Impact of Construction Parameters on Prestressed Concrete Bridges

Construction site of a prestressed concrete continuous girder bridge

Shenyang, August 11, 2025

News Summary

A recent study examines how construction control parameters affect the cantilever construction of prestressed concrete continuous girder bridges. Key parameters such as concrete unit weight, elastic modulus, prestressing loss, concrete shrinkage, creep, and temperature are analyzed for their effects on bridge alignment and stress states. The research identifies the need for stringent monitoring and the integration of technologies like BIM and IoT to enhance safety and project outcomes during the construction process.

Shenyang – A recent study has utilized finite element modeling to evaluate the effects of various construction control parameters on the cantilever construction process of prestressed concrete continuous girder bridges. This research is critical as it identifies how these parameters influence bridge alignment and stress states during pivotal construction stages, ensuring structural integrity and safety throughout the building process.

The key construction control parameters examined in this study include concrete unit weight, elastic modulus, prestressing loss, concrete shrinkage and creep, and temperature. The findings reveal that temperature variations and prestressing loss significantly impact girder alignment and stress, while concrete elastic modulus and unit weight contribute relatively minor effects. This understanding is essential for effective construction monitoring, especially to achieve successful closures of bridges at critical moments.

The focus on prestressed concrete continuous girder bridges is pertinent due to the structural benefits they provide, such as enhanced stiffness, integrity, and cost-effectiveness. However, the construction process can be complicated by errors, material properties, and external temperatures, all of which can create discrepancies between theoretical and actual structural parameters. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing a comprehensive construction monitoring system capable of accounting for these coupled effects of construction parameters.

The research, conducted on the Shenyang Metro Line 3 project, spanned from October 2023 to August 2024 and involved real-time monitoring of the cantilever casting process. The finite element model simulated each stage of construction, from concrete pouring to the tensioning of prestressed steel strands, assessing how different parameters affected deflections and stresses.

A sensitivity analysis was performed, revealing that the impact of construction parameters is more pronounced during the final completion stage than during the maximum cantilever state. Monitoring systems were implemented to track stress, geometry, and temperature variations, helping to determine their influence on the bridge construction. The study proposed early-warning thresholds for real-time monitoring, identifying limits for deflection differences (25.73 mm) and maximum stress differences (5.13 MPa for top slabs and -9.26 MPa for bottom slabs).

In light of these findings, the research underscores the need for stringent construction quality management practices, particularly concerning prestressing equipment and temperature regulation during operations. Future recommendations include the incorporation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, which could facilitate enhanced real-time monitoring and parameter calibration to further stabilize construction processes and ensure safety.

Overall, the detailed analysis presented in this study confirms the necessity of closely observing all monitored parameters to ensure the structural safety and integrity of prestressed concrete continuous girder bridges throughout their construction.

FAQ

What is the significance of the study on prestressed concrete bridges?

The study reveals how various construction parameters affect the alignment and stress states of prestressed concrete continuous girder bridges, ensuring that potential issues can be monitored and mitigated during construction.

Which construction parameters were analyzed in the study?

The research analyzed concrete unit weight, elastic modulus, prestressing loss, concrete shrinkage and creep, and temperature, finding that temperature variation and prestressing loss had the most significant impacts on bridge construction.

What were the key findings from the sensitivity analysis?

The sensitivity analysis showed that the effects of construction parameters are more evident in the final completion state than during the maximum cantilever state, indicating the need for careful monitoring throughout construction.

What recommendations does the study provide for future construction?

The study recommends integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for improved real-time monitoring and calibration of construction parameters to enhance safety and project outcomes.

Key Features of the Study

Feature Description
Parameters Analyzed Concrete unit weight, elastic modulus, prestressing loss, concrete shrinkage, creep, and temperature.
Impact on Construction Temperature variations and prestressing loss significantly affect bridge alignment and stress.
Monitoring Systems Stress, geometry, and temperature monitoring to ensure construction integrity.
Recommendations Integrate BIM and IoT technologies for enhanced real-time monitoring.

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STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.

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