THE GEOMETRIC DESIGN OF CURVED

INCREMENTALLY LAUNCHED PRESTRESSED

CONCRETE BRIDGES.
Author

Joseph Canceri, BE(Hons1), MEngSc, MIE(Aust), CPEng

Manager, Bridge Design Projects, Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW
Telephone (02) 8837 0805
Facsimile (02) 8837 0055
Email: joseph_canceri@rta.nsw.gov.au

Biography

Joseph Canceri is a Bridge Engineer with 22 years

experience in bridge design and construction supervision.
Prior to joining the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW
(formerly Department of Main Roads), he worked in
private practice for 6 years as a structural design
engineer. He has extensive experience in the design of
concrete bridges with specialist skills in the design and
construction of incrementally launched prestressed
concrete bridges and prestress retrofitting of existing
bridges. Currently, he is managing a bridge design group in the Bridge Engineering
Section of the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW.

Synopsis

Incrementally launched prestressed concrete bridges may be constructed either

straight or on a curved alignment. The geometric design of launched straight bridges,
with or without a vertical curve, or horizontally curved bridges on a straight grade is
relatively straightforward. However, the geometric design of launched bridges which
are curved in both plan and elevation is somewhat more complex.

The geometric design of launched prestressed concrete bridges is an important

structural design consideration, since out-of-tolerance positioning of launched
concrete bridges can induce large forces into the bridge superstructure. This paper
presents one approach for the geometric design of launched concrete bridges which
are curved in both plan and elevation. The design theory is discussed and
spreadsheets are presented to facilitate design calculations.

Geometric Design of Curved Incrementally Launched Bridges - Canceri Page 1 of 20

Introduction

Incrementally launched prestressed concrete bridges must be constructed either

straight or with a constant curvature. Bridges which are straight or curved with a
constant curvature can be built using a fixed formwork system. For incrementally
launched concrete bridges, the fixed formwork system is located behind one of the
bridge abutments and is usually referred to as the casting yard.

If a bridge is curved in plan only, it can be built to exactly match the geometric design
requirements derived from road design.

If a bridge lies on a vertical curve and is straight, then the parabolic vertical curve
derived from road design is replaced with a circular vertical curve selected such, that
at both bridge abutments the co-ordinates and grades of the replacement circular
curve matches that of the parabolic curve derived from road design. In practice, the
differences between the two vertical curves anywhere along the bridge is negligible
(usually a few millimetres), but to build the bridge to the close tolerances required for
launched concrete bridges it is necessary to adopt the correct curve.

A bridge that lies on a combined vertical and horizontal curve can also be
constructed using the incrementally launched method of construction provided that
constant curvature can be maintained throughout the full length of the bridge. It is
the geometric design of incrementally launched bridges with a combined vertical and
horizontal curve that is the subject matter of this paper.

Geometric Features of Incrementally Launched Bridges with a Combined

Vertical and Horizontal Curve

As mentioned above, if an incrementally launched bridge lies on a combined vertical

and horizontal curve, it is essential that constant curvature be maintained throughout
its full length. Constant curvature along a bridge will ensure that all longitudinal lines
on the bridge lie on circular arcs. Each circular arc represents a particular point on
the bridge cross section. In order to achieve curved profiles in plan and elevation it is
necessary for the planes containing the circular arcs to be inclined at a particular
angle to the horizontal. All circular arcs are located on separate inclined planes
which are all parallel to each other.

In Figure 1, the longitudinal deck centreline is shown for a bridge with a sag vertical
curve. As can be seen from Figure 1, the bridge deck centreline lies on a circular arc
of radius R1 and is contained on a plane making an angle of inclination with the
horizontal. When projected in plan and elevation, the bridge deck centreline
produces elliptical curves as shown.

As mentioned above, the inclined planes that contain the various longitudinal lines on
a bridge together with their corresponding radii are all parallel to each other as can
be seen from Figures 2 and 3. The angle of inclination of these inclined planes is
obtained by satisfying, as closely as possible, the geometric design requirements
derived from road design.

