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Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems

Baldorioty de Castro Avenue Overpasses

LocationSan Juan
StatePR
Completion Date1992
DescriptionTo ease congestion on a road that carries more than 100,000 vehicles per day, the Department of Public Works provided two overpasses at each of two intersections: two 700-foot-long overpasses and two 900-foot-long ones. To minimize traffic disruption, the project was built in two stages. Piles were driven and footings cast with special forms to facilitate fast connections. Then the precast components were erected and post-tensioned: box piers positioned and post-tensioned to the footings, caps placed, and piers vertically post-tensioned. When the first two piers were in place (starting from the center of the bridge), the 100-foot-long superstructure box beams, seven per span, were set in place. Using two crews, the overpass then was erected simultaneously from the center span toward each end. Each span then was post-tensioned transversely as it was completed. The first bridge was erected in 36 hours, and the others took as little as 21 hours. The project awarded a Harry H. Edwards Industry Advancement Award.
PhotoBaldority de Castro Avenue Overpasses. Click image for larger view
Prefabricated Elementstotal
Other KeywordsPrecast bent caps; precast prestressed deck composite units; precast box piers,precast box piers,prefabricated total superstructure,total superstructure prefabrication,totally prefabricated bridges
AdvantagesMinimized traffic disruption with rapid bridge construction.
Photo CreditsDepartamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas de Puerto Rico
Updated: 09/27/2011

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