Reinforced concrete for the construction stage of an incrementally launched bridge

This article discusses the 375m long incrementally launched bridges over the Usuthu River using reinforced concrete, with no pre-stressing, to carry the construction stage loads. This bridge was part of a project for upgrading the road between Siphofaneni and St Phillips in Swaziland. The scope included preliminary and detailed design, assistance with tender evaluation and construction supervision. All required work had to meet the requirements of the Swaziland Environmental Agency. The project formed part of a larger agreement, between Swaziland and the European Union, to develop the transportation infrastructure for the sugar industry. The purpose of the infrastructure development was to reduce the transportation cost for the sugar industry. The existing quotas which guarantees the price and quantities of sugar to be exported each year from Swaziland to the European Union should then be reduced over time. The unusual feature of the 375m long incrementally launched bridges, is the fact that the construction stage is designed as reinforced concrete with no pre-stressing. Incrementally launched bridges are normally designed with post-tensioned concentric cables to resist construction stage loads. The main reasons for using reinforced concrete for the construction stage design, were cost savings and ease of construction. This article will compare the reinforced concrete design with a design using post-tensioned concentric cables, for the construction stage. The comparison will evaluate the differences in design methodology, the implications for the final product, the construction cost implications and the construction methods.

• Record URL:
  http://arrbknowledge.com
• Authors:
  • Kotzé, J
  • Booysen, J
• Conference:
  • Austroads Bridge Conference, 10th, 2017, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
• Publication Date: 2017-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 8p
• Monograph Title: Bridges: connecting communities: Austroads Bridge Conference, 2-6 April 2017, Melbourne, Victoria

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge construction; Bridge design; Bridges; Case studies; Construction; Construction management; Costs; Reinforced concrete; Types of roads by network
• Uncontrolled Terms: Road networks
• Geographic Terms: Swaziland
• ATRI Terms: Bridge construction; Bridge design; Case study; Construction costs; Reinforced concrete; Road network
• ITRD Terms: 8531: Case study; 3412: Launching (by sliding)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I50: Construction and Supervision of Construction;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01635267
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: May 24 2017 2:03PM