Geometric Design of Curved Incrementally Launched Bridges - Canceri Page 2 of 20



0 INCLINED PLANE

LINEMN
N
VERTICAL PLANE
THROUGH CENTRE
OF VC

ABUTMENT B

BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE

CIRCULAR CURVE CONTAINED ON
U INCLINED PLANE

V
PROJECTION OF BRIDGE
DECK CENTRELINE
ONTO A VERTICAL PLANE W
ELLIPTICAL CURVE S, SAG BETWEEN ABUTMENT A
AND CENTRE OF VC

CENTRE OF VC

ABUTMENT A

PROJECTION OF BRIDGE
DECK CENTRELINE ONTO A
M HORIZONTAL PLANE
ELLIPTICAL CURVE

FIGURE 1: ISOMETRIC VIEW OF BRIDGE DECK

CENTRELINE WITH A SAG VERTICAL CURVE

In Appendix A, mathematical expressions have been derived for calculating the deck
centreline radius of a launched bridge together with the angle of inclination of the
inclined plane containing this radius. Appendix A also contains the design criteria
that has been adopted in satisfying, as closely as possible, the geometric design
requirements derived from road design.

When a bridge is constructed to conform with the geometric design requirements

described above, it is found that each surface on the bridge superstructure forms the
shape of a cone. All such cones have a common axis. The angle of tilt of this axis to
the vertical equals the angle of inclination of the inclined planes and is therefore
perpendicular to the inclined planes. Furthermore, as is shown in Figure 3, the
centres of all the circular arcs representing the various longitudinal lines on the
bridge are all located on the axis of the cones.

Figure 2 shows the radial bridge cross section through the centre of the vertical curve
(VC) of a bridge. As mentioned above, it can be seen from Figure 2 that all bridge
surfaces have a conical shape. Figure 2 also shows that the angle of tilt of the axis
of the cones equals the angle of inclination of the inclined planes.

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 ANGLE OF TILT
(= ANGLE OF INCLINATION
OF INCLINED PLANES)

VERTICAL AXIS AXIS OF CONES

CONE FOR
SURFACE S2
INCLINED
PLANES

CONE FOR CONE FOR

SURFACE S4 DECK SURFACE

CONE FOR
SURFACE S6

VERTICAL
AXIS PARALLEL TO
AXIS OF CONES

NORMAL TO
AXIS OF CONE
CONE FOR
SURFACE S2 VARIOUS
LONGITUDINAL
LINES ON BRIDGE
cL OF DECK

S7
S1
S6
S2

S3 S5
ANGLE OF S4 cL OF
INCLINATION
SOFFIT

HORIZONTAL
CONE FOR
SURFACE S6

DETAIL A

FIGURE 2: RADIAL SECTION THROUGH CENTRE OF VC

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Another important feature associated with the design of incrementally launched
bridges with a combined vertical and horizontal curve, is that after the bridge has
been launched into its final position, the bridge deck cross fall varies along the length
of the bridge. The variation of the deck cross fall needs to be referred back to the
road designer to check that it is within acceptable design limits. If the variation of the
deck cross fall is not within acceptable design limits, then a number of design options
are available as described below:

Option 1: The thickness of the deck slab can be varied from one girder
segment to the next by varying the height of the side forms along the edges of
the deck slab. This option, however, could result in excessively thick deck
slabs and heavier dead loads on the bridge.

Option 2: Once the bridge has been fully launched, the thickness of the
asphaltic concrete wearing surface can be varied along the length of the
bridge. This option will also result in heavier loads on the bridge, particularly
on the cantilevering deck slabs.

Option 3: The formwork/falsework supporting the underside of the

cantilevering deck slabs could be modified from a fixed system to one that is
adjustable so that the cross fall of the deck slab can be varied from one girder
segment to the next.

If structurally acceptable, Options 1 or 2 are likely to be the preferred options adopted

by most bridge builders.

The radial cross section through the centre of the VC of a bridge is the most
important cross section for the geometric design and setting out details for a
launched bridge which has a combined vertical and horizontal curve. The radial
cross section passing through the centre of the VC of a bridge is important for the
following reasons:

(1) This radial cross section is the only cross section along the bridge that is vertical.

(2) Once the radius of the bridge deck centreline and the angle of inclination of the
inclined planes have been determined, the lengths of the radii of all the other
longitudinal lines on the bridge can be calculated from the radial cross section
through the centre of the VC.

(3) Being a vertical plane, the radii of all the longitudinal lines that lie within the radial
cross section through the centre of the VC of the bridge have the same bearing
angle. This bearing angle can easily be determined from the road design data.

(4) Using the information obtained from Points (2) and (3) above, the co-ordinates
and levels of the centres of the circular arcs for the various longitudinal lines on
the bridge can easily be calculated.

