Counterweight Bridge Launching Girder For Highway Construction
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Counterweight Bridge Launching Girder For Highway Construction

A Counterweight Bridge Launching Girder is specialized bridge erection equipment designed for the installation of precast concrete bridge girders in highway, railway, and viaduct construction projects. The system uses a counterweight balancing structure to improve stability and load distribution during girder launching and placement operations, especially in challenging site conditions.
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Product Introduction

A Counterweight Bridge Launching Girder is specialized bridge erection equipment designed for the installation of precast concrete bridge girders in highway, railway, and viaduct construction projects. The system uses a counterweight balancing structure to improve stability and load distribution during girder launching and placement operations, especially in challenging site conditions.

This type of launching girder is widely used for erecting precast box girders, T-beams, and U-girders for long-span highway bridges. Its modular steel structure, hydraulic lifting system, and automated traveling mechanisms ensure efficient, safe, and accurate beam installation with minimal ground support requirements.

 

product-1000-700

 

Core Function

The primary purpose of a 180ton bridge launcher is to lift, transport, and precisely place heavy prefabricated concrete or steel bridge components, typically weighing up to 180 tons (metric tons, ~165 US tons), during the construction of viaducts, overpasses, and highway bridges.

 

 

 

 

Key Design Parameters & Performance Specifications

Parameter Specification
Lifting Capacity (per girder) 150 Metric Tons
Maximum Span (Pier to Pier) 50 meters (Typical), customizable up to 60m
Minimum Curve Radius 2,000 meters (can be designed for tighter radii)
Maximum Supported Grade ±4%
Lifting Hoists 2 x Main Hoists (typically 120-ton capacity each)
Hoist Lifting Speed 0-5 m/min (variable speed control)
Trolley Traversing Speed 0-10 m/min (variable speed control)
Main Beam Launching Speed 0-5 m/min (variable speed control)
Machine Self-Propelling Speed 0-5 m/min (variable speed control)
Control System Centralized PLC with frequency control for all motions. Remote control operation.
Power Supply 380V / 50Hz / 3 Phase (or as per project requirement)

product-1000-700

 

Pictures & Components

 


Components of a Counterweight Bridge Launching Girder

A Counterweight Bridge Launching Girder is a complex bridge erection system made up of several structural, mechanical, hydraulic, and control components that work together to safely lift and install precast bridge girders.

1. Main Girder Structure

Primary steel truss or box-type beams

Supports the entire load during launching and erection

Designed for high strength and rigidity

2. Counterweight System

Concrete or steel counterweight blocks

Balance the moment during girder lifting and launching

Ensure stability and prevent overturning

3. Launching Nose (Front Beam)

Extends forward during span crossing

Reduces bending moment on the main girder

Helps in safe transition between bridge spans

4. Lifting System

Hydraulic jacks or winches

Used for lifting precast girders into position

Provides controlled vertical movement

5. Longitudinal Movement System

Rail or track-based traveling mechanism

Moves the entire launching girder forward span by span

Driven by hydraulic motors or winch systems

6. Transverse Adjustment System

Side-shifting mechanism

Helps in precise alignment of bridge girders

Ensures accurate placement on bridge piers

7. Support Legs / Temporary Supports

Front and rear support columns

Transfer load safely to bridge piers during operation

Adjustable height for different construction stages

8. Hydraulic System

Hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and pipelines

Powers lifting, lowering, and adjustment operations

Ensures smooth and synchronized movement

9. Electrical Control System

Central control cabinet and operation console

Controls lifting, launching, and movement functions

Includes safety interlocks and monitoring systems

10. Safety Systems

Overload protection devices

Anti-tilting and stability monitoring sensors

Emergency stop and braking systems

11. Winch and Cable System

Used for pulling and positioning girders

Assists in launching movement and load control

Provides additional operational stability

12. Walkways and Maintenance Platforms

Provide operator access for inspection and maintenance

Equipped with safety railings and ladders

product-1000-700

 

Sketch

 

product-1000-515

product-1000-722

 

Advantages

 

Advantages of a Counterweight Bridge Launching Girder

High Structural Stability
The counterweight balance system significantly improves stability during girder lifting and launching, reducing the risk of overturning or structural deformation.

Safe Girder Installation
Designed with multiple safety systems and controlled hydraulic operations, it ensures safe handling of heavy precast bridge segments.

Efficient Construction Process
Enables fast and continuous erection of bridge spans, greatly reducing overall construction time for highway projects.

Reduced Need for Ground Support
Allows bridge erection in areas where scaffolding or ground-based cranes are impractical, such as rivers, valleys, and elevated terrains.

High Load Capacity
Capable of handling large and heavy precast girders, including box girders, T-girders, and segmental bridge elements.

Precise Positioning Accuracy
Hydraulic and control systems provide accurate alignment and placement of bridge beams, ensuring high construction quality.

Adaptability to Complex Terrain
Suitable for long-span bridges, mountainous regions, and cross-water projects where conventional methods are limited.

