Lateral Stability For Precast Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders

A PCI Report
200 West Adams Street I Suite 2100 I Chicago, IL 60606-5230

Phone: 312-786-0300 I Fax: 312-621-1114 I www.pci.org
User Manual for Calculating

the Lateral Stability of

Precast, Prestressed
Concrete Bridge Girders
Balloted by t h e
PC I Com mit tee on Br idg e s
and t he PC I Tec hn i c a l
Ac t ivit ies Coun c i l
This mater ial is disseminated under the
sponsorship of the U.S. D epar tment of
Transpor tation in the interest of infor mation
exchange under DTFH61‐13‐D‐00010 Task
No. 5009. The U.S. G over nment assumes no
liabilit y for the use of the infor mation. The
U.S. G over nment does not endorse produ c ts or
manufac turers. Trademar ks or manufac turers’
names appear in this mater ial only because
they are considered essential to the objec tive
of the mater ial. They are included for
infor mational pur poses only and are not
intended to reflec t a preference, approval, or
endorsement of any one produc t or entit y.
Fir st Edit ion

CB -04-20
Suite 2100 Chicago, IL 60606 Suite 2100 Chicago, IL 60606 Suite 2100 Chicago, IL 6
Phone: 312-786-0300 Phone: 312-786-0300 Phone: 312-786-030
Fax: 312-621-1114 Fax: 312-621-1114 Fax: 312-621-1114
www.pci.org www.pci.org www.pci.org
A PCI Report
User Manual for Calculating

the Lateral Stability of

Precast, Prestressed
Concrete Bridge Girders

Balloted by t h e
PC I Com mit tee on Br idg e s
and t he PC I Tec hn i c a l
Ac t ivit ies Coun c i l
This mater ial is disseminated under the
sponsorship of the U.S. D epar tment of
Transpor tation in the interest of infor mation
exchange under DTFH61‐13‐D‐00010 Task
No. 5009. The U.S. G over nment assumes no
liabilit y for the use of the infor mation. The
U.S. G over nment does not endorse produ c ts or
manufac turers. Trademar ks or manufac turers’
names appear in this mater ial only because
they are considered essential to the objec tive
of the mater ial. They are included for
infor mational pur poses only and are not
intended to reflec t a preference, approval, or
endorsement of any one produc t or entit y.
Fir st Edit ion

CB -04-20
Copyright © 2020
By Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
First printing, 2020
This document has been prepared and reviewed through an extensive Precast/Prestressed
Concrete Institute (PCI) Committee process to present a User Manual for Calculating the
Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders. Substantial effort has been
made to ensure that all collected data and information included in this report are accurate.
PCI, the committee members, the authors, and the quoted agencies cannot accept responsi-
bility for any errors or oversights in this report, the use of this material, or in the preparation
of any design and engineering plans. This document is intended for reference by professional
personnel who are competent to evaluate the significance and limitations of its contents and
who are able to accept responsibility for the application of the material it contains. Actual
conditions on any project must be given special consideration and more specific evaluation
and engineering judgment may be required that are beyond the intended scope of this work.
The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the agencies men-
tioned, and do not constitute a standard or policy for design or construction.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2020938516

Print book ISBN 978-1-7335488-7-8
Ebook ISBN 978-1-7350062-0-8
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the written
permission of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, except by a reviewer who wishes to
quote brief passages in a review written for inclusion in a magazine or newsletter.
Publisher’s Cataloging-In-Publication Data

