Bridge Erection by Launching is Fast, Safe, and Efficient

The construction of long prestressed concrete bridges without using formal falsework or self-supporting launching falsework is described. Using the so-called incremental launching method (Taktschiebeverfahren), bridges with spans from 30-m to 60-m can be cast without using any type of falsework in a casting bed behind an abutment with increments of 10-m to 30-m length and launched stepwise over the piers into their final position. For longer spans temporary supports are necessary. Simple handling of the mechanized formwork, short transports of steel and concrete guarantee a low amount of man-hours. The advantags advantages the precast construction with high quality concrete and the monolithic construction of casting in situ are combined.