A novel movable scaffolding system (MSS) for a long-span curved girder bridge

A movable scaffolding system (MSS) can improve the automation of bridge construction and therefore was widely used. However, for bridges with small radius curves, there are many difficulties when the huge MSS moving from one span to the next. In this paper, a new huge MSS (around 1500 t) for passing span of a curved bridge was designed and presented to complete the erection of the second longest span rail transit cable-stayed bridge in in the world whose north approach bridge features high piers, long spans, and a small radius. Schemes for the MSS passing span of the curved bridge were introduced. The finite element analysis (FEA) and field tests of the MSS when passing span were carried out. The calculative and field measured results were compared and analysed. The comparisons and analyses indicate that the small radius curve of the bridge and uncertainties during the erection have great effect on field measured stresses and displacements of the MSS. The bridge was competed smoothly and efficiently using the MSS with consideration of the calculations and filed measurements.