Accelerated Bridge Construction of the New Samuel De Champlain Bridge

Located over the St. Lawrence Seaway, the new Samuel De Champlain Bridge was designed and constructed in 48 months despite the severe winter of Montreal. Many factors, including a deteriorating existing bridge, limited construction periods, and severe weather constraints on large infrastructure projects such as this, often require the use of an accelerated bridge construction (ABC) approach. All the aforementioned factors were primary challenges for the new Samuel De Champlain Bridge project. To meet the fast-tracked schedule, design decisions for the signature cable-stayed bridge included maximizing the use of segmental construction, choosing steel over concrete for the pier caps, and adjusting the cable-stayed bridge closure joint location. Concrete elements, including pier legs and portions of the tower, were precast in modules and assembled using post-tensioning. Precasting allows work to continue through cold winter periods—when pouring in situ concrete would otherwise be very difficult and time consuming. Precasting also allows casting and erection to be carried out in parallel, rather than in series—as in conventional construction. The superstructure utilized precast deck panels to expedite deck construction. Steel elements were prefabricated at multiple shops to minimize field welding. Along with innovative erection sequencing, on-site construction time was minimized and the overall bridge construction was accelerated.