ASSIGNMENT NO : 02 DESIGN OF BRIDGES S.

JAYA HARISH
DATE : 13/06/22 RA2112001010014

1. WHAT IS BALANCED CANTILEVER METHOD IN BRIDGE

CONSTRUCTION ?

The Balanced Cantilever Method refers to a construction method that does

not install scaffolding systems under the bridge and completes the
superstructure of the bridge by sequentially joining the segments to form a
span by post-tensioning and balancing them left and right from each pier
using special erection equipment.

The balanced cantilever method of bridge construction used for bridges

with few spans ranging from 50 to 250m.

The bridge can be either cast-in-place or precast. Moreover, the basic

concept of balanced cantilever construction method is to attach the
segments in an alternate manner at opposite ends of cantilevers supported
by piers.

Furthermore, this method is easily adaptable to irregular and long span

lengths, congested project sites, rough and water terrain, rail crossings, and
environmentally sensitive areas.

Additionally, it is highly suitable for building cable-stayed bridges. This is

because once segments are placed, they will be supported by new cable-
stays in each erection stage.

Therefore, no auxiliary supports are required, and hence it is both

economical and practical method for long cable-stayed bridges.
OVERVIEW OF CONSTRUCTION PHASE
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS FOR BALANCED CANTILEVER
METHOD

1. Once the construction of lower infrastructure of the bridge is finished, the

construction of bridge is started at each pier. After that, special formwork is
arranged and cast-in-situ pier segment is provided. The entire pier segment is then
applied as an fabrication platform to support a form traveler for cast-in-place
segments.
2. Then, soffit shuttering, shuttering for web & deck shuttering is settled on both
sides of pier.
3. After that, concreting is accomplished on both sides of the pier. The segment
production rate for form travelers normally remains one segment each 5 days per
traveler.
4. Cast-in-situ segments vary from 3m to 5m in length with formwork driving in
combination with each segment. Segment construction is sustained unless a
joining midpoint is attained where a balanced pair is stopped.

PROGRESSION OF BALANCED CANTILEVER METHOD OF

PRECAST BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

1. Initially, the construction is done for foundations and pier shafts of all
permanent piers in the primary unit.
2. As soon as the piers are constructed, they are applied as an erection platform
for precast segments.
3. Compile and set up lifting frame.
4. Arrange first pair of precast segments.
5. Build wet joints.
6. Cure the wet joints.
7. After that, set up next pair of precast segments. Then, construct and cure joints.
This method should go on unless the construction process is finished.