Precast Concrete Arch Culvert Construction

Precast concrete arch culverts are placed in sections within a keyway in a footer. This design can be a cost-effective and schedule-friendly way to bridge waterways and other obstacles when a traditional bridge structure isn't necessary.
Even these "small" slices are very heavy (on the order of 45 tons) and their handling and placement requires an experienced crew that leaves nothing to chance. This is not a job to be rushed; there's lots of places to crush fingers...and much, much worse. Safety is key on a job like this.
US 301 in Delaware was constructed over a 3-year period using seven contracts, in addition to advance clearing, tolling, and landscaping. It extends from the Maryland /Delaware State Line to State Route 1, and was opened to traffic on January 10, 2019. It is a 14-mile limited access highway with four interchanges, 28 bridges, and an all electronic tolling (AET) system.
The Delaware T2/LTAP Center provides direct technical assistance, training, and technology transfer to Delaware local agencies relative to their transportation challenges.
sites.udel.edu/dct/t2-center/

[@shuwebmohamed]

Nice to work construction

[@DelawareT2Center]

Agreed!

[@geertrebreps191]

Normally they are tensioned with clamps that are hooked into the eyelets where the lifting ropes were located. Since the individual elements have no seals between them, it appears to be a subordinate structure (culvert for a small river?). If they were ropes, the eyelets for the auxiliary ropes (which were needed for turning) would have to be located in the through-holes. But that would contradict the static requirements. Normalerweise werden sie mit Klammern verspannt die in die Ösen eingehängt werden an denen die Hebeseile sassen. Nachdem die einzelnen Elemente untereinander keine Dichtungen haben, scheint es sich um ein untergeordnetes Bauwerk zu handen (Durchlass für ein Flüsschen?). Wenn es Seile wären, müssten die Ösen für die Hilfsseile (die zum Drehen benötigt wurden) in durchgehenden Bohrungen sitzen. Das aber würde den statischen Erfordernissen widersprechen.

[@petersrightbut8297]

How are the arches connected?

[@DelawareT2Center]

I don't recall for sure, but commonly these types of sections are connected with cables that provide post-tensioning. But there are a variety of connecting types, particularly when those structural concerns aren't the driver.

[@BowenOrg]

QUESTION PLEASE: * Out of curiosity, how much does "one" of those arches cost? Thanks Retired, Veteran

[@DelawareT2Center]

Thank you for your service. That is a good question, but we don't have the cost numbers on that project. Guessing...tens of thousands. And, of course, there is the prep work, the foundation keys, transportation, setting crew, and so on. There's a lot involved. But the advantages of precast sections like this in terms of quality control are a real leg up on traditional cast-in place.

[@BowenOrg]

@@DelawareT2Center Thanks for the nice complement, most appreciated. So you're best guess is that "one section" would be possibly $20k or $30k or ??? What would you recommend on how I could find out? Do you know who the manufacturer is? Any info would MOST helpful. Thanks! Mr Bowen Retired, Veteran

[@lizweiss4599]

I hope Hamas aren’t watching this.