The VSL Form Traveler system is used for construction of balanced cantilever concrete bridges. The form traveler system is designed to provide a rigid frame to minimize deflections under load. VSL provides a custom engineered, highly flexible form traveler system for a variety of segment lengths, depths and structure configurations.
System Flexibility:
The VSL Form Traveler system is designed for a variety of segment lengths varying from 3m to 5.5m and can support concrete and formwork loading from 100t to 450t. The traveler system design can accommodate wide variations in segment length, height, web thickness and deck width and geometry. Vertical deflections at the leading edge of the traveler assembly are less than 25mm at maximum loads.
System Operation:
The VSL Form traveler system is economical and efficient to use. The traveler is designed with pinned connections for simplicity of erection and dismantling. Launching is accomplished by advancing the system forward on rails. The interior formwork remains within the previously poured section in order to facilitate the placing of the reinforcing steel in the bottom slab and webs of the new segment. The segment construction cycle can generally be carried out in 4-5 days. A typical segment cycle would consist of the following steps:
- The System is launched on rails to the new segment location
- The external formwork is aligned, leveled and fixed into place.
- Reinforcing steel is placed in the bottom slab and web walls
- The interior formwork assembly is advanced, and the top deck slab soffit and wall forms are leveled and fixed into place.
- Reinforcing steel and post-tensioning tendons are placed in the deck slab.
- Placement in bottom slab, web wall and deck slab concrete.
- Stressing of post-tensioning tendons.
- The internal and external formwork is stripped from the cast and cured segment and the VSL Form Traveler is launched to the next segment.
VSL Services:
VSL provides design, fabrication, material and installation services to the balanced cantilever construction process. Our engineering team supports the custom design of the Traveler System to meet the needs of a specific project and bridge configuration. Complete system drawings and operation manuals detail all aspects of traveler operation for ease of assembly and safe operation. VSL is ready to provide technical assistance and field supervision of traveler erection, launching, maintenance and dismantling. VSL concrete construction forces can also provide an expanded scope of services to include the supply and installation of the reinforcing steel, formwork and post-tensioning systems.
Form Travelers Case Studies