ABSTRACT
A prefabricated concrete bridge element is defined as part of a bridge that is precast away from its final position (Sprinkel, 1985). A system is a combination of elements. Prefabricated concrete bridge elements and systems are used to construct new bridges and to rehabilitate or replace old ones. Prefabricated elements can reduce design effort, enhance quality, simplify and expedite construction, lessen inconvenience to the traveling public, improve safety for workers and the traveling public, and minimize cost. Design effort can be reduced when the same design is used on multiple bridge projects. Historically, bridge-design engineers have customized bridge designs for each site, making the prefabrication of elements impractical except for use on major multiple-span bridge projects. Recent efforts have involved making more adjustments to the site to accommodate a standard design and have developed designs that are more versatile. Fabricating elements in the controlled environment of a precast or prestressed concrete plant enhances quality. Plants are typically certified and well established, although temporary on-site plants are constructed to produce elements for a major bridge project. Plants can use high-quality reusable forms; temperature, relative humidity, and wind can be controlled; the concrete can be batched at the plant; and labor is more efficient because tasks are repeated.
