Concrete Bridge Design and Construction. No. 11: Specialist concrete bridges

This article examines the prestressing for a concrete bridge. Prestressing enhances the capacity of a member that is weak in tension, but strong in compression. It effectively creates a new material that is strong in tension. A prestressed bridge has much less steel to be handled, which reduces congestion, leading to easier and quicker concrete placing.

This article examines the selection process for the most suitable type of concrete bridge. The general parameters of the scheme such as typical spans, overall deck area, clearance requirements, alignment and the overall aesthetic will start to suggest which type of bridge deck and construction methods might be appropriate.

This second article from the Concrete Bridge Development Group's technical committee, examines the initial parameters that might determine the best layout for a new bridge.