Technological evolution and span breakthrough of continuous rigid-frame bridges

WU Ming-yuan; LIU Yong-jian

doi:10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2026.313

Volume 26 Issue 6

Jun. 2026

Turn off MathJax

Article Contents

Article Navigation > Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering > 2026 > 26(6): 1-20

Next Previous

WU Ming-yuan, LIU Yong-jian. Technological evolution and span breakthrough of continuous rigid-frame bridges[J]. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 2026, 26(6): 1-20. doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2026.313

Citation:

WU Ming-yuan, LIU Yong-jian. Technological evolution and span breakthrough of continuous rigid-frame bridges[J]. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 2026, 26(6): 1-20. doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2026.313

Citation:

PDF( 11955 KB)

Technological evolution and span breakthrough of continuous rigid-frame bridges

doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2026.313

WU Ming-yuan^1
,,
LIU Yong-jian^{2
,
,}

1.
China Communications Highway Planning and Design Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 100088, China
2.
School of Highway, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710064, Shaanxi, China

More Information

Corresponding author: LIU Yong-jian, professor, PhD, E-mail: liuyongjian@chd.edu.cn
Received Date: 2025-12-27
Accepted Date: 2026-05-27
Rev Recd Date: 2026-04-10
Publish Date: 2026-06-28

Abstract

Abstract

To systematically analyze the technical logic behind span breakthrough in continuous rigid-frame bridges (CRFBs), address industry challenges such as long-term deflection and cracking of girders under long-span conditions, and improve the design method of such bridges, engineering cases from multiple typical CRFBs were compiled. With span breakthroughs as the core thread, the theoretical formula derivations were integrated with finite element simulations to analyze the evolution patterns, mechanical mechanisms, and engineering adaptability of key technologies across various stages. The practical value of the hybrid girder continuous rigid-frame system, inclined web steel-concrete connection section, and double-cantilever construction technology was verified based on practical projects including the Tao'er River Grand Bridge and Guijiang Grand Bridge. Analysis results reveal that, the technical development of CRFBs can be categorized into three stages: Foundational theory refinement, lightweight optimization, and double-cantilever construction advancement. For prestressed concrete CRFBs, the reasonable upper limit of the span is constrained to approximately 300 m due to long-term mid-span deflection and girder cracking. Early hybrid girder CRFBs are restricted by the full-span steel girder hoisting method and the design principle of locating the connection section at one-third of the main span, resulting in an ultimate span limit of approximately 375 m. The inclined web steel-concrete connection section significantly enhances force transfer performance in high-stress zones and offers flexible placement along the full span. When combined with cantilever assembly of steel girders, this structural configuration theoretically enables a span capacity of 500 m class. Furthermore, the CRFB scheme demonstrates superior comprehensive competitiveness within the 200 - 400 m span range. This study elucidates the inherent technical logic governing span breakthrough in CRFBs, providing a theoretical reference and practical support for design optimization, engineering applications, and the future technical breakthrough toward 500-meter-class CRFBs.
- bridge engineering,
- rigid-frame bridge,
- review,
- hybrid girder,
- span breakthrough,
- connection section,
- structural system innovation

FullText(HTML)

References(71)

