Prestressed concrete bridges

This chapter provides coverage on all aspects of the design and construction of prestressed concrete bridge decks, from the fundamentals of prestressing and the equipment used, to insight into the problems that can occur and how they have been dealt with in different projects around the world. It explains key issues for the designer to consider and provides guidance to the site engineer on some of the techniques and temporary works used in their construction. Simple in situ and precast beam bridges are described, along with the more advanced techniques of precast segmental and incrementally launched decks. Both pre- and post-tensioning are included, as well as precast and in situ construction. Recent developments in the use of non-metallic materials to improve the durability of prestressing systems and higher-strength concrete are included to show how prestressed concrete bridges are likely to develop in the future.