(5) For a bridge which has a sag vertical curve, the deck cross fall is a minimum at
the centre of the VC and this cross fall can be set by the bridge designer when
determining the geometric shape of the radial cross section. Conversely, for a

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 bridge with a summit vertical curve, the deck cross fall is a maximum at the
centre of the VC.

In Figure 3, graphical representations are given highlighting the abovementioned

points.

1 1

VERTICAL AXIS AXIS PARALLEL TO AXIS OF CONES

BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE 1

14

2
13
12
13
4
5
11

SOFFIT SLOPE
VERTICAL AXIS
7 8 9 10
6
CENTRELINE OF
CENTRELINE OF
LAUNCHING BEARINGS
AXIS OF CONES LAUNCHING BEARINGS

BEARING OF RADIAL
NORTH
SECTION THROUGH
CENTRE OF VC

AXIS OF CONES
HORIZONTAL PROJECTION - HORIZONTAL PROJECTION
OF VERTICAL AXIS

EAST

EASTING AND NORTHING

FOR CENTRE OF CIRCLE
OF BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE

CENTRES OF CIRCLES
FOR POINTS 1 TO 14

PART VIEW 1

FIGURE 3: RADIAL SECTION THROUGH CENTRE OF BRIDGE VC

SHOWING SETTING OUT DETAILS

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The setting out of the casting yard and bridge abutments and piers, is based upon
the radial cross sections along the bridge since all radial sections have the same
cross sectional properties.
All radial cross sections are contained within planes which pass through the axis of
the cones. Since the axis of the cones and the planes containing the radial cross
sections are all perpendicular to the included planes, it follows that setting out details
should first be computed on the included planes and then projected horizontally and
vertically to obtain co-ordinates and levels respectively.

Having established the span lengths along one particular longitudinal line along the
bridge for the purpose of setting out the casting yard and the bridge abutments and
piers, the angles subtended between the respective radial cross sections can then be
calculated. When setting out of the casting yard and the bridge abutments and piers,
it is usual practice to adopt the longitudinal line along the bridge deck centreline as
the setting out line.

When establishing the setting out details of the formwork within the casting yard, it is
important that the spacing of the radial cross sections within this zone be close
enough to ensure that linear interpolation between the radial cross sections will give
results that are within specified tolerances.

In Appendix B, copies of an example set of spreadsheets have been provided which

outline the steps involved in calculating the radius of the bridge deck centreline and
the angle of inclination of the inclined planes together with the setting out details for
the bridge abutments and piers.

In Appendix C, a sample set of hand calculations have been included to illustrate the
logarithm used in Appendix B for the calculation of coordinates (eastings, northings
and reduced levels) along a typical longitudinal line along the bridge for the setting
out of the casting yard as well as the bridge abutment and piers.

Summary

Incrementally launched bridges which have a combined horizontal and vertical curve
generally cannot satisfy all of the geometric requirements determined from road
design. However, by maintaining constant curvature along the full length of the
bridge, the radius of the bridge deck centreline and the angle of inclination of the
plane containing this radius can be calculated, such that the geometric requirements
determined from road design are satisfied as closely as possible and in most cases
the differences are of little practical consequence.

Acknowledgement

The author would like to acknowledge and thank the following persons and
organisations for their assistance in the preparation of this paper:

- The Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW for permission to publish this paper.

- Christine Pericleous and Kerrie Beland for their assistance in typing the
paper.

Geometric Design of Curved Incrementally Launched Bridges - Canceri Page 7 of 20

 - Christopher Sutherland for preparing the spreadsheets contained in Appendix B.

- Matthew Thompson for preparing the figures.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the policy of the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW.

Notations

R1 = Radius of bridge deck centreline on inclined plane

(Figures 1, A1 and A2)

R1 = Horizontal radius of bridge deck centreline as derived by road

design. (Figures A1 and A3).

= Sin-1 (S / ) .( Figures 1,2,3 and A1)

= Angle of inclination to the horizontal of the inclined plane
containing the bridge deck centreline.

S = Vertical sag (rise) in the bridge deck centreline between

Abutment A and the centre of the VC. (Figures 1 and 1A).

= R1 - R1 X1 (Figure A1 and A2)

2 2

= Perpendicular distance from LineMN to the centre of VC.

X1 = R1.Sin(/2 ) a constant (Figures A1, A2 and A3)

= Distance from the vertical plane through the centre of the VC
to Points M (M) and N (M). (Figures A1, A2 and A3).

