Innovative Launch of Long-Span Arch Bridge Across Waterway Using Special Hydraulic Crawler

AbstractThe construction of a 140-m spanned arch bridge adopted an innovative launching method in which the steel superstructure with a total weight of 2,120 t was entirely assembled and erected on the south side, and then launched northward to span the watercourse. A special hydraulic crawler machinery system was used to drive the launch. Temporary structural and geotechnical facilities, including four launching tracks and their supporting foundations and structures, were designed and implemented. Many investigations were conducted to study the structural and/or geotechnical behaviors related to the launch process and the temporary facilities. In situ geotechnical load tests were carried out for the design of the supporting foundations. The elevations of the superstructure and the temporary facilities were monitored to ensure their vertical alignment. The surface strain in the steel elements of the superstructure and in the launching rails was measured in real time. The results of these investigations are presented, and the lessons learned are discussed.