Chapter 10: Span-by-span construction

Span-by-span construction is usually used for long bridges with spans of up to 60 m (Dyckerhoff and Widman, 1973; Troyano, 2003; Wittfoht, 1972). Bridges with deck widths up to 15 m and spans up to 45 m usually have a solid or double-T cross-section, while for longer spans they usually have a box section (Figure 10.1). The decks of wider bridges are usually formed of a one-cell box with large overhangs supported by ribs or precast struts. Multi-cell decks are commonly used on the west coast of the USA. Channel sections are mainly used in the construction of railway bridges. Span-by-span construction is commonly used for structures formed of continuous girders that are supported by vertical or inclined piers and/or arches.