Incrementally launched concrete bridges: the NSW situation

The New South Wales Department of Main Roads, is currently designing a number of prestressed concrete bridges which are to be built by the incrementally launched method of construction. The method appears to have significant cost advantages for certain medium span bridges (particularly those with high piers, spanning over deep water or bridges over railways). In order to take advantage of the considerable expertise which has been developed in Europe, the department is specifying that certain details of construction shall be followed. This paper gives brief details of those bridges currently being designed and discusses in detail the methods and systems which the department is specifying. Changes to the standard construction specifications which are required for this type of bridge are also discussed (a).