Bridges by VFT method in Poland: state-of-the-art - Economical Bridge Solutions based on Innovative Composite Dowels and Integrated Abutments - page 112

2.5 Atypical technology of erection

Complicated and unusual technology for the construction of a VFT bridge was applied in
2008 for the bridge over Vistula River next to Cracow at highway A4 km 417+888. It was
applied because of the weir under the bridge. The existing solution by simply supported
concrete girders was substituted by continuous VFT beam. The technology assumed removal
of existing spans and implementation of new ones span-by-span, using two cranes standing
at the edge of spans neighboring the replacing one. For this reason a special steel platform
and modification of the VFT girder construction were applied so they could handle very
heavy load from the cranes moving old 80 ton girders and placing new 40 ton prefabricates.
It enables in addition parallel crane operation on longitudinal launched pedestrian bridge.

Figure 35: Cross-section of new the VFT bridge at highway A4 km 417+888

Figure 36: Longitudinal section of new VFT bridge at highway A4 km 417+888

Figure 37: Old concrete span removed at the bridge at highway A4 km 417+888