Points M, N = Points located on the bridge deck centreline which are

equidistant from the vertical plane through the centre of the
VC. Point M represents the location of the bridge abutment
which is furthest from the centre of the VC..(Figures 1, A1
and A2).

Points M, N = Represent the projection of Points M and N onto the horizontal

plane which passes through the centre of the circle of the
bridge deck centreline..(Figures A1 and A3).

LineMN = Line of intersection of inclined plane with the horizontal plane

containing Points M and N. (Figures 1, A1 and A2).

LineMN = Line containing Points M and N(Figures A1 and A3).

Geometric Design of Curved Incrementally Launched Bridges - Canceri Page 8 of 20

 ARCMN = Arc length between Points M and N for the horizontal circular
curve derived from road design. (Figure A3).

= Angle subtended by the circular arc of the bridge deck

centreline on the inclined plane between Points M and N.
(Figure A2)

= R1
..a constant (Figure A3)
ARCMN
= Angle subtended by the horizontal circular arc derived by road
design for the bridge deck centreline between Points M and N

Abutment A = The bridge abutment which is located furthest from the centre
of the VC of the bridge.

RLA = The reduced level of the bridge deck centreline at Abutment A

as derived from road design. (Appendix B)

RLVC = The reduced level of the centre of the vertical curve as derived
from road design. ... (Appendix B)

A = Bearing of the radial line from Abutment A to the centre of the

horizontal curve of the bridge deck centreline as derived from
road designs (Figure A3).

VC = Bearing of the vertical plane passing through both the centre of

the VC and the centre of the circle of the bridge deck
centreline.. (Figure A3).

= Slope of the girder soffit at the centre of the bridge

VC..(Appendix B).

Geometric Design of Curved Incrementally Launched Bridges - Canceri Page 9 of 20

 APPENDIX A

DERIVATION OF MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSIONS FOR THE CALCULATION OF

THE DECK CENTRELINE RADIUS TOGETHER WITH THE ANGLE OF
INCLINATION OF THE PLANE CONTAINING THIS RADIUS.

Incrementally launched bridges which have a combined horizontal and vertical curve
cannot in all cases satisfy all of the geometric design requirements determined from
road design. In deriving the mathematical expressions for the calculation of the deck
centreline radius together with the angle of inclination to the horizontal of the plane
containing this radius, the intention is to match the geometric requirements
determined from road design as closely as possible.

For a launched bridge that is symmetrical about the centre of its vertical curve (VC),
the criteria adopted in calculating the deck centreline radius together with the angle
of inclination of the plane containing this radius is as follows:

a) In plan, the co-ordinates and horizontal grades of the centreline of the deck at
both abutments coincide with the circular curve derived from road geometry (refer
to Points M and N in Figure A3).
b) In elevation, the co-ordinates of the centreline of the deck at both abutments and
at the centre of the VC coincide with the projected parabolic curve derived from
road design. The vertical grades at the abutments however, may not match those
derived from road design but this can easily be overcome by regrading the road
approaches.

For the common case where a bridge is not symmetrical about the centre of its VC,
coincidence of co-ordinates and horizontal grades can only be achieved at one
bridge abutment. This abutment is the one which is located furthest from the centre
of the VC and for the purpose of identification shall be referred to as Abutment A.

From Figure A2, the equation of the curve describing the locus of the deck centreline
on the inclined plane is given as:

X2 + Y2 = R12 (X-Y Co-ordinate System a circle)

The equation of the deck centreline in plan is given as:

2
2 y
x + = R12 (x-y Co-ordinate System an ellipse)
Cos

i.e., x2 + y2 Sec2 = R12

It should be noted that due to the rotation of axes from the X-Y Co-ordinate System
to the x-y Co-ordinate System the following transformation equations hold:

x = X ; y = Y Cos

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Rearranging the equation of the ellipse above and making y the subject of the
equation we have:

y= R12 x 2 . Cos

For a bridge with a deck centreline radius R1 and an angle of inclination with the
horizontal we have:

dy 1
= [(1/2) (-2x)]. Cos
dx R12 x 2

dy xCos
i.e. =
dx R12 x 2

Thus, at Abutment A (Point M in Figure A3), the horizontal grade of the elliptical
curve for the deck centreline is given as:

dy X1Cos
=- . (1)
dx R12 X1
2

For the horizontal circular curve of radius R1 as derived from road design, the
horizontal grade of the curve at Abutment A is given from Figure A3 as:

dy
= -Tan [90o Cos -1 (X1/ R1 )] . (2)
dx

Solving Equations (1) and (2) simultaneously to obtain coincidence of horizontal

grades at Abutment A, we have:

X1Cos
Tan [90o Cos -1 (X1/ R1 )] = (3)
2
R12 X1

Equation (3) above is best solved by iteration. A trail value for R1 is chosen and the
equation is then checked for equality.

Equation (3) should be solved to an accuracy of not less than eight decimal places.

In summary, the bridge deck centreline radius R1 together with the angle of
inclination of the plane containing this radius, are both obtained by solving
Equation 3 above.

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 VERTICAL AXIS
HORIZONTAL PLANE

VERTICAL AXIS
THROUGH CENTRE OF
CIRCLE OF DECK CENTRELINE LINEMN PARALLEL TO LINE MN
N

CIRCULAR CURVE ON HORIZONTAL

PLANE AS DERIVED FROM ROAD DESIGN
0
y
R1 PROJECTION OF BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE
Y N ON TO A HORIZONTAL PLANE (AN ELLIPSE)

R1
ABUTMENT B

W
M
BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE
- CIRCULAR CURVE CONTAINED
ON INCLINED PLANE

ABUTMENT A
CENTRE OF VC
M
VERTICAL AXIS

0
LINEMN

ABUTMENT B
R1

BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE

- CIRCULAR CURVE CONTAINED
ON INCLINED PLANE

U V
S, SAG OF VC
INCLINED PLANE
W
CONTAINING BRIDGE
DECK CENTRELINE
U V

CENTRE OF VC S
ABUTMENT A W
= Sin-1(S/)
LINE OF INTERSECTION OF INCLINED
M
PLANE WITH HORIZONTAL PLANE
THROUGH ABUTMENT A (POINT M)

FIGURE A1: ISOMETRIC VIEW OF BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE

WITH A SAG VERTICAL CURVE

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 CENTRE OF VC BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE
- CIRCULAR CURVE,

ABUTMENT B
(X 2
+ Y 2 = R12 )
ABUTMENT A

N X1 X1 M

= R1 R12 X12

(R1-)
NOTE: THE X-Y
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEM
APPLIES TO THE INCLINED
LINE OF INTERSECTION OF
PLANE
INCLINED PLANE WITH Y
HORIZONTAL PLANE
THROUGH CENTRE OF
CIRCLE OF DECK CENTRELINE
X

FIGURE A2: GEOMETRY OF BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE

ON THE INCLINED PLANE

CIRCULAR CURVE AS
CENTRE OF VC
DERIVED FROM ROAD
PROJECTION OF DECK CENTRELINE ON TO
DESIGN (RADIUS, R1)
HORIZONTAL PLANE ELLIPTICAL CURVE
(x2 + y2Sec2 = R1)
ABUTMENT B
o
90 Cos 1 X1 ' ABUTMENT A
N R1 M
X1 X1
BEARING VC = A - [90o Cos-1(X1/R1)]

Cos-1 (X1/R1)

X1 = R1 Sin ( 2 )

=
R1'
ARC'MN
R1

LINE OF INTERSECTION OF NOTE: THE x-y

INCLINED PLANE WITH y CO-ORDINATE SYSTEM
HORIZONTAL PLANE APPLIES TO THE
THROUGH CENTRE OF HORIZONTAL PLANE
CIRCLE OF DECK CENTRELINE

x
0

FIGURE A3: GEOMETRY OF BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE

ON THE HORIZONTAL PLANE

Geometric Design of Curved Incrementally Launched Bridges - Canceri Page 13 of 20

 APPENDIX B

SPREADSHEET 1: CALCULATION OF THE RADIUS OF THE BRIDGE DECK

CENTRELINE AND ANGLE OF INCLINATION OF THE
INCLINED PLANE (EXAMPLE).

Input - Road Geometry Parameters

CIRCULAR CURVE AS
CENTRE OF VC
Parameter Value Units DERIVED FROM ROAD
PROJECTION OF DECK CENTRELINE ON TO
DESIGN (RADIUS, R1)
HORIZONTAL PLANE ELLIPTICAL CURVE
R'1 479.4000 m 2 2 2
(x + y Sec = R1)
ABUTMENT B
o
90 Cos1X1 '
ARC'MN 247.6672 m ABUTMENT A
N R1 M
X1 X1

BEARING VC = A - [90o Cos-1(X1/R1)]

RLA 31.3350 m
Cos-1 (X1/R1)

RLVC 29.9000 m
X1 = R1 Sin (
2
)

R1'

R1
2256.7747 E m =
Coordinates of ARC'MN
Abutment A y
5672.5033 N m

A 75.26077498 degrees x
0

PROJECTION OF BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE ON THE HORIZONTAL PLANE

Calculated - Constants

Parameter Value Units Equation to be solved to have coincidence of horizontal

29.6001 degrees grade at Abutment A
S -1.4350 m
X1 122.4611 m
o 1 X X1Cos( )
Tan 90 1 =
R
Cos
2 2
RUN SOLVER FOR RADIUS R 1
R1 X1
AND ANGLE OF INCLINATION

Output - Geometry of Inclined Plane and Coordinates of the Centre of Circle of Bridge Deck Centreline

CENTRE OF VC BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE

Geometry of Inclined Plane - CIRCULAR CURVE,
ABUTMENT B
(X 2
+ Y 2 = R12 )
ABUTMENT A
Parameter Value Unit

R1 477.5869 m N X1 X1 M
5.156152663 degrees
29.71504963 degrees
15.9674 m
(R1-)

vc 240.46072775 degrees

Coordinates of the Centre of Circle of Deck

Centreline = R1 R12 X12

Parameter Value Unit Y
Easting 1796.4068 m
Northing 5552.3799 m
RL 72.8209 m X

BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE ON THE INCLINED PLANE

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 APPENDIX B

SPREADSHEET 2: CALCULATION OF THE RADII AND COORDINATES (E, N & RL)

OF THE CENTRE OF CIRCLES FOR VARIOUS LONGITUDINAL
LINES ALONG THE BRIDGE (EXAMPLE).

Input

Description Symbol Value Unit

2.0323 %
Slope of girder soffit at the centre of the VC 1.16455872 degrees
Angle of inclination of inclined plane 5.15615266 degrees
Angle between the axis perpendicular to the girder soffit and the axis parallel
to the axis of cones + 6.32071138 degrees

Bearing from centre of the circles on the axis of cones to the centre of the VC VC 240.46072775 degrees

Coordinates inputed in the table below are measured relative to the axis perpendicular to the girder
soffit and passing through the bridge deck centreline. The origin of the coordinate system is taken at
the bridge deck centreline.

VERTICAL AXIS
POINT x y AXIS PARALLEL TO AXIS OF CONES
1 0 0

2 -4500 -165 AXIS PERPENDICULAR TO SOFFIT OF GIRDER

3 -4500 -365 1 14

4 -2250 -565 2
5 -1630 -2500 13
6 -1600 -2800 12
7 -1310 -2800 3
4
8 0 -2800
9 1310 -2800
11 GIRDER SOFFIT LINE
10 1600 -2800 5

11 1630 -2500
6
12 2250 -400 7 8 9 10
HORIZONTAL
13 4500 -35
14 4500 165

RADIAL SECTION THROUGH CENTRE OF BRIDGE VC

Output

Circle centre
POINT Radius Easting Northing RL
1 477.5869 1796.4068 5552.3799 72.8209
2 473.1324 1796.3553 5552.3507 72.1642
3 473.1545 1796.3397 5552.3419 71.9662 cL
4 475.4128 1796.3436 5552.3441 72.0149
5 476.2421 1796.1985 5552.2619 70.1675
6 476.3049 1796.1755 5552.2488 69.8738
7 476.5931 1796.1780 5552.2502 69.9056
8 477.8952 1796.1893 5552.2566 70.0492
9 479.1972 1796.2005 5552.2630 70.1929
10 479.4855 1796.2030 5552.2644 70.2247 VERTICAL AXIS
11 479.4822 1796.2266 5552.2778 70.5249
12 479.8673 1796.3951 5552.3733 72.6717
AXIS OF CONES
13 482.0634 1796.4429 5552.4003 73.2797
14 482.0414 1796.4584 5552.4092 73.4777
RADIAL SECTION THROUGH CENTRE OF VC

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 APPENDIX B

SPREADSHEET 3: SETTING OUT DETAILS FOR PIERS, ABUTMENTS AND LAUNCHING BEARINGS
(EXAMPLE).

