel and double tee member are covered with asphalt.

Pre-stressed Inverted Channel for Bridge Construction: This component is casted in ordinary channel formwork and then upturned before starting of installation or casting in inverted position. In the inverted position, longer distances are maintained as higher pre-stressing is assigned in the beam bottom and distances are generally 9-24 m. Besides, deck surface is obtained by filling channels with in situ concrete.

Inverted T beam is a good substitute to pre-stressed inverted channel. They are set up near each other, after that a solid member is built up by arranging cast in place concrete among the webs of the tee and above the tops of the stem.

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Different categories of Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems for constructing the bridge