Title:
Orwell Bridge: UK’s Largest Prestressed Concrete Span
Author(s):
Malcolm Fletcher
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
3
Issue:
8
Appears on pages(s):
74-78
Keywords:
bridge foundations; bridge piers; bridges
(structures); concrete construction; long span;
prestressed concrete; segmental construction.
DOI:
Date:
8/1/1981
Abstract:
Orwell Bridge in England is a major prestressed concrete high-level structure presently under construction. The navigation span is 623 ft (190 m) with a clearance over the river of 135 ft (41 m). Large diameter cast-in-place concrete piles bored to depths of 130 ft (40 m) provide the foundation support in soft rock and chalk. The main river spans are being constructed by the balanced cantilever method. The long approach viaducts are cast-in-place in 194 ft (59 m) lengths using specially designed formwork. Precautions have been taken to minimize future maintenance needs, and protection from ships is provided around the base of each river pier.