The present invention relates to a method for launching/constructing a bridge using assembly of a precast bottom plate and a concrete-filled steel tube truss girder, wherein a CFT truss girder and a precast bottom plate are provisionally assembled, thereby forming a segment, and then a plurality of segments are successively launched, thereby constructing a bridge.

A modular bridge is formed from a plurality of bridge modules. In one embodiment, the bridge includes: a first longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at an upper part of the bridge cross-section; a second longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at a lower part of the bridge cross-section; a structural lateral element for forming a deck of the bridge or for supporting deck elements of the bridge; a shear element for carrying a shear load; and a tension member applying a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members such that when in use the other of the longitudinal compression members forms a main compression element for the bridge and the tension member forms a main tension element for the bridge. The bridge modules form segments of the length of the bridge and each bridge module is of a one-piece construction.

A modular bridge is formed from a plurality of bridge modules. In one embodiment, the bridge includes: a first longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at an upper part of the bridge cross-section; a second longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at a lower part of the bridge cross-section; a structural lateral element for forming a deck of the bridge or for supporting deck elements of the bridge; a shear element for carrying a shear load; and a tension member applying a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members such that when in use the other of the longitudinal compression members forms a main compression element for the bridge and the tension member forms a main tension element for the bridge. The bridge modules form segments of the length of the bridge and each bridge module is of a one-piece construction.

A method for building a bridge, said bridge comprising piers and at least one deck. The method including a cantilever step, wherein a girder is set in a cantilevered position relative to a bank or to a constructed zone of the bridge so that the girder comprises a first end overhanging the bank or the constructed zone, and a second end overhanging a construction zone of the bridge, and a construction step, wherein pier elements and deck elements are installed in said construction zone via a first and a second lifting devices mounted movable on the girder between the first and second ends. The first and second lifting devices cross one another along the girder during the cantilever step and/or during the construction step.

A method for building a bridge, said bridge comprising piers and at least one deck. The method including a cantilever step, wherein a girder is set in a cantilevered position relative to a bank or to a constructed zone of the bridge so that the girder comprises a first end overhanging the bank or the constructed zone, and a second end overhanging a construction zone of the bridge, and a construction step, wherein pier elements and deck elements are installed in said construction zone via a first and a second lifting devices mounted movable on the girder between the first and second ends. The first and second lifting devices cross one another along the girder during the cantilever step and/or during the construction step.

A vertically-adjustable gantry assembly installation adapted for removal or placement of a train bridge-span of the type which spans and is supported by two piers, comprises a gantry assembly positioned on load-bearing first ground-support locations, the gantry assembly comprising a gantry and a ground-engaging vertical support and lift system, the vertical support and lift system adapted for supporting a combined weight of the gantry and a bridge span in at least one operational vertical position above respective bridge span support-surfaces of the piers including a position corresponding to a disembarking plane in which the leg portions are extended from a stowed position to an extent at least sufficient for the gantry assembly to self-liftoff the pre-installation conveyance system onto the first ground-support locations to effect the gantry assembly installation.

A vertically-adjustable gantry assembly installation adapted for removal or placement of a train bridge-span of the type which spans and is supported by two piers, comprises a gantry assembly positioned on load-bearing first ground-support locations, the gantry assembly comprising a gantry and a ground-engaging vertical support and lift system, the vertical support and lift system adapted for supporting a combined weight of the gantry and a bridge span in at least one operational vertical position above respective bridge span support-surfaces of the piers including a position corresponding to a disembarking plane in which the leg portions are extended from a stowed position to an extent at least sufficient for the gantry assembly to self-liftoff the pre-installation conveyance system onto the first ground-support locations to effect the gantry assembly installation.

A modular bridge is formed from a plurality of bridge modules (4), the bridge (2) having a longitudinal direction along the spanning direction and including: a first longitudinal compression member (11,13, 70) that is, in use, at an upper part of the bridge cross-section; a second longitudinal compression member (9, 72) that is, in use, at a lower part of the bridge cross-section; a structural lateral element (9) for forming a deck of the bridge or for supporting deck elements of the bridge; a shear element (14, 16) for carrying a shear load; and a tension member (6) applying a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members (1,13, 70); (9, 72) such that when in use the other of the longitudinal compression members (1,13, 70); (9, 72) forms a main compression element for the bridge (2) and the tension member (6) forms a main tension element for the bridge (2). The bridge modules (4) form segments of the length of the bridge (2) and each bridge module (4) is of a one-piece construction, this single piece including: a segment (10, 12) of the first longitudinal (1) compression member of the bridge; a segment (8) of the second longitudinal compression member of the bridge; a segment (8) of the structural lateral element; and a segment (14, 16) of the shear element; and the bridge modules being arranged to support a portion of the tension member (6).

A modular bridge is formed from a plurality of bridge modules (4), the bridge (2) having a longitudinal direction along the spanning direction and including: a first longitudinal compression member (11,13, 70) that is, in use, at an upper part of the bridge cross-section; a second longitudinal compression member (9, 72) that is, in use, at a lower part of the bridge cross-section; a structural lateral element (9) for forming a deck of the bridge or for supporting deck elements of the bridge; a shear element (14, 16) for carrying a shear load; and a tension member (6) applying a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members (1,13, 70); (9, 72) such that when in use the other of the longitudinal compression members (1,13, 70); (9, 72) forms a main compression element for the bridge (2) and the tension member (6) forms a main tension element for the bridge (2). The bridge modules (4) form segments of the length of the bridge (2) and each bridge module (4) is of a one-piece construction, this single piece including: a segment (10, 12) of the first longitudinal (1) compression member of the bridge; a segment (8) of the second longitudinal compression member of the bridge; a segment (8) of the structural lateral element; and a segment (14, 16) of the shear element; and the bridge modules being arranged to support a portion of the tension member (6).

A method for building a bridge, said bridge (4) comprising piers (6) and at least one deck (8), the method comprising: a cantilever step, wherein a girder (16) is set in a cantilevered position relative to a bank or to a constructed zone (12) of the bridge so that the girder comprises a first end (24) overhanging the bank or the constructed zone, and a second end (26) overhanging a construction zone (14) of the bridge, a construction step, wherein pier elements and deck elements (10) are installed in said construction zone (14) via a first and a second lifting devices (18, 20) mounted movable on the girder (16) between the first and second ends (24, 26).

The first and second lifting devices (18, 20) cross one another along the girder during the cantilever step and/or during the construction step.

Associated bridge-building apparatus.