(Prepared by The Donohue Group, Inc.)
Names: PCI Committee on Bridges, issuing body. | PCI Technical Activities Council,
issuing body. | Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, issuing body, publisher.
Title: User manual for calculating the lateral stability of precast, prestressed concrete
bridge girders / balloted by the PCI Committee on Bridges and the PCI Technical
Activities Council.
Description: First Edition. | [Chicago, Illinois] : Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute,
[2020] | “A PCI report.” | Includes bibliographical references.
Identifiers: ISBN 9781733548878 (print) | ISBN 9781735006208 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Bridges--Design and construction--Handbooks, manuals, etc. | Structural
stability--Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Classification: LCC TG300 .U88 2020 | DDC 624.2/5--dc23
Printed in U.S.A.
FOREWORD
Precast, prestressed concrete has been used extensively in the nation’s highway bridges beginning in
1949. The rigorous construction of the interstate highway system in the 1950s, and the subsequent
development of higher performance materials and methods, have resulted in the recognition that
precast, prestressed concrete is the most durable, cost-effective bridge construction solution for the
span ranges in which it is applicable.
Girders are manufactured in sophisticated plants on permanent casting beds in strong, accurate steel
forms. The plants use high-strength, high-performance concrete that ensures rapid fabrication cycles
and excellent long-term performance. Pretensioning is used to prestress the girders.
In 2007, due to the trend toward using longer girders, the PCI Committee on Bridges recognized the
need to develop and disseminate information about the lateral stability of precast, prestressed concrete
girders during all stages of construction, and to provide recommendations to practitioners throughout
the industry, including designers, manufacturers, and the owner agencies. In that year, they established
the Girder Stability Subcommittee and accepted membership of a select group of industry stakeholders.
A document entitled Recommended Practice for Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge
Girders, PCI publication CB-02-16, which provides for the evaluation and analysis of laterally sensitive
bridge girders, resulted from this committee’s work.
In conjunction with this new publication, a PTC Mathcad example was developed to illustrate the
various steps of analysis for a precast, prestressed concrete bridge element from “bed to bridge.” To
promote broader use of the example template, PCI developed a concatenated Microsoft Excel
spreadsheet program where users may customize inputs for a specific component design according to
regional girder products.
During the generation of the workbook, inconsistencies were identified and resolved which became the
basis for the collection entitled Errata for Recommended Practice for Lateral Stability of Precast,
Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders (CB-02-16) errata dated March 2020
(https://www.pci.org/PCI/Publications/Bookstore/Publication_Errata/PCI/Design_Resources/Guides
_and_Manuals/Publication_Errata.aspx?hkey=046414ca-c476-43a8-95c6-649075dc5520). The
numerical variances are described in an appendix to this document and these modifications will serve
as the basis for the second edition of the recommended practice the Girder Stability Subcommittee is
currently developing.
The Purpose of This Publication
This document, User Manual for Calculating the Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge
Girders, PCI publication CB-04-20, provides context and instructions for the use of the 2019 version of
the Microsoft Excel workbook to analyze lateral stability of precast, prestressed concrete bridge
products. The free distribution of this publication includes a simple method to record contact
information for the persons who receive the workbook program so that they can be notified of updates
or revisions when necessary.
There is no cost for downloading the program. The only request is that the URL and password not be
shared, so that users can be contacted in the future. It is important that users be able to be notified
about revisions. The URL of the workbook can be found in the confirmation email for this publication.
Please retain this email for your records so that you may redownload the workbook at your leisure.
iii (MAY 2020)

Later in this book, there are instructions on how to use the program. Example problems solved using
the workbook are included in the appendix. These examples are also solved using Mathcad to validate
the workbook solution. Tables comparing the two methods are included in the appendix.
Industry Body of Knowledge

PCI is recognized as the organization that develops and maintains the Body of Knowledge of the
precast/prestressed concrete industry. Since 1954, PCI has researched, refined, and published the
technology of this industry. PCI develops comprehensive guidelines and standards for drafting, design,
production, quality control, and installation of precast and precast, prestressed concrete. It administers
the industry’s first and most comprehensive family of certification programs for personal, production,
and erection of precast concrete—all of which are predicated on a continuous process of quality
improvement.
This document adds to the Body of Knowledge for precast and precast, prestressed concrete, providing
a tool to analyze lateral stability of bridge girders. PCI will continue to develop, improve, and
disseminate this technology.
Suggestions, questions, and comments concerning this document are welcome. Please contact the
managing director transportation systems at PCI by email addressed to PCIBridgeManual@pci.org.
iv (MAY 2020)
TRAINING
This User Manual for Calculating the Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders has
been developed as a resource for bridge engineers. Lateral stability of precast, prestressed concrete
bridge girders is a life safety issue whose importance is not always understood or properly addressed.
Significant research into this topic has been performed by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
(PCI) Committee on Bridges Girder Stability Subcommittee. As a result of this research, the
Recommended Practice for Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders was
developed by PCI and released in February 2016, with errata following in 2019.
Four online courses present the background and theory of lateral stability contained in this user
manual and the Recommended Practice for Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge
Girders for all stages of construction from initial fabrication of the prestressed girders until they are
fully incorporated into a bridge. This series of courses covers the basics of evaluating girder stability
after fabrication, during transportation to the job site, and during erection into the bridge structure.
The modules also provide guidance not found in the Recommended Practice on subjects like resistance
of bearing pads, wind on erected girders, and bracing. The T527 module includes the review of an
example from the Recommended Practice that illustrates the concept of stability. Although the example
calculations in the Recommended Practice were developed in PTC MathCAD, training course T527
showcases a new Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for calculating girder stability.
Overall Training Learning Objectives:

• Understand the various stages in the life of a girder from precast manufacture to full incorporation
into the bridge structure.
• Develop an understanding of the root causes of lateral instability of precast, prestressed concrete
girders and the need for stability analysis.
• Develop an understanding of the concept of roll axis and be able to identify the roll axis for a variety
of support conditions.
• Identify the equilibrium conditions for supported girder conditions.
• Evaluate concrete stresses for supported girder conditions and factors of safety against cracking,
failure, and rollover.
• Learn the means by which to increase the factors of safety against cracking, failure, and rollover.
• Understand critical stability issues at:
o Precast manufacture
o Shipping to site
o Girder erection at project site
o During deck construction
• Be able to apply the principals presented through calculation
• Understand the criteria and basic presumptive values suggested for the evaluation of stability
• Apply knowledge gained in the course to assess calculation results and modifications required to
improve stability
The target audience of the user manual, the Excel calculator, and the related online courses includes
bridge engineers of all experience levels, owners, and contractors with an interest in learning about
girder stability. There is no cost to enroll in any of the courses.
v (MAY 2020)
Training Course T520
Title: Introductory Material and Hanging Girders
• Develop an understanding of the root causes of lateral instability of precast, prestressed concrete
girders and the need for stability analysis.
• Develop an understanding of the concept of roll axis and be able to identify the roll axis for a variety
of support conditions.
• Understand the criteria and basic presumptive values suggested for the evaluation of stability.
• Identify the equilibrium conditions for the lifted girders.
• Evaluate concrete stresses for lifted girders and factors of safety against cracking and failure. Learn
the means by which to increase the factors of safety against cracking and failure.

Title: Stability of Transported Girders
• Identify the equilibrium conditions for transported girders.
• Understand how wind and centrifugal forces, acting in the same or opposite directions, affect
stability.
• Evaluate concrete stresses for transported girders and factors of safety against cracking, failure,
and rollover. Learn the means by which to increase the factors of safety against cracking, failure,
and rollover.

Title: Seated Girders and Stability Issues from Bed to Bridge
• Identify the equilibrium conditions for girders erected on site.
• Learn how to evaluate the resistance of bearing pads in a stability calculation.
• Learn how wind forces affect girders based on position in the bridge.
• Evaluate concrete stresses for erected girders and factors of safety against cracking, failure, and
rollover.
• Learn the means by which to increase the factors of safety against cracking, failure and rollover.
• Understand critical stability issues at:
o Precast manufacture
o Shipping to site
o Girder erection at project site
o During deck construction

Title: Calculations and Spreadsheet Usage
• Understand how to evaluate stability for hanging girders through a worked example problem.
• Understand how to find stresses in a girder in a stability situation through a worked example.
• Understand how to evaluate girder stability under various conditions using a spreadsheet through
a demonstration.
vi (MAY 2020)
DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW
Throughout the development of this document and the spreadsheet programs, strict adherence to PCI
policies and procedures has been followed, including the requisite series of reviews. The draft of this
book was reviewed by members of the PCI Lateral Stability Subcommittee, the PCI Committee on
Bridges, and the PCI Technical Activities Council (TAC). The spreadsheet program was tested by
members of the Committee on Bridges, and a comprehensive test problem was devised and compared
with a solution calculated by Mathcad. TAC reviewed the work for assurance that it meets the institute’s
standards for technical content and quality guidelines for presentation. TAC prepared written
comments that were addressed to the committee’s satisfaction.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
During the development of this document, government agencies and universities, including the Florida
Department of Transportation, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), have conducted research to resolve many of the
outstanding issues related to girder stability. Their hard work and determination to resolve these
issues and improve safety during construction is recognized and greatly appreciated. Much of their
research has been incorporated into this document.
Many other individuals, in addition to subcommittee members, engaged in discussions at the meetings
and read one or more of iterations of the drafts. PCI wishes to thank all these professionals for their
time and for sharing their expertise. Many of those who participated in the writing and review of this
document are acknowledged in the following list.
The following is a list of the active voting members of the PCI Girder Stability Subcommittee at the time
this document was published.
Richard Brice, Chair Antonio M. Garcia Austin Daniel Maue
Washington State Dept. of Garcia Bridge Engineers Concrete Technology Corporation
Transportation
Reid Castrodale Brent Koch Richard Miller
Castrodale Engineering Con-Fab California, LLC University of Cincinnati
Consultants, PC
Dave Chapman, Jr Keith Kaufman (Deceased) Glenn Myers
Knife River Corporation Northwest Knife River Corporation Northