Bicon Girder : The economical PSC Girder for Mid-Span(~55m), Mid-Height Bridges
The Bicon girder is a novel PSC (Pre-Stressed Concrete) bridge girder designed with an inverted T-shaped high-strength concrete section. By placing steel tendons within the girder, the compressive forces generated during tensioning are borne by the tendons, while the girder resists external forces through moments.
This allows for the introduction of the required prestress with just one time tensioning operation, eliminating concerns of over-compression in the girder cross-section.
Characteristics of the Bicon girder include the ability to achieve long spans and a low profile with a single tensioning operation.
The small cross-section during girder transportation and erection reduces conductor hazards and improves stability. The girder features a simple material composition and cost-effectiveness due to straightforward manufacturing processes.
Additionally, the aesthetic appeal is enhanced by burying the maintenance lines.