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.
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.

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) |

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

Sketch


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.

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

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.


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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