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3.1 Introduction

The document discusses the history and development of segmental concrete bridge construction. Some key events include Eugene Freyssinet developing post-tensioning technology in 1939, enabling the construction of segmental bridges. In the 1940s and 50s, early examples of segmental bridges were built in France and Germany. Jean Muller pioneered the use of precast segments with dry joints in 1954, improving construction efficiency. In 1962, Muller applied this technique to construct the first precast segmental box girder bridge.

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46 views4 pages

3.1 Introduction

The document discusses the history and development of segmental concrete bridge construction. Some key events include Eugene Freyssinet developing post-tensioning technology in 1939, enabling the construction of segmental bridges. In the 1940s and 50s, early examples of segmental bridges were built in France and Germany. Jean Muller pioneered the use of precast segments with dry joints in 1954, improving construction efficiency. In 1962, Muller applied this technique to construct the first precast segmental box girder bridge.

Uploaded by

glaydelle
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CHAPTER 3

Segmental Concrete Bridges


3.1 Introduction

• Construction of segmental concrete bridges involves assembling smaller


pieces of concrete members called segments using posttensioning tendons
to form a bridge structural system, either superstructure or substructure.
• These segments can be produced by cast-in-place or precast/prefabricated
methods, while the posttensioning system can be bonded, unbonded
tendons, or a combination of both.
• Construction of segmental concrete bridges involves assembling smaller
pieces of concrete members called segments using posttensioning tendons
to form a bridge structural system, either superstructure or substructure.
• These segments can be produced by cast-in-place or precast/prefabricated
methods, while the posttensioning system can be bonded, unbonded
tendons, or a combination of both.
The following are some of the important events/milestones in the development of
segmental concrete bridge construction from its infancy ater World War II to the current
state-of-the-art standard of practice.

• In 1939, Eugene Freyssinet of France developed a conical wedge posttensioning


anchorage system for wires which led to the wide application of posttensioned structures
possible. Without posttensioning systems, the segmental bridge construction could not
have been realized.
• From 1941 to 1949, Freyssinet was the irst to apply precast prestressed segmental
construction for several bridges at Luzancy over the Marne River east of Paris, France.
• The development of a modern long-span cast-in-place segmental bridge, the Lahn Bridge
in Balduistein, Germany, was pioneered by the German engineer Dr. Ulrich Finsterwalder
of Dyckerhof & Widmann AG in 1951. he bridge was constructed with the balanced
cantilever method and the s egments were cast on a form-traveler attached to the
previously cast and stressed segments. Posttensioning was applied to the newly cast
segment ater the concrete had hardened against the p reviously stressed segments.
• In 1954, French engineer Jean Muller applied for the irst time the dry-
joint match casting innovation to the construction of a small single-span
bridge called Sheldon Bridge in upstate New York, USA, by assembling
three precast girder segments and posttensioned them together on site
to form a single span girder in order to facilitate the transportation of the
girders and improve the speed of construction. It is much easier to
handle and transport small pieces of girders than a long girder.
• In 1962, Muller for the irst time applied precast segmental box girder
using epoxy-coated match cast joints between segments and
posttensioned them together for the construction of the C hoisy-le-Roi
Bridge over the Seine River in Paris, France. he bridge was constructed by
Campenon Bernard, a general contractor where Muller was the technical
director of the company.

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