Erection Engineering Considerations for Curved Steel I-Girder Bridges

The erection of horizontally curved steel I-girder bridges is inherently more complex than the erection of straight I-girder bridges of similar span lengths, which is a direct result of the natural behavior of curved steel I-girders. Bridge engineers must be aware of these complexities as they are more frequently being tasked with developing or reviewing erection plans for curved steel I- girder bridges. However, there is limited guidance given in design specifications and archival literature that illustrates what is required in the design and construction plans for curved steel I- girders during erection stages and the calculations that need to be carried out. Based upon the authors’ experience, this paper will highlight aspects of curved steel I-girder bridge erection that should be considered by the design engineer and the contractor’s engineer in the development of the steel erection plans, so as to provide for a successful bridge construction project.