Public Roads: A Journal of Highway Research and Development, Vol. 41 No. 3

Breen, John E.; Wachtel, Jerry; Lunenfeld, Harold; Harrigan, E.T.; Heins, C.P.; Derucher, K.N. · 1977 · ROSA P / United States. Government Printing Office

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Summary

This paper, titled "Design of Segmental Bridges" by John E. Breen, addresses the engineering challenges and methodologies associated with designing precast, prestressed concrete box girder bridges. The research is motivated by the need for safer, more economical highway structures with longer spans (120 to 400 ft) than those achievable with traditional prestressed concrete I-girders. As steel bridge costs rise and urban land use becomes more efficient, segmental construction offers a viable alternative, combining the structural efficiency of box girders with the speed and quality control of precasting. The paper reviews the current state of the art, drawing on a comprehensive research program initiated at the University of Texas at Austin in 1969. This program established design criteria, optimization procedures, and mathematical models for analyzing segmental girders during all erection stages. The text details two primary construction methods: erection on falsework, which is simpler but requires intermediate support, and balanced cantilever construction, which eliminates falsework and minimizes traffic interruption. The latter involves sequential assembly of precast segments from piers, joined by epoxy resin and post-tensioned longitudinally. The paper emphasizes the critical importance of the "closure" process, where cantilever arms are joined to ensure structural continuity, often requiring adjustments via jacks or hinges to manage secondary moments. Key findings highlight the structural advantages of the box girder cross-section, which provides high torsional stiffness and eliminates lateral buckling issues common in I-girders. The study identifies that the slow adoption of this technology in the United States stems from the traditional separation of design and construction responsibilities. Successful implementation requires close interaction between designers and contractors to manage constructibility, stress control, and deflection throughout the erection phase. The paper outlines a highly interactive design sequence comprising conceptual, preliminary, detailed, verification, and field support stages. It notes that while foreign experience has advanced jointing techniques (such as mechanical interlock keys) and anchorage methods, U.S. practice requires tailored specifications and further research to optimize costs and procedures for local conditions. The significance of this work lies in its contribution to the standardization and acceptance of segmental bridge construction in the United States. By providing a structured framework for design and analysis, the paper facilitates the transition from cast-in-place to precast segmental methods, promising greater economy, faster erection, and improved structural performance for long-span highway bridges. The findings support the growing interest in this technology, evidenced by numerous projects under consideration in the mid-1970s, and underscore the need for continued research to refine specifications and construction practices for American engineers.

Key finding

Precast segmental box girder construction offers significant advantages over cast-in-place methods, including faster erection, better quality control, and reduced traffic interference, particularly for spans ranging from 120 to 400 feet.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Topics

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