New Frontiers in Multi-span Prestressed Concrete Deck Construction: A Case Study

Abstract

Until 2016, the in situ, span-by-span, prestressed concrete deck construction of multi-span bridges was limited to spans up to 78 m. This construction method, in some cases, ensures verifiable advantages in terms of construction simplicity and reduction in material consumption. After scientific and technical validation of the organic prestressing technology application in movable scaffolding systems in 2005, and evaluation of its potential features, a long-term multidisciplinary research and development project was developed to evaluate the possibility of using this technology for in situ construction of multi-span decks with spans up to 90 m. In 2018, in Turkey, the first viaduct using this technology anywhere in the world was completed. In the present paper, following a presentation of prior scientific and technological achievements, the main technical data of this case study are given, highlighting its results. This technological achievement is a contribution to the state of the art of bridge engineering and to sustainability.