A new steel bridge launching system and method. Fundamentals

Abstract

The construction of a bridge is the most important stage. If a bridge can resist this then it will last for ages. And this is especially true in structural typologies such as launched bridges.The reason is that the structure must resist different forces as the launching process goes forward. Besides, those forces are greater than the serviceability state loads. This system is currently limited by the maximum length span of the bridge.The challenge of this paper is to achieve a span length of 150 m, therefore up to date elements will be assembled on the main launched structure and used in the bridge itself after the launching has been finished.Thus, it will allow us to compete against other construction systems (cantilever or movable scaffolding). In this way auxiliary means will not be needed and wasted time can be reduced by designing a continuous system.