Input - Span Arrangement: Chainages Measured Along Bridge Deck Centreline

1 14

2
Location Chainage
Abut A 300.0 13
Pier 1 334.0 12
Pier 2 376.5 3
4
Pier 3 419.0
Pier 4 461.5
7 9
Pier 5 504.0 11
Abut B 538.0 5
CENTRELINE OF TOP OF
LAUNCHING BEARINGS
6 10 (ie AT GIRDER SOFFIT)
8
INSIDE LAUNCHING BEARING OUTSIDE LAUNCHING BEARING
Radius of setout lines and coordinates of centre of
LAUNCHING BEARINGS
Point Centre of Circle
Number Radius E N RL
2 473.13244 1796.35529 5552.35072 72.1642 BEARING OF PIER (ABUTMENT)
7 476.59314 1796.17797 5552.25024 69.9056 CENTRELINE
8 477.89518 1796.1893 5552.2566 70.0492
9 479.19722 1796.20053 5552.26302 70.1929
COORDINATES OF PIER (ABUTMENT)
14 482.0414 1796.45841 5552.40915 73.4777

Output - Setting Out Details for Piers and Abutments

Coordinates and Bearings of Centrelines at Piers and Deck Crossfall at Pier and Abutment Locations
Abutments

Coordinates Bearing of Location Deck Crossfall

Location Chainage East North Pier CL (deg) Abutment A 5.9922%
Abut A 300 2256.8542 5672.4575 75.37593293 Pier 1 5.8519%
Pier 1 334 2247.0411 5705.0190 71.28205659 Pier 2 5.7388%
Pier 2 376.5 2231.5697 5744.6135 66.16352466 Pier 3 5.6957%
Pier 3 419 2212.6528 5782.6857 61.04426417 Pier 4 5.7228%
Pier 4 461.5 2190.4400 5818.9344 55.92492863 Pier 5 5.8200%
Pier 5 504 2165.1072 5853.0726 50.80617399 Abutment B 5.9477%
Abut B 538 2142.7285 5878.6815 46.71201785

Output - Coordinates and RL's of Launching Bearings Including Longitudinal and Transverse Slopes

Longitudinal Transverse
Location Launching Bearings Easting Northing RL Slope Slope
Inside Bearing 2255.5879 5672.1236 28.5060 -2.2994%
Abutment A 2.3308%
Outside Bearing 2258.1206 5672.7914 28.5670 -2.3120%
Inside Bearing 2245.8015 5704.5964 27.8296 -1.6771%
Pier 1 2.1898%
Outside Bearing 2248.2807 5705.4415 27.8870 -1.6863%
Inside Bearing 2230.3722 5744.0830 27.2842 -0.8876%
Pier 2 2.0761%
Outside Bearing 2232.7672 5745.1439 27.3386 -0.8924%
Inside Bearing 2211.5068 5782.0515 27.0762 -0.0910%
Pier 3 2.0327%
Outside Bearing 2213.7987 5783.3199 27.1294 -0.0915%
Inside Bearing 2189.3546 5818.2014 27.2070 0.7064%
Pier 4 2.0600%
Outside Bearing 2191.5254 5819.6673 27.2610 0.7102%
Inside Bearing 2164.0908 5852.2466 27.6758 1.4981%
Pier 5 2.1577%
Outside Bearing 2166.1236 5853.8985 27.7323 1.5063%
Inside Bearing 2141.7730 5877.7857 28.2917 2.1232%
Abutment B 2.2862%
Outside Bearing 2143.6839 5879.5772 28.3516 2.1348%

Geometric Design of Curved Incrementally Launched Bridges - Canceri Page 16 of 20

 APPENDIX C

SAMPLE SET OF CALCULATIONS OUTLINING THE STEPS INVOLVED IN

DERIVING THE COORDINATES (E, N AND RL) AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS FOR A
TYPICAL LONGITUDINAL LINE ALONG THE BRIDGE.

The logarithm outlined in the set of calculations given below is that which has been
adopted in the setting-out details given in Appendix B Spreadsheet 3. The
longitudinal line in the subject set of calculations is that for the bridge deck centreline.

