Balanced Cantilever Bridges 1

BALANCED CANTILIVER BRIDGES
I. Planning and Design of Balanced Cantilever Bridges

1. Introduction to Balanced Cantilever Bridges:
Balanced cantilever bridges are adopted for comparatively longer
spans where simply supported, continuous or rigid frame type
superstructures are found unsuitable. Construction begins at each
bridge pier. Special formwork is positioned and cast-in-situ pier
segment is begun. The complete pier segment is then used as an
erection platform and launching base for all subsequent travelling
formwork and concrete segment construction in case of pre cast or
cast in situ balanced cantilever construction.
2. Advantages
2.1 Design advantages
2.1.1 The structures are statically determinate and the moments,

shears etc., may be found out by the basic rules of statics
2.1.2 The possibility of cracks due to unequal settlement of the

foundations is eliminated.
2.2 Construction advantage

2.2.1 The main advantage of a cantilever bridge is that support is
required only on one side of each cantilever. Such bridges do not
require false work (temporary, supporting structure during
construction), except for the pier.
2.2.2 These bridges are ideal for areas like deep, rocky gorges,
and rivers prone to flooding, where falsework may be
hazardous or difficult to build.
2.2.3 Navigation below the bridge is not obstructed during its
construction, which is done from each support pier. This is why
these bridges are commonly built over roads and difficult
crossings, because they allow an unhindered flow of traffic.
2.2.4 The deck (bridge surface) can be easily constructed in
segments, which maintains uniformity, and ensures quality.
2.2.5 This segmental construction makes the job repetitive,
which ensures efficiency.
2.2.6 Since most bridges contain multiple cantilever spans,
construction can simultaneously begin from all columns, which
reduces the time required.
2.2.7 In areas with a strong rock structure, the anchor arms can
be directly attached to the surrounding rock, without the need
for artificial support.
2.2.8 The lack of multiple supporting piers gives more leeway in
the depth, styles, and geometry of the road supported by the
bridge.
3. Design components and considerations.

3.1 Longitudinal span configuration
3.2 Cross section
3.3 Support conditions
3.4 Sub structure and foundation
3.5 Pre stressing details
3.6 Pre camber
II.Techniques for Balanced Cantilever Bridge
Construction
1. Construction sequence
1.1 pier head :on ground supported staging
1.2 segments:
- erect/ cast using segment lifter/ form traveller
- cantilevered out from preceding segment
- pre stressing tendons running from one of the cantilever to
the other are stressed
- symmetrical construction to minimize the unbalanced
moment on sub structure and foundation
- cast stich segments in middle span with levels matched
2. Methods of construction of segments
2.1 Balanced cantilever ( cast in situ)

Cast-in-place segmentally constructed bridges are generally
built using the balanced cantilever method. A form traveler is
used at the end of each cantilever to support the formwork and
new concrete segment prior to post-tensioning. The form
travelers at opposite ends of the cantilevers may be advanced
simultaneously or alternately.
Cast-in-place segmental construction is used when the precast
segments are too heavy to be shipped or access is too restrictive.
The superstructure at the abutment ends cannot be easily
constructed as part of the cantilevering process because of the
large out-of-balance moment, so these are often constructed on
falsework resting on the ground.
2.2 Balanced cantilever ( pre cast)

In the balanced cantilever method, the superstructure is erected
by cantilevering out from opposite sides of the pier. The segments are
added either at the same time or alternately to each cantilever to
maintain a relatively balanced system. After the cantilevers from each
adjacent pier reach mid span, a cast-in-place closure segment is
placed followed by additional post-tensioning.
In the balanced cantilever method, segments are lifted into place
using ground- or water-based cranes, deck mounted lifters at the end
of each cantilever, or an overhead gantry. The selected method
depends on the number of spans, contractor’s preference, and
available access. An overhead gantry will typically be supported at
three piers.
III. CASE STUDY OF 300M SPAN BALANCED
CANTILEVER AKPA BRIDGE AT KM 383.00 ON
NH 22
1. Project location and importance

2. Design components and type and dimensions
- General arrangement
- Well foundation ( tilt and solution incorporated thereof )
- Piers
- Typical segment section
3. Construction sequence
- Sub structure (pics)
- Super structure
 Segments (pics)
 mid span closure segment (pics)
4. pre stressing and other construction details

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BALANCED CANTILIVER BRIDGES

I. Planning and Design of Balanced Cantilever Bridges

2.1 Design advantages

2.1.1 The structures are statically determinate and the moments,

2.1.2 The possibility of cracks due to unequal settlement of the

2.2 Construction advantage

3. Design components and considerations.

2. Methods of construction of segments

2.1 Balanced cantilever ( cast in situ)

2.2 Balanced cantilever ( pre cast)

1. Project location and importance

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