Concrete Bridge Design and Construction series. No. 3: Prestressing for concrete bridges

This article examines the selection process for the most suitable type of concrete bridge. The general parameters of the scheme such as typical spans, overall deck area, clearance requirements, alignment and the overall aesthetic will start to suggest which type of bridge deck and construction methods might be appropriate.

The various high performance concretes that might be used for concrete bridges, to make them either quicker and easier to build, or more economic are discussed. The advantages of high strength, lightweight, fibre reinforced and self-compacting concretes are described, together with the use of new materials that can replace steel for both reinforcement and prestressing.

This article examines the various methods for the design and construction of concrete arches, frames, tunnels and jacked boxes, which cover the whole range of bridges from the smallest culverts to the largest concrete spans in the world.