References

[1]	HUANG W, PEI M S, LIU X D, et al. Design and construction of super-long span bridges in China: Review and future perspectives[J]. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 2020, 14(4): 803-838. doi: 10.1007/s11709-020-0644-1
[2]	Editorial Department of China Journal of Highway and Transport. Review on China's bridge engineering research·2024[J]. China Journal of Highway and Transport, 2024, 37(12): 1-160.
[3]	JIANG L W, YANG H Y, LIU W J, et al. Early warning for continuous rigid frame bridges based on nonlinear modeling for temperature-induced deflection[J]. Sensors, 2024, 24(11): 3587. doi: 10.3390/s24113587
[4]	ZHANG J W, HUANG M S, AN Y H, et al. Analysis of three-dimensional temperature distribution characteristics and temperature-induced frequency variation for continuous rigid frame bridges[J]. Advances in Structural Engineering, 2025, 28(15): 2835-2854. doi: 10.1177/13694332251359334
[5]	YE X F, YANG N, CHEN H N, et al. Damage identification and safety threshold during the construction and operation phases of cast-in-place continuous rigid frame bridges[J]. Buildings, 2025, 15(18): 3282. doi: 10.3390/buildings15183282
[6]	WU B T, GONG Y, FENG Y L, et al. Long term monitoring of service performance for large-span continuous rigid frame bridges based on distributed sensing under moving vehicle loads[J]. Structures, 2025, 71: 107997. doi: 10.1016/j.istruc.2024.107997
[7]	YUAN Jing-wen. Analysis and research on secondary internal force for long-span continuous rigid frame bridge[D]. Xi'an: Chang'an University, 2013.
[8]	MA Tang-ke. The static analysis and temperature effect of span prestressed concrete continuous rigid frame bridge[D]. Changsha: Changsha University of Science and Technology, 2012.
[9]	LU Chao-yong. Linear control and secondary internal force analysis of main girder of prestressed concrete continuous rigid frame bridge[D]. Chengdu: Southwest Petroleum University, 2019.
[10]	LI Heng-shan. The research on sections of piers of the long span and high pier continuous rigid frame bridges[D]. Changsha: Hunan University, 2005.
[11]	WANG Y L, ZHU J S, JIA S Y, et al. Time-dependent deflection prediction of long-span prestressed concrete bridges considering the environmental effects[J]. Engineering Structures, 2025, 322: 119163. doi: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119163
[12]	MAO M W, HE Z Q, LIU G. An analytical method for determining the rational position of joint section in steel-concrete hybrid girder bridges[J]. Structures, 2024, 69: 107431. doi: 10.1016/j.istruc.2024.107431
[13]	QIN F J, DI J, DAI J, et al. Study on rational position of joint section of steel-concrete hybrid girder bridge[J]. Advanced Materials Research, 2013, 671/672/673/674: 1007-1011.
[14]	ZOU Chang-hai. Analysis on structure of steel-concrete joint section in hybrid girder rigid frame bridge[D]. Chengdu: Southwest Jiaotong University, 2013.
[15]	XIE Yan-mei. Optimization study of hybrid-girder rigid-frame bridge's structural geometrical parameters[D]. Chengdu: Southwest Jiaotong University, 2013.
[16]	ZUO Zhi-jun. The optimization research of key parameters and height of beam of steel- concrete hybrid girder frame bridge[D]. Chengdu: SouthwestJiaotong University, 2014.
[17]	LAN Fei. Comparative study of steel-concrete hybrid girder rigid frame bridge and continuous rigid frame bridge[D]. Chongqing: Chongqing Jiaotong University, 2020.
[18]	ZENG Ming-gen, XU Gui-xiu, LIN Zhi-ping, et al. Mechanical calculation and rational structural system of hybrid beam rigid frame bridge[J]. Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2020, 48(12): 1687-1695.
[19]	BILLINGTON D P. Historical perspective on prestressed concrete[J]. PCI Journal, 2004, 49(1): 14-31.
[20]	XERCAVINS P, DEMARTHE D, SHUSHKEWICH K. Eugene Freyssinet-the origins of prestressed concrete[C]//National Bridge Conference. Proceedings of the 2008 National Bridge Conference. Louisville: Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, 2008: 1-16.
[21]	LOHMER G. Die Nibelungen Brücke in Worms am Rhein[M]. Berlin: Springer, 1953.
[22]	REN Yu-bo, WANG Miao-miao, TIAN Ye-qing, et al. Field test on horizontal bearing characteristics of large-diameter PRC pipe piles installed with pre-drilled inserted method[J]. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 2026, 26(2): 198-209.
[23]	LEONHARDT F. Long span prestressed concrete bridges in Europe[J]. PCI Journal, 1965, 10(1): 62-75. doi: 10.15554/pcij.02011965.62.75
[24]	STOŠI AC'G B, RANKOVI AC'G S, DERETI AC'G -STOJANOVI AC'G B, et al. The bridge over the Danube by Beska, Serbia: Conception design, the purchased work on the international competition[C]//Macedonian Association of Structural Engineers. Proceedings of the Macedonian Association of Structural Engineers. Skopje: Macedonian Association of Structural Engineers. 2003: 299-304.