A) Bridge Deck Centreline on Inclined Plane:

x, X

i
SECTION A-A

BRIDGE DECK CENTRELINE ON INCLINED PLANE

Location i x = Cos(i)
Abut. A 75.14247195o 122.4611
Pier 1 79.22142911o 89.3154
Pier 2 84.32012556o 47.2669
Pier 3 89.41882201o 4.8443
Pier 4 94.51751846o -37.6166
Pier 5 99.61621491o -79.7798
Abut. B 103.69517210o -113.0717

Geometric Design of Curved Incrementally Launched Bridges - Canceri Page 17 of 20

B) Projection of Bridge Deck Centreline onto Vertical Plane Calculation of RLs:

Centre of circle of
bridge deck centreline,
B
RL = 72.8209
x, X = 5.15616350
o

x,X y
Line of intersection of
inclined plane with
vertical plane R1
z Inclined
Plane
Vertical
Abut A
Plan
Abut B
Pier 5 Pier 1
Pier 4 Pier 2 Centre of VC, Y
Vertical Centre of VC Pier 3 RL = 29.9000
ellipse B z

Section B-B

Vertical Projection

The following transformation equations apply due to the rotation of axes from the X-Y
system to the x-z system:

x=
z
z = Y . Sin ie Y = = (11.1270180 2)z
Sin
But X 2 + Y 2 = R12 .. on the inclined plane.

Therefore, the equation of the bridge deck centreline when projected onto the
vertical plane is given as:

x 2 + [(11.1271080 2)z] = (477.5869 ) . Vertical ellipse

2 2
i.e

Making z the subject of the equation, we have:

z=
(228089.2471 x ) 2

123.812532 89

The RL of any point along the vertical ellipse is then given as:

RL = [RLcircle centre]-z
= 72.8209 - z

i.e RL = 72.8209
(228089.2471 x ) 2

123.812532 89

Geometric Design of Curved Incrementally Launched Bridges - Canceri Page 18 of 20

 Thus, the RL of the bridge deck centreline for the radial cross sections at the
respective abutment and pier locations is given as:

Location x RL
Abut. A 122.4611 31.3350
Pier 1 89.3154 30.6572
Pier 2 47.2669 30.1107
Pier 3 4.8443 29.9022
Pier 4 -37.6166 30.0333
Pier 5 -79.7798 30.5031
Abut. B -113.0717 31.1203

C) Projection of Bridge Deck Centreline onto Horizontal Plane:

C
Centre of VC
Pier 3
Pier 4 Pier 2 Horizontal ellipse

Pier 5 Pier 1
Abut A
= 5.15616350
o Horizontal
Plane
Abut B x, X
y
y R1
Line of intersection of
inclined plane with Inclined
horizontal plane Plane Y
Centre of VC
x, X
Centre of circle of the Bridge Section C-C
Deck Centreline
C

Horizontal Projection

The following transformation equations apply due to rotation of axes from the X-Y
system to the x-y system:

x=
y
y = Y . Cos ie Y =
= (1.0040629 9)y
Cos
But X 2 + Y 2 = R12 .. on the inclined plane.

Therefore, the equation of the bridge deck centreline when projected onto the
horizontal plane is given as:

x 2 + [(1.00406299 )y ] = (477.5869 ) .. Horizontal ellipse.

2 2
i.e

i.e y=
(228089.247 1 x ) 2

1.00814249
Geometric Design of Curved Incrementally Launched Bridges - Canceri Page 19 of 20
Thus, the x-y coordinates of the bridge deck centreline for the radial cross sections at
the respective abutment and pier locations is given as:

Location x y
Abut. A 122.4611 459.7515
Pier 1 89.3154 467.2625
Pier 2 47.2669 473.3190
Pier 3 4.8443 475.6299
Pier 4 -37.6166 474.1766
Pier 5 -79.7798 468.9708
Abut. B -113.0717 462.1310

D) Conversion of x-y Coordinates on Horizontal Plane to Eastings and Northings:

y
E
N

vc = 60.46072174o
x
Coordinates of centre of circle of the Bridge
Deck Centreline: E = 1796.4068
N = 5552.3799

The following transformation equations apply due to the rotation and translation of
axes from the x-y system to the E-N system (ie Eastings and Northings).

E= x 2 + y 2 .Cos[Tan 1 (y/x ) VC ] + 1796.4068

N= x 2 + y 2 .Sin[Tan 1 (y/x ) VC ] + 5552.3799

Thus, the co-ordinates of the bridge deck centreline for the radial sections at the
respective abutment and pier locations are given as follows:

Location Easting Northing

Abut. A 2256.775 5672.503
Pier 1 2246.968 5705.044
Pier 2 2231.506 5744.613
Pier 3 2212.602 5782.660
Pier 4 2190.403 5818.886
Pier 5 2165.087 5853.002
Abut. B 2142.723 5878.594

Geometric Design of Curved Incrementally Launched Bridges - Canceri Page 20 of 20