Title:
Railroad Use of Precast Concrete Bridge Structures
Author(s):
W. N. Marianos
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
13
Issue:
9
Appears on pages(s):
30-35
Keywords:
concrete piles; concrete slabs; girders; precast concrete; railroad bridges; trusses; Construction
DOI:
Date:
9/1/1991
Abstract:
Reports on the increasing use of precast concrete elements, from piles and pile caps to superstructure girders, for both replacement and new construction in North American railroad bridge structures. The advantages of using prefabricated concrete elements include construction time savings, durability, speedy repair in the case of emergencies, and unlimited vertical and horizontal clearance since the supporting structure is below track level. The major drawback to using precast concrete elements is their weight. A truss bridge replacement project is described.