[25]	HUTH O, KHBEIS H. Pot bearings behavior after 32 years of service: In situ and laboratory tests[J]. Engineering Structures, 2007, 29(12): 3352-3363. doi: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2007.08.024
[26]	MATHIVAT J. The cantilever construction of prestressed concrete bridges[M]. Chichester: Jacques Wiley, 1983.
[27]	SHI Yan, LI Jun, QIN Hong-guo, et al. Internal force state of long-span continuous rigid-frame bridge with high-rise piers and its effect on seismic response[J]. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 2022, 22(1): 70-81. doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2022.01.005
[28]	YANG Gao-zhong, LI Yang-hai, SUN Guo-zhu, et al. Design of main bridge of Luoxi Bridge in Guangdong[J]. China Civil Engineering Journal, 1990, 23(1): 65-76.
[29]	LIU Gang-liang, WANG Zhong-wen. Cantilever construction control of 270m continuous rigid frame bridge for Humen Bridge auxiliary channel[J]. Bridge Construction, 2001, 31(5): 46-48.
[30]	PETER M, PETER H, FENG Mao-run. Design of the main span structure of the Gateway Bridge in Brisbane, Australia[J]. World Bridges, 1984, 12(2): 18-38.
[31]	LIU Chao. Shear theory and method of concrete beams with web reinforcement in the tensile zone[D]. Shanghai: Tongji University, 2006.
[32]	LIU Lei. Cause analysis of cracking and deflection of long-span prestressed concrete box-girder bridges[D]. Shanghai: Tongji University, 2009.
[33]	XU Hong-yuan, SONG Ning, CHEN Chang-ming, et al. The strengthening technology about external prestressing of large span concrete bridge[J]. Journal of Chongqing Jiaotong University (Natural Science), 2011, 30(S2): 1192-1196.
[34]	LI Hong-jiang, WANG Rong-xia, LI Wan-heng, et al. Analysis on shearing deformation of long-span prestressed concrete box girders[J]. Journal of Basic Science and Engineering, 2012, 20(2): 286-295.
[35]	LYU Zhi-tao, PAN Zuan-feng. Issues in design of long-span prestressed concrete box girder bridges[J]. China Civil Engineering Journal, 2010, 43(1): 70-76.
[36]	HUANG Hai-dong, XIANG Zhong-fu, ZHENG Jie-lian. Analysis of differential shrinkage deflection for PC box girder bridges[J]. Journal of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, 2009, 31(4): 60-65, 97.
[37]	QI Dong-chun, ZHANG Yong-shui, LI Qiang. Reason analysis and countermeasures for excessive deflection of midspan in long-span continuous rigid frame bridges[J]. Journal of Chongqing Jiaotong University (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 26(6): 46-49.
[38]	CHEN Yu-feng, XU Jun-lan, YU Wu-jun. Causes and precautionary measures to long-term deflection of long span pre-stressed concrete box girder of continuous rigid frame bridge[J]. Journal of Chongqing Jiaotong University (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 26(4): 6-8, 41.
[39]	YAN Yu-sheng. Research on the creep deflection of prestressed concrete girder bridge[D]. Chengdu: Southwest Jiaotong University, 2008.
[40]	GONG Xin. Research onthe girder's deflection of long-span prestressing concrete continuous girder bridges[D]. Chengdu: Southwest Jiaotong University, 2006.
[41]	WEN Wu-song. Study on reason and regularity of cracking and increasing of deflection for long span PC continuous rigid frame bridge[D]. Chengdu: Southwest Jiaotong University, 2009.
[42]	LIU Yong-jian, LIU Jiang, ZHOU Xu-hong, et al. Review on long-life design theory for bridges[J]. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 2024, 24(3): 1-24. doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2024.03.001
[43]	REN Hui-xing, SHEN Zhong-qun. Design and construction of falsework for cast-in-place side span and closure segment of Huangshi Bridge[J]. Highway, 1996(11): 20-25.
[44]	ZHANG Yu-jie. Durative deflexibility analysis and actions of long-span PC continuous rigid frame bridge in operating period[D]. Chongqing: Chongqing Jiaotong University, 2013.
[45]	XU GN, YU X B, LI D W, et al. Temperature effect on main girder of strengthened Dongming Huanghe River highway bridge in service[J]. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2021, 769(3): 032026. doi: 10.1088/1755-1315/769/3/032026
[46]	LU Xun. Application of external prestressing technology in maintenance and strengthening of ChongqingJiangjin Yangtze River Highway Bridge[J]. Shandong Industrial Technology, 2014(13): 132.
[47]	YANG Yu-lin. The analysis of downwarping long-span prestressed concrete continuous rigid frame bridge[D]. Changsha: Changsha University of Science and Technology, 2017.
[48]	WANG Zhong-wen, LIU Gang-liang, GU Jin-jun. The control of wind induced vibration at the cantilever construction stage of assistant shipping channel bridge of Humen bridge[J]. Bridge Construction, 2002, 32(5): 50-53.
[49]	MA Jian. Main bridge strengthening of Sanmenxia Yellow River Highway Bridge[J]. Highway, 2004, 49(6): 62-64.
