Chapter 9: Structures assembled of precast beams

Bridge decks assembled of precast beams have been designed since prestressed concrete was first used, when Eugène Freyssinet built the first precast bridge in Algeria in 1936. The bridge deck was assembled of four 19 m long I-girders (Troyano, 2003).

Over the years, different structural types of precast beam structures have been developed. The bridge decks are usually assembled from precast longitudinal members (beams) and composite deck slabs (fib, 2001). The precast members can be formed by square beams, I-beams, T-beams, inverted T-beams, U-beams and V-beams (Figure 9.1). For very short spans, precast beams with an inverted-T section that are totally infilled with cast-in-place concrete are widely used (Figure 9.2).