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This article explains operating principles, complete workflow, and standard construction procedures of bridge girder launcher in modern bridge projects. It introduces its definition and application background, and highlights core roles in highways, railways, and urban viaduct projects. Structural characteristics and suitable scenarios of different bridge girder launcher types are also described. The article focuses on the process from preparation, girder transport and lifting, movement, accurate positioning, to equipment advancing. Combined with practical construction, it summarizes key technical points and common risk control measures. Analysis of stability, synchronous control, and construction accuracy helps readers understand efficient and safe girder erection and supports equipment selection.
Bridge girder launcher is key equipment for efficient and precise girder erection, directly affecting safety, schedule, and overall project quality. Different bridge types, spans, and construction environments impose specific requirements on operating methods and construction procedures. Systematic understanding of working principles, workflows, and standard procedures is essential for successful bridge construction.
•Definition of bridge girder launcher: A large lifting machine for erecting precast bridge girders, lifting box girders or T girders from transport positions to piers or abutments.
•Basic functions: Girder lifting, longitudinal movement, transverse adjustment, and precise positioning, serving as essential equipment for superstructure construction.
In modern bridge construction, precast girder methods are widely adopted due to shorter schedules, controllable quality, and reduced environmental influence. Bridge girder launcher is the key equipment enabling efficient girder erection, with stability, lifting capacity, and control accuracy determining safety and efficiency.
|
Application Bridge Type |
Typical Project Scenarios |
Core Requirements for Bridge Girder Launcher |
Configuration and Operating Characteristics |
| Expressway Bridges | Mainline bridges, interchanges, and overpass bridges | Heavy girder weight and wide span range require high lifting capacity and stability | Large-capacity, long-span bridge girder launcher with continuous erection capability for multi-span construction |
| Railway Bridges | Conventional railway bridges, high-speed railway bridges, passenger dedicated lines | High erection accuracy, strict synchronous control, stable operation, and high safety redundancy | Equipped with high-precision synchronous control systems ensuring coordinated lifting and movements |
| Urban Viaducts and Municipal Projects | Urban viaducts, urban expressways, and municipal overpass bridges | Limited space with requirements for traffic organization, safety, and environmental control | Customized bridge girder launcher designs with compact structure for complex conditions and variable bridge types |
•Main girder system: The main girder is the load-bearing core, carrying girder weight and operational loads, using high-strength steel for stiffness and stability.
•Hoisting and transverse mechanisms: The hoisting mechanism lifts girders vertically, while transverse mechanisms enable lateral adjustment for precise alignment.
•Traveling and longitudinal movement system: The traveling system advances the equipment, while longitudinal movement shifts girders along the bridge axis.
•Electrical and control system: The electrical system integrates hoisting, traveling, transverse movement, and safety protection for coordinated and synchronous operation.
During operation, girder loads transfer through the main girder to supports or piers, forming a stable load system. All mechanisms operate synchronously under control systems, ensuring balanced forces and smooth movement during positioning.
|
Bridge Girder Launcher Type |
Main Structure and Operating Method |
Core Operating Characteristics |
Typical Application Scenarios |
Selection and Usage Considerations |
| Overhead traveling type | Installed on completed deck, advancing girder by girder using main girder movement | Clear load path, high stability, continuous and efficient operation | Expressway bridges, railway bridges | Requires high deck bearing capacity, suitable for heavy and long-span girders |
| Launching girder type | Uses front and rear launching girders for advancing and girder delivery | Strong adaptability, low dependence on ground conditions | River crossings, deep valleys, complex terrain bridges | Complex structure, high requirements for installation accuracy and organization |
| Walking type | Uses hydraulic lifting, advancing, and placing step-by-step movement | Flexible movement without rail systems | Limited space bridges with variable alignment | Slower movement, high demands on hydraulic stability and synchronization |
| Double launching girder type | Adopts symmetrical dual launching girder structure | High rigidity, uniform load distribution, excellent operational stability | Ultra-heavy girders and long-span bridges | Heavy self-weight, higher manufacturing and transport costs |
| Single launching girder type | Uses single launching girder with simplified structure | Lightweight, efficient assembly and dismantling, good economy | Medium and small span bridges, municipal projects | Limited capacity for ultra-heavy or extra-long girders |
| Customized special type | Custom-designed for specific bridge types and conditions | Highly targeted design improving efficiency and safety | Curved bridges, skew bridges, confined urban sites | High requirements for preliminary design and experienced manufacturers |
Bridge girder launcher operation process centers on preparation, girder lifting, precise erection, and equipment advancing, requiring close coordination and high equipment performance. The following provides a systematic analysis of the complete working process.
Construction preparation is the foundation for safe and efficient operation, directly affecting subsequent erection activities.
•Equipment mobilization and site condition confirmation: Conduct comprehensive site surveys to verify pier positions, bearing capacity, access routes, and working space compliance. Ensure construction plans match actual site conditions.
•Foundation and support inspection: Inspect piers, temporary supports, and bearings to confirm strength, stability, and elevation meet design requirements.
•Assembly and commissioning: Assemble main girders, supports, hoisting mechanisms, and control systems, performing no-load and trial operations for coordination verification.
After commissioning, preparations begin before girder erection operations.