[50]	ZHOU Jun-sheng, SONG Gui-feng. Introduction to Raftsundet Bridge in Norway[J]. Foreign Highway, 2000, 20(5): 18-21.
[51]	LOU Zhuang-hong. Stolma Bridge in Norway[J]. Journal of Foreign Highway, 2000, 20(1): 29-32.
[52]	CHEN Bao-chun, LI Li, LUO Xia, et al. Review on ultra-high strength concrete filled steel tubes[J]. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 2020, 20(5): 1-21. doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2020.05.001
[53]	PENG Y C, ZHANG Z X. Development of a novel type of open-web continuous reinforced-concrete rigid-frame bridge[J]. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2020, 25(8): 05020005. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0001595
[54]	PENG Yuan-cheng. Design theories and methods for long-span open-web continuous rigid-frame bridge[J]. Bridge Construction, 2020, 50(1): 74-79.
[55]	ZENG Y, YU T, XIAO Y C, et al. Investigation of the mechanical features of steel-concrete composite girder rigid frame bridges with V-shaped piers during construction stages[J]. Applied Sciences, 2024, 14(8): 3343. doi: 10.3390/app14083343
[56]	SHANGGUAN B, SU Q T, CASAS J R, et al. Modeling and testing of a composite steel-concrete joint for hybrid girder bridges[J]. Materials, 2023, 16(8): 3265. doi: 10.3390/ma16083265
[57]	DENG Wen-zhong, DAI Tong. Overall design of double-line bridge of Shibanpo Changjiang River Bridge in Chongqing[J]. Bridge Construction, 2006, 36(6): 28-32.
[58]	SU Qing-tian, LI Wei, WEN Ye. Construction techniques for integral lifting and installation of steel box girder of Wenzhou Oujian River Bridge[J]. Bridge Construction, 2013, 43(4): 110-115.
[59]	LIN Zhi-ping. Study on the design and construction of the main bridge of Anhai Bay Bridge[J]. Shanghai Highways, 2019(4): 32-35, 4.
[60]	LIU De-qing, WANG Wen-yang. Key construction control techniques for long-span continuous rigid-frame bridge with steel-concrete hybrid girders[J]. Bridge Construction, 2021, 51(1): 121-129.
[61]	CHEN Liang. Seismic response analysis on a long span hybrid girder continuous rigid-frame bridge[D]. Changsha: Central South University, 2013.
[62]	HE Z Q, CHEN J T, LIU Z, et al. An explicit approach for determining the rational length of steel portion in steel-concrete hybrid girder bridges[J]. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2023, 28(1): 05022011. doi: 10.1061/JBENF2.BEENG-5798
[63]	XU Shi-qiao, ZHOU Shu-mei, HU Feng, et al. The design and analysis of the hoisting-hanging integrated machine for the construction of super-large span beam bridges[J]. Engineering and Technological Research, 2023, 8(10): 188-190.
[64]	ZHANG L Z, JI Z M, WU H L, et al. Mechanical behavior of steel-concrete joint area (SCJA) in hybrid girder continuous rigid frame bridge[J]. Engineering Structures, 2025, 334: 120230. doi: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.120230
[65]	SHANGGUAN B, WANG F, SU Q T, et al. Research on the equivalent span of hybrid girder bridges[J]. Materials, 2025, 18(6): 1278. doi: 10.3390/ma18061278
[66]	ZHANG Qian, WANG Ce, WU Ming-yuan, et al. Study on reasonable location and mechanical performance of steel-concrete joint for 400m-span hybrid girder continuous rigid-frame bridge[J]. Highway, 2024, 69(10): 162-168.
[67]	CHEN De-bao, LIN Zhi-ping, SU Qing-tian, et al. Structural optimization and experiment of steel- concrete composite segment in hybrid-girder rigid frame bridges[J]. Engineering Mechanics, 2023, 40(8): 149-160.
[68]	KANG Wei, LI Wei, WEN Qiang, et al. Force performance of steel-concrete sections in railway double-box hybrid girder cable-stayed bridge[J]. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 2025, 25(3): 114-129. doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2025.03.007
[69]	ZENG Ming-gen, XU Gui-xiu, LIN Zhi-ping, et al. Experimental study of local force transmission mechanism of steel- concrete connection in hybrid continuous rigid frame bridge[J]. Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2022, 50(10): 1422-1431.
[70]	LIU Gang-liang. Temperature influence on cantilever construction of Humen Bridge approach bridge[J]. Highway, 1998, 43(5): 17-21.
[71]	CHEN Qun, WANG Can-dong, MEI Gang. Key technology of hybridbeam rigid frame of Xiaolan Waterway Bridge in zhongshan[J]. Highway, 2015, 60(7): 132-137.

Relative Articles

Supplements(0)

Cited By

Get Citation

PDF

XML

Article Metrics

Article views (118) PDF downloads(49)

Technological evolution and span breakthrough of continuous rigid-frame bridges

doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2026.313

Abstract

References

Catalog

Article Metrics

Related

Technological evolution and span breakthrough of continuous rigid-frame bridges

doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2026.313

Abstract

References

Catalog

Article Metrics

Related

Export File

Citation

Format

Content