Reduced Labor Intensity
Mechanized lifting and launching operations minimize manual handling and reduce workforce requirements.

Improved Construction Safety
Equipped with overload protection, anti-tilt systems, emergency stops, and monitoring devices for enhanced operational safety.

Cost-Effective for Large Projects
Lowers overall project cost by reducing time, labor, and temporary support structures.

Modular and Reusable Design
Components can be disassembled, transported, and reused across multiple bridge projects.

High Operational Reliability
Strong steel structure and hydraulic systems ensure stable performance under heavy-duty and long-term usage conditions.

product-1000-700

 

Application

Applications of a Counterweight Bridge Launching Girder

A Counterweight Bridge Launching Girder is mainly used in large-scale bridge construction projects where precast girders need to be safely and accurately installed over long spans or difficult terrain.

Common Applications

Highway Bridge Construction
Used for erecting precast box girders, T-girders, and segmental beams in expressway and highway bridge projects.

Elevated Viaduct Projects
Ideal for constructing long-span elevated roadways in urban transportation systems.

River Crossing Bridges
Suitable for installing bridge spans over rivers, canals, and water bodies where ground support is not possible.

Mountainous Terrain Bridges
Used in steep valleys and uneven terrain where conventional cranes and scaffolding are impractical.

Railway Bridge Construction (in some configurations)
Can be adapted for certain railway viaduct and bridge erection works requiring high precision and load capacity.

Urban Infrastructure Projects
Applied in flyover, interchange, and overpass construction in dense urban environments.

Large-Span Infrastructure Projects
Suitable for long-span continuous bridges requiring stable and repetitive girder launching operations.

Suitable Working Conditions

Cross-river and cross-valley environments

High-altitude or uneven terrain construction sites

Limited-access construction zones

Long-distance span bridge erection projects

Large-scale infrastructure development corridors

Operational Benefits in Applications

Enables safe bridge construction without extensive ground scaffolding

Supports continuous span-by-span erection

Improves precision in girder placement

Reduces environmental and site disruption

Enhances construction speed for major infrastructure projects

product-1000-700

 

Production Procedure

 

Production Procedure of a Counterweight Bridge Launching Girder

The production of a Counterweight Bridge Launching Girder involves several precise manufacturing, assembly, and testing stages to ensure structural strength, safety, and reliable performance in heavy bridge construction.


1. Design & Engineering

Structural design based on bridge span, load capacity, and project requirements

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to verify strength and stability

Detailed fabrication drawings for each component

Selection of steel grade and hydraulic system specifications


2. Material Preparation

Procurement of high-strength structural steel plates and sections

Inspection of raw materials for quality certification

Cutting of steel plates using CNC flame cutting or laser cutting machines

Preparation of counterweight materials (steel or concrete blocks)


3. Main Structure Fabrication

Welding and assembly of main girder truss or box structure

Manufacturing of launching nose and auxiliary beams

Installation of reinforcement plates and connection joints

Non-destructive testing (NDT) such as ultrasonic or radiographic inspection of welds


4. Counterweight System Manufacturing

Fabrication of counterweight frames

Casting or assembling counterweight blocks

Load calibration and balancing adjustments

Integration with lifting balance structure


5. Mechanical & Hydraulic System Installation

Installation of hydraulic cylinders, pumps, and pipelines

Assembly of winch systems and cable mechanisms

Fitting of longitudinal and transverse movement systems

Testing of hydraulic pressure and movement synchronization


6. Electrical & Control System Assembly

Installation of control cabinet and operator console

Wiring of sensors, switches, and safety interlocks

Programming of control logic system (PLC)

Integration of monitoring and emergency stop systems


7. Surface Treatment & Painting

Sandblasting for rust and surface cleaning

Anti-corrosion primer coating

Final protective paint coating for outdoor durability

Marking and labeling of components


8. Pre-Assembly & Factory Testing

Full or partial assembly in factory conditions

Load testing of lifting and launching systems

Functional testing of hydraulic and electrical systems

Safety system verification (overload, anti-tilt, emergency stop)


9. Disassembly & Packaging

Systematic disassembly into transportable modules

Labeling and coding of all components

Packaging of hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical parts

Preparation for safe transportation to site


10. On-Site Installation & Commissioning

Reassembly at construction site

Alignment and calibration of launching system

Trial runs without load and with test load

Final commissioning after safety inspection and approval


Summary

The production process ensures that the counterweight bridge launching girder is strong, precise, and safe, capable of handling heavy precast girders and operating reliably in demanding highway and bridge construction environments.

 


 

product-1000-700

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Workshop View

 

The company has installed an intelligent equipment management platform, and has installed 310 sets (sets) of handling and welding robots. After the completion of the plan, there will be more than 500 sets (sets), and the equipment networking rate will reach 95%. 32 welding lines have been put into use, 50 are planned to be installed, and the automation rate of the entire product line has reached 85%.

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