Segmental Assembly Method in Cable-Stayed Bridges

Abstract

The segmental assembly method is very common in the construction of cable-stayed bridges built using the cantilever method. However, defining the typical segment is a delicate matter that involves making a series of decisions with significant implications for the construction process. Additionally, it is crucial to pay attention to the design of the lifting gantry, specifically how it is supported on the already-built deck and where it picks up the segments to be lifted. These two factors determine the transverse deflections of the joints to be connected, the deck front, and the segment being lifted. As a result, the segment assembly can either be as straighfforward as any other task or turn into a real headache.
This paper explains how these issues were addressed in several cable-stayed bridges built by Dragados in recent years, where the segmental assembly method was used: 1812 Constitution Bridge over Cádiz Bay (Spain), Queensferry Crossing in the UK, the New Champlain Bridge in Canada and the expansion of the Rande Bridge in Vigo (Spain).