Efficient and Economical Structural System in the form of Inverted-T Pier Crosshead and Deck Slab Continuity for Beam and Slab Bridges As Adopted in DUKE 2 Project in Malaysia

An elevated urban highway with beam and slab type bridges can be designed economically and efficiently by using inverted-T shaped pier crossheads and providing deck slab continuity over the pier crossheads. An Inverted-T pier crosshead which has its crosshead stem lies in between the superstructure beams can be used effectively to reduce the structural depth of superstructure and pier crosshead. This added with column height equivalent to the required minimum headroom clearance from the ground is what make the full height of the bridge. Thus, this type of crosshead can be used to lower down an elevated highway profile. While, simply supported beam and slab type superstructure with deck slab continuity can effectively share the longitudinal forces among the piers in a bridge module. This will lead to economical substructure and foundation design. These 2 aspects were considered in the design of DUKE 2 Highway in Malaysia.