PCI eLearning Course T520: Girder Stability-Introductory Material and Hanging Girders-Recommended Practice for Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders CB-02-16

Recommended Practice for Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders CB-02-16

Pdf Summary

The "Recommended Practice for Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders," published by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) in 2016, provides guidelines to ensure the stability of these critical components during various stages—from casting through transportation to final installation in bridges. The document is an extensive resource developed through comprehensive reviews and contributions from numerous industry professionals.<br /><br />Key Sections Covered:<br />1. **Introduction** - Emphasizes the significance of lateral stability in precast, prestressed concrete girders.<br />2. **Current Practice** - Details a survey of industry professionals, revealing that responsibility for ensuring girder stability varies widely and can involve bridge engineers, contractors, fabricators, and transporters.<br />3. **Girder Stability Overview** - Discusses the fundamental principles behind girder stability, including the causes of instability and methods to ensure stability during lifting (hanging), seating, and transport.<br />4. **Criteria for Girder Stability** - Outlines the loads and materials considerations necessary for evaluating stability, including wind loads, thermal effects, and seismic loads.<br />5. **Lateral Stability Considerations from Bed to Bridge** - Offers a detailed guide on how to manage girders' stability from the precast yard to their final site. This section includes recommendations on handling methods, transportation challenges, and bracing during erection and deck construction.<br />6. **Example Calculations** - Provides sample calculations to illustrate the evaluation of lateral stability during different phases, including lifting, transport, and seating on bearings.<br /><br />The document is aimed at equipping professionals with the knowledge to evaluate and ensure the lateral stability of girders at every phase of their lifecycle. By following this recommended practice, the document aims to prevent instability failures, thus ensuring the safety and integrity of bridge structures. Input from the PCI Committee on Bridges and several key industry stakeholders underscores the collective effort and expertise that informed this publication.

Keywords

Lateral Stability

Precast Concrete

Prestressed Concrete

Bridge Girders

PCI Guidelines

Transportation

Installation

Industry Professionals

Stability Criteria

Example Calculations