The NU standardized segmental box girder with replaceable bridge deck

Bridges constructed in urban overpass situations are being held to higher standards of aesthetic appeal. Current bridges that can be economically built with minimal traffic disruption are generally considered to be unattractive. Precast segmental box girder bridges are attractive structures, but because of the expensive forms required for manufacture of the precast segment, the sophisticated and costly equipment required for construction, its use has been limited to very large projects. Many states require that bridge decks be replaceable, further limiting the use of the conventional precast box girder bridge which has an integral deck. Development of a standardized precast box girder bridge system with a replaceable deck was the objective of the research described herein. The proposed system is produced using single piece interior and exterior forms for bridges of various depths and widths, has a construction system that requires only conventional construction equipment and features a replaceable bridge deck. Precast segmental construction methods are described, existing practices in precast segmental bridge design and construction is reviewed and the development of the proposed NU precast segmental box girder bridge system is described