BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION Introduction:

Yes,

this is another mile stone in Bridge construction. Now a days, the CUT and

COVER method of construction of bridges is very familiar and being adopted invariably in all sections. The various methods of constructions are 1. Cast in situ construction using temporary Girders 2. Cut and cover method with RCC box segments of 1.53m each 3. Placing RCC box segments using temporary girder 4. Trench less technology Pushing of RCC pipe/RCC Box under traffic 5. Pushing of RCC pipe/RCC Boxes using temporary girder etc., Now one more methodology is added in cut and cover method of construction, i.e., rolling- in the single unit of RC Box of full barrel length under Line block/Power block. About the new Methodology/Innovation: The bridge no. 198 Dn at Km 92/36 - 38 in MAS GDR section was selected to carry out the trial.

1. Existing span: 1 x 0.91 SD of 8m long Barrel. 2. Proposed span: 1 x 1.50m x 1.20m RCB of 12 m Barrel length
3. The total weight of the above new Box is 70 tons (appx)

The RC box of size 1.50m x 1.2m x 12m long has been cast as single unit at proposed final level and alignment duly providing holes of 40mm dia (16 nos) to fix lifting brackets including providing additional reinforcement as required considering the stress concentration etc., RCC base slabs of each 2m long were cast duly placing the PVC ferule at appropriate location to fix rails with rail screws and kept ready at site. Two sets of steel A frame have been designed, fabricated with sufficient sets of dip lorry wheels and kept on the rails placed both the sides of RCC box as preliminary arrangements. The RCC box has been lifted by 100mm and loaded on the A frame prior to line block.

During the Line block/Power block,

1. The track was dismantled for a length of 8m

2. The bank was cut and removed for required length, width and depth. 3. All the base slabs were placed to the alignment using Pocline. 4. The track for A frame track was extended up to the end of base slabs 5. The A frame was pulled (rolled-in) along with RCC Box to the exact location by Pocline . 6. The RCC box was lowered on the base slabs.

7. A frame, Rails etc were removed

8. Both the sides of Box were filled with earth, compacted and the track was linked. 9. The LB/PB was cancelled after ballasting and packing. Advantages: This method is having several advantages than any other method of construction. 1. Better workmanship- finishing like a cast in situ construction

2. Crane is not required 3. Lesser duration traffic blocks

4. This method of construction is cheaper than any other method of construction. 5. Best suit for culverts of any span/weight. 6. More suitable for single line sections.

Disadvantages. 1. Not suitable, if water table is presence 2. Not suitable, if the track centers are less in double line section, 3. Sufficient space is required to cast the RCC box 4. High skill is required for launching the RCC box. Comparison between the methods
Description Line block duration Speed restriction Speed of construction Economy Quality Skill requirement Disturbance to OHE In situ construction Less in two spells Pushing Cut and Cover method In single In segments cast Lesscomparing More in single spell segmental construction very less (one week) Very fast Cheaper than pushing Moderate Not required To be slewed Cranes of suitable capacity & excavating equipments Cheaper than segmental construction The best Required NIL Excavating equipments & Elaborate preliminary works.

Not required Long period ( fast, if, Ty girder is used) Fast if no obstruction. Costly Best Highly required NIL Heavy higher capacity jacks and crane for handling the segments May be experienced but no block is required Suitable precautions have to be taken Depending on soil strata

Long period Slow and very slow in stage construction Cheaper The best Fairly required To be slewed to erect the Ty.Girder No heavy equipments

Equipments

Obstructions

Nil

May be experienced and required to overcome within the block period All locations where the heavy machineries are accessible Single line section where water table is not present

Suitability

Suitable for all locations

Conclusion: This method of launching as Single unit may be extended to 1. RCC box of any size/weight

2. Pushing/pulling without rolling arrangements and with or without temporary girder

3. The arrangements can be modified to suite the conditions ** ** **