In incremental launching method of bridge construction, what are the measures
adopted to enhance sufficient resistance of the superstructure during the launching
process?

1 Answer

Answer :

i) During the launching process the leading edge of the superstructure is subject to a large hogging moment. In this  connection,  steel launching  nose typically about 0.6­0.65 times span length is provided at the leading edge to reduce the cantilever moment. Sometimes, instead of using launching nose a tower and stay system are designed which serves the same purpose.
ii) The superstructure continually experiences alternative sagging and hogging moments during incremental launching. Normally, a central prestress is provided in which the compressive stress at all points of bridge cross section is equal. In this way, it caters for the possible occurrence of tensile stresses in upper and lower part of the cross section when subject  to hogging and sagging moment respectively.  Later when the whole superstructure is completely launched, continuity prestressing is performed in which the location and design of continuity tendons are based on the bending moments in final completed bridge condition and its provision is supplementary to the central prestress.  
iii)For very long span bridge, temporary piers are provided to limit the cantilever moment.

Related questions

Description : In the construction of a two­span bridge (span length = L) by using span­by­span construction, why is a length of about 1.25L bridge segment is constructed in the first phase of construction?

Last Answer : Basically, there are mainly three reasons for this arrangement: (i) The permanent structure is a statically indeterminate structure. During construction by using span­by­span construction, if the ... 25L from the first pier where there is relatively more space to accommodate prestressing works.

Description : In bridge widening projects, the method of stitching is normally employed for connecting existing deck to the new deck. What are the problems associated with this method in terms of shrinkage of concrete?

Last Answer : In the method of stitching, it is a normal practice to construct the widening part of the bridge at first and let it stay undisturbed for several months. After that, concreting will then be ... Stitching refers to formation of a segment of bridge deck between an existing bridge and a new bridge.

Description : What is “preset” during installation of bridge bearings?

Last Answer : Preset is a method to reduce the size of upper plates of sliding bearings in order to save the material cost. The normal length of a upper bearing plate should be composed of the ... of a certain distance of sliding bearings with respect to upper bearing plates during installation of bearings.

Description : What is sucker deck principle for variable depth bridge decks?

Last Answer : For a variable depth bridge deck, the depth of continuous multi­span bridge deck is increased in pier supports and this absorbs sagging moments in the ... of arches and curved soffit rather than boring uniform deck alignment. Reference is made to Brian Pritchard (1992).

Description : Should raking piles of a bridge abutment be placed under an embankment?

Last Answer : For a bridge abutment to be supported on raking piles with different orientations, the movement between the ground and the pile group is difficult to predict. For instance, if some of the raking ... experience severe bending moment and damage the piles as recommended by Dr. Edmund C Hambly (1979).

Description : In joints of precast concrete bridge segments, what are the functions of applying epoxy adhesive?

Last Answer : Epoxy adhesive is applied in these joints for the following purposes according to International Road Federation (1977): (i) It seals up the joints completely between precast concrete segments to protect the ... in transferring of shear between the joints in case a large single shear key is used.

Description : In the design of a simply supported skew bridge, which direction of reinforcement should be provided?

Last Answer : In the conventional design of steel reinforcement for a simply supported skew bridge, a set of reinforcement is usually placed parallel to free edge while the other set is designed parallel ... ). In this way, considerable savings would be obtained from the orthogonal arrangement of reinforcement.

Description : In a curved prestressed bridge, how should the guided bearings in piers of the curved region be oriented with respect to the fixed bearing in abutment?

Last Answer : To determine the orientation of guided bearings, one should understand the movement of curved region of a prestressed bridge. Movement of prestress and creep are tangential to the curvature of the ... large, temporary freedom of movement at the guided bearings has to be provided during construction.

Description : How do engineer determine the number of cells for concrete box girder bridges?

Last Answer : If the depth of a box girder bridge exceeds 1/6 or 1/5 of the bridge width, then it is recommended to be designed as a single cell box girder bridge. However, if the bridge depth is ... improvement in transverse load distribution when the number of cells of box girder is increased to three or more.

Description : Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is commonly used in sliding bearings. Why?

Last Answer : The choice of sliding surface of bearings is of vital importance because the sliding surfaces generate frictional forces which are exerted on the bearings and substructure of the bridge. For ... be designed with dimples to avoid the lubricant from squeezing out under repeated translation movements.

Description : What are the shortcomings of grillage analysis which is commonly used in structural analysis of bridges?

Last Answer : Grillage analysis suffers from the following shortcomings based on E. C. Hambly: (i) For coarse mesh, torques may not be identical in orthogonal directions. Similarly, twists may differ in ... moment in an element depends on the curvatures in the beam's direction and its orthogonal direction.

Description : Under what situation should engineers use pot bearings instead of elastomeric bearings?

Last Answer : In the event of high vertical loads combined with large angle of rotations, rubber bearings are undesirable when compared with pot bearings. For instance, elastomeric ... bearings are better alternatives than elastomeric bearings in such an scenario as suggested by David J. Lee.

Description : What are the functions of grout inside tendon ducts?

