ON THE DECK

This article reports the latest progress in the construction of Japan's Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which could soon become the longest suspension bridge yet built. Although the massive Kobe earthquake had its epicentre only 10km from the construction site, the substructure of the bridge only slid, almost as one unit, so that no remedial works were needed. The month's delay caused by the earthquake has already been made up. Work is now concentrating on the relatively easy erection of steel truss bridge deck girders, due to be completed in October 1996. The 25 years of careful research and development that have gone into the bridge's construction should benefit bridge engineers worldwide. For example, extensive research was needed above and below water to design caisson foundations, steel towers, and the light-weight open truss deck. The high volume of shipping exclude the extensive use of floating construction plant across the navigation channels. Thus lengths of steel deck, about 28m long, are being built in situ from trussed sections shipped to pier bases, lifted up to deck level, and carried on low loaders to one of the four advancing deck faces.

• Corporate Authors:

  Thomas Telford Limited

  London,   United Kingdom 
• Publication Date: 1996-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 24-6
• Serial:
  • CIVIL ENGINEER INTERNATIONAL
  • Issue Number: 15
  • Publisher: EMAP CONSTRUCT LIMITED

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Bridge towers; Bridges; Caissons; Construction management; Design; Foundations; Seismicity; Steel; Suspension bridges; Traffic delays
• Geographic Terms: Japan
• ITRD Terms: 3455: Bridge; 3482: Bridge deck; 3389: Caisson; 3666: Construction method; 9010: Delay; 9011: Design (overall design); 3377: Foundation; 8053: Japan; 5731: Seismic; 4542: Steel; 3476: Suspension bridge; 3440: Tower (bridge)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00729229
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Dec 12 1996 12:00AM