•Girder transportation methods: Precast girders are transported using carriers, rails, or dedicated systems, with controlled speed and stability.
•Lifting point and rigging arrangement: Set lifting points based on girder type, weight, and center of gravity, using compliant rigging for balanced lifting.
After hoisting starts, the girder lifts smoothly from transport devices to a safe height. Under coordinated control, the girder moves longitudinally toward the target span while monitoring speed and synchronization.
After longitudinal positioning, transverse mechanisms perform fine lateral adjustment to align girder centerlines with bearing centerlines accurately. This step is critical for installation quality and requires high control precision.
After confirming accurate positioning, the girder is slowly lowered onto bearings to complete final placement. Temporary fixation follows, with checks on elevation, alignment, and load conditions.
After completing one span, the bridge girder launcher advances to the next span using traveling or longitudinal systems. The process repeats to achieve continuous multi-span erection until superstructure completion.
•Positioning and elevation adjustment: Before construction, calibrate longitudinal and transverse positions according to design alignment and elevation requirements. Adjust support legs and main girder attitude to ensure stable and level conditions for girder erection.
•First span erection procedure: Operations must strictly follow construction plans, controlling lifting speed and synchronization accuracy while monitoring girder posture changes. After completion, inspect equipment condition and girder placement to support subsequent continuous erection.
•Standard multi-span continuous erection process: After successful first span erection, standard continuous erection begins by repeating established procedures. Proper operation rhythm and advancing methods improve efficiency and reduce construction risks.
•Inspection and acceptance after erection: After each span, check girder alignment, elevation deviation, and bearing load conditions. Inspect structural connections, electrical systems, and safety devices to ensure compliance with design standards.
•Common construction risks and control measures: Typical risks include overload operation, synchronization errors, and environmental influences. Strict procedures, real-time monitoring, and proper working conditions effectively reduce risks and ensure safety.
•Stability and synchronization control requirements: Main girder, hoisting, and traveling mechanisms must operate synchronously. Insufficient stability or synchronization errors may cause imbalance or swinging, affecting safety and accuracy.
•Safety control during lifting operations: Lifting is a critical stage requiring multiple protections, including overload protection, buffered braking, and limit control. Strict procedures and real-time monitoring reduce accident risks.
•Impact of longitudinal and transverse accuracy on bridge quality: Movement accuracy directly affects bridge alignment and elevation control. Accumulated deviations reduce joint quality and overall flatness, requiring high-precision control measures.
•Operational optimization under different conditions: Wind loads, temperature variations, and terrain affect operations. Adjusting lifting speed, synchronization parameters, and traveling rhythm improves safety, efficiency, and structural stress control.
•Customized design capability: HSCRANE provides tailored bridge girder launcher solutions based on bridge type, span, girder weight, and environment. Precise matching of dimensions, capacity, and traveling modes meets diverse construction needs.
•High reliability structural design: High-strength steel and optimized main girder designs ensure stiffness and stability under heavy loads. Critical components undergo finite element analysis and strict inspection for enhanced durability.
•Mature control systems: HSCRANE bridge girder launcher uses advanced synchronous control systems for coordinated lifting and movements. User-friendly interfaces support real-time monitoring and fault alarms, improving accuracy and safety.
•Construction efficiency and safety advantages: Scientific layouts, multiple safety protections, and efficient workflows shorten erection cycles and reduce risks. High stability ensures reliable operation under complex working conditions.
•Extensive project experience and technical support: HSCRANE provides full-process support from design and manufacturing to installation and guidance. Engineers offer optimized solutions for special conditions to ensure smooth project execution.
Selecting the appropriate bridge girder launcher is critical for construction efficiency and bridge quality. Proper equipment selection improves erection speed, shortens schedules, and ensures placement accuracy and structural stability. High compatibility equipment reduces risks, enhances site safety, and supports complex construction conditions.
For more information on HSCRANE bridge girder launcher solutions, contact our professional team for efficient and reliable equipment support.
Want to understand differences and advantages between bridge girder launcher and girder lifting crane? Click to read: Bridge Girder Launcher vs. Bridge Deck Gantry Crane: How to Choose the Right Bridge Erection Equipment, helping you select suitable bridge erection equipment.
Q1: What bridge types are suitable for bridge girder launcher?
A1: Bridge girder launcher suits expressway bridges, railway bridges, urban viaducts, and municipal overpasses, selected by span and girder weight.
Q2: What is the difference between bridge girder launcher and girder lifting crane?
A2: Bridge girder launcher supports continuous multi-span erection, while girder lifting crane is used for single girder lifting with limited continuity.
Q3: What are key stages in bridge girder launcher construction process?
A3: Core stages include preparation, girder transport and lifting, longitudinal and transverse movement, precise positioning, placement, and equipment advancing.
Q4: What advantages does HSCRANE bridge girder launcher offer?
A4: Advantages include customized design, reliable structure, mature control systems, high efficiency, safety assurance, and extensive project experience.
Q5: How are safety and accuracy ensured during bridge girder launcher construction?
A5: Safety and accuracy are ensured through stability control, synchronized operation, lifting protection, precision movement control, and condition-based optimization.
This document is for reference only. Specific operations must strictly comply with local laws and regulations and equipment manuals.
