Title:
Reinforcement Tolerances in Bridge Construction
Author(s):
Anthony F. Gee
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
17
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
38-42
Keywords:
bridges (structures); cover; detailing; segmental construction; specifications; structural design; tolerances (mechanics); Design
DOI:
Date:
2/1/1995
Abstract:
The industry is unfortunately all too well aware of the difficulties that have beset many of the early segmental concrete bridge contracts in this country. There have been costly delays, significant claims, and confrontational attitudes that have culminated at times in expensive litigation. Most of these difficulties were related to the general question of constructibility and involved unforeseen and often unforeseeable difficulties in the erection of precast elements. Many of these problems are now in the past as all sides of the industry have gained experience. However, one problem continues to recur. It revolves around the inability of the design details shown on the plans to accommodate the specified tolerances on concrete dimensions, reinforcement bending dimensions, and concrete cover. Moreover, it is questionable whether it is attributable to poor detailing as much as to omissions and inconsistencies in the specifications themselves.