Precast concrete is commonly used in the construction of highway, rail and pedestrian / cycleway bridges for its durability, high quality and low maintenance. Standard sections use a range of spans from 7m to 40m (highway bridges), 4m to 25m (rail bridges), and 9m to 45m (pedestrian and cycleway bridges). They are generally prestressed to enable a high load capacity. The ability to mass produce the required elements and the high speed of erection (minimising traffic disruption) ensures that the project will be cost effective.

Typical bridge components include:
· Beams
· Girders
· Deck Units.

Eleanor Schonell Bridge (Green Bridge), Brisbane	Woy Woy Bridge, New South Wales

Advantages
· Superior structural outcome
   - Longer spans
· Quality product
   - Off-site manufacture means high quality
· Durable
   - High strength, factory produced, long life prestressed concrete offers the ultimate outcome with minimal maintenance
· High load capacity
· Reduction in formwork and propping
· A sustainable solution
   - Significant sustainability advantages through de-materialisaion
· Faster construction time
   - Quick installation by highly skilled crews
   - Immediate work platform for following trades
   - Less weather dependent
· Simplified and safer construction process
   - Less trades on site
   - Less exposure to OHS and industrial relations risks
   - Less waste
   - Less materials handling
· Cores can be used for energy efficient air-conditioning
· High quality surface finishes.

Applications

·  Parking structures	·  Tunnels
·  Shopping Centres	·  Stadia
·  Marine structures	·  Railways
·  Airports.

For more information regarding this product please refer to 2.3 of the Precast Concrete Handbook (click here to buy the Handbook) or talk to one of our Members.

Case Studies:

Jubilee Bridge, Innisfail, North Queensland

Anthonys Cutting, Western Highway, Melbourne

Queanbeyan Rail Bridge NSW

Exmouth Marina Footbridge

Moorebank Avenue Interchange

Other links:

Finishes

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