Precast versus cast in‐situ concrete in the construction of post‐tensioned box‐girder bridges: Span effect

Abstract In this research, the effect of span and construction method on the designed cross section, construction time, and cost of box‐girder bridges has been explored. Two types of construction techniques used in bridges were investigated and compared: cast in‐situ post‐tensioned concrete and precast segmental bridge. To satisfy the aim of this work, the structural design was analyzed for different span lengths (40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 m) to evaluate the designed depth and required prestressing strands, and then design outcomes were utilized in estimating the construction duration and cost of cast in‐situ and precast segmental construction methods. Furthermore, the research has been extended to identify the impact of construction duration on the total cost of studied bridges. This investigation shows that the cost of a box‐girder bridge is affected by the span and the construction method where the precast segmental way was found to be less expensive.