Last Answer : Grout in prestressing works serves the following purposes: (i) Protect the tendon against corrosion. (ii) Improve the ultimate capacity of tendon. (iii) Provide a bond between the structural member and the tendon. (iv) In case of failure, the anchorage is not subject to all strain energy.

Description : Why is the span length ratio of end span/approach span to its neighboring inner spans usually about 0.75?

Last Answer : From aesthetic point of view, an odd number of spans with a decrease in length in the direction of abutment is desirable. Moreover, spans of equal length are found to be boring. However, the ... the last span in a continuous bridge while approach span refers top the first span of a bridge.

Description : What are the three major types of reinforcement used in prestressing?

Last Answer : i) Spalling reinforcement Spalling stresses are established behind the loaded area of anchor blocks and this causes breaking away of surface concrete. These stresses are induced by strain incompatibility with ... of action of the load. Reinforcement is needed to resist these lateral tensile forces.

Description : What is the advantage of sliding bearings over roller bearings?

Last Answer : In roller bearing for a given movement the roller bearing exhibit a change in pressure centre from its original position by one­half of its movement based on David J. Lee. However, with sliding ... built in the substructure. It follows that there is no change in pressure center after the movement.

Description : Are diaphragms necessary in the design of concrete box girder bridges?

Last Answer : Diaphragms are adopted in concrete box girder bridges to transfer loads from bridge decks to bearings. Since the depth of diaphragms normally exceeds the width by two times, they are usually designed ... In fact, diaphragms also contribute to the provision of torsional restraint to the bridge deck.

Description : How to determine the size of elastomeric bearings?

Last Answer : For elastomeric bearing, the vertical load is resisted by its compression while shear resistance of the bearing controls the horizontal movements. The design ... and fatigue damage. The vertical stiffness of bearings is obtained by inserting sufficient number of steel plates.

Description : In the design of elastomeric bearings, why are steel plates inserted inside the bearings?

Last Answer : For elastomeric bearing to function as a soft spring, the bearing should be allowed for bulging laterally and the compression stiffness can be increased by limiting the amount of lateral bulging. To ... , the presence of metal plates does not affect the shear stiffness of the elastomeric bearings.

Description : In prestressing work, if more than one wire or strand is included in the same duct, why should all wires/strands be stressed at the same time?

Last Answer : If wires/strands are stressed individually inside the same duct, then those stressed strand/wires will bear against those unstressed ones and trap them. Therefore, the friction of the trapped wires is high and is undesirable.

Description : Sometimes the side of concrete bridges is observed to turn black in colour. What is the reason for this phenomenon?

Last Answer : In some cases, it may be due to the accumulation of dust and dirt. However, for the majority of such phenomenon, it is due to fungus or algae growth on concrete bridges. After rainfall, the ... help to solve this problem. Reference is made to Sandberg Consulting Engineers Report 18380/X/01.

Description : What are the advantages of assigning the central pier and the abutment as fixed piers?

Last Answer : (i) For abutment pier to be assigned as fixed pier while the bridge is quite long, the longitudinal loads due to earthquake are quite large. As the earthquake loads are resisted by fixed piers, the size of ... Therefore, the size of movement joints can be reduced significantly.

Description : Under what situation shall engineers use jacking at one end only and from both ends in prestressing work?

Last Answer : During prestressing operation at one end, frictional losses will occur and the prestressing force decreases along the length of tendon until reaching the other end. These frictional losses include the ... if the total span length is sufficiently long, jacking from both ends should be considered.

Description : At locations where access to the new bridge construction is available by rail, the launching of girders upto 18.3 m which method is ideal. a) slew in slew out method b) gantry method c) Launching of girders with the help of a BFR*: d) Pantoon method

Last Answer : c) Launching of girders with the help of a

Description : Define the terms substructure and superstructure used in building construction.

Last Answer : Substructure: - A part of structure lying below the ground surface is known as substructure.  Superstructure: - A part of structure lying above the ground surface is called superstructure.

Description : Which semiconductor sources (LD or LED) emit more focused light and are capable of launching sufficient optical power into both single mode and multimode fibers?

Last Answer : LDs.

Description : The population of a city in 2000 is 50,000. The average increase in population over last 8 decades is  7500 and average incremental increase during 8 decades is 750. The population of the city based  on incremental method, in ... (A) 55,000  (B) 60,500  (C) 66,500  (D) 72,500 

Last Answer : (C) 66,500

Description : Increase in population of a rapidly growing city, may be estimated by (A) Arithmetical mean method (B) Geometrical method (C) Incremental increase method (D) Graphical comparison method

Last Answer : (B) Geometrical method

Description : An AC bridge that measures inductance in terms of resistance and capacitance.

Last Answer : Owen's Bridge

Description : In the question a part of the sentence is given in BOLD. Alternatives to the BOLD part are given which may improve the construction of the sentence. Select the correct alternative. He admired ... the method adopted (c) appreciate the method of adoption (d) appreciated the method adopting method

Last Answer : (b) appreciated the method adopted

Description : Suggest any five measures to enhance the agricultural production in India. -SST 10th

Last Answer : (i) Land reforms: Collectivisation, consolidation of holdings, cooperation and abolition of zamindari. (ii) Agricultural reforms: Green revolution and White revolution. (iii) Land ... Soil testing facilities, cold storage and transportation facilities are provided by government for farmers.

Description : Suggest any three measures to enhance the participation of woman in politics? -SST 10th

Last Answer : (i) Women should be given proper education, so that they are aware of their rights and duties and participate actively in all political occasions. (ii) Every woman should be self reliant, ... 1/3rd of seats in local government bodies in panchayats and in municipalities are now reserved for women.

Description : Is there a standard time ratio for how long it takes to build the foundation of a skyscraper, as opposed to the superstructure?

Last Answer : Interesting question, and not one that I can answer directly except to add that a geological survey of the site is an important component of building the foundation, and the depth of the ... importance of survey classes, and having a good understanding of the subject from a broader perspective.

Description : Steel channel sleepers are provided in bridges with superstructure of a) PSC slab b) PSC girder c) Steel girder* d) RCC Box

Last Answer : c) Steel girder*

Description : The medium to transfer loads from superstructure to substructure is called a) Abutment b) Bed block c) Bearing d) Pier

Last Answer : c) Bearing

Description : Vertical Clearance (VC) in water way bridges is the level difference between a) HFL and Formation level b) Bed level and bottom of superstructure c) HFL and bottom of superstructure* d) Rail level and Formation level

Last Answer : c) HFL and bottom of superstructure*

Description : Define substructure and superstructure. Give their components also.

Last Answer : Substructure: - A part of structure lying below the ground surface is known as substructure. components of substructure :-1) foundation Superstructure: - A part of structure lying above the ground surface is called ... Beam 6) Roof 7) Doors 8) Windows 9) Lintel 10)Sill 11) Staircase 12) Parapet. 

Description : Describe incremental programming method with suitable example.

Last Answer : Incremental programming methodIn Cartesian co-ordinate geometry system using incremental measurement. Each point is always specified using the path differential from the preceding point position. So in such a ... applied to the system as a distance increment, measured from preceding point.

Description : In Data mining, .............. is a method of incremental conceptual clustering. (A) STRING (B) COBWEB (C) CORBA (D) OLAD

Last Answer : (B) COBWEB

Description : If D is the depth of scour below original bed, then the width of launching apron is generally taken as (A) 1.2 D (B) 1.5 D (C) 2.0 D (D) 2.5 D

Last Answer : Answer: Option B

Description : In the question a part of the sentence is given in BOLD. Alternatives to the BOLD part are given which may improve the construction of the sentence. Select the correct alternative. In addition ... (b) of enhancing their reputation (c) to enhancing their reputation (d) No correction required

Last Answer : (c) to enhancing their reputation

Description : An essential to the sanitary maintenance of latrines is a. Sufficient supply of water b. Supply of latrine construction materials c. Health education program in latrine usage and upkeep d. All of the above

Last Answer : c. Health education program in latrine usage and upkeep

Description : Which of the following stone is best suited for construction of piers and abutments of a railway bridge? (A) Granite (B) Sand stone (C) Lime stone (D) Quartze

Last Answer : Answer: Option A

Description : Of all the factors that increase the resistance of teeth to dental caries, THE MOST EFFECTIVE is,** A. The general nutrition of a child during the period of tooth formation B. The ... eruption D. Sufficient intake of calcium and Vitamin D during the period of enamel mineralization and maturation

Last Answer : B. The intake of fluoride during the period of enamel mineralization and maturation

Description : ............... is a process model that removes defects before they can precipitate serious hazards. (A) Incremental model (B) Spiral model (C) Cleanroom software engineering (D) Agile model

Last Answer : (C) Cleanroom software engineering

Description : Which process model is also called as classic life cycle model? (A) Waterfall model (B) RAD model (C) Prototyping model (D) Incremental model

Last Answer : (A) Waterfall model

Description : Explain incremental process model using suitable diagram.

Last Answer : 1. Incremental model is also called as iterative enhancement model. 2. In this model the software is built in an incremental fashion. 3. Fig shows the project is divided into ... and it should be noted that the process flow for any increment can incorporate the prototyping paradigm. 

Description : During a merger and acquisition transaction, the ability to find and use good comparable data for a valuation is relatively ____________. a) easy because each successful company within an industry ... depth, product diversity and access to lines of credit seldom match the company being valued

Last Answer : d) difficult because size differential, management depth, product diversity and access to lines of credit seldom match the company being valued

Description : In case of cement concrete pavements, pick up the incorrect statement (A) Tractive resistance is low (B) Initial cost of construction is high (C) Initial cost of construction is low (D) Visibility during nights is high

Last Answer : Answer: Option C

Description : Mention the measures adopted by the government to establish Sinhala supremacy. -Democratic 10th

Last Answer : Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The democratically elected government adopted a series of measures to establish Sinhala supremacy: In 1956, an Act was passed to make Sinhala ... led to distrust between the two communities which turned the widespread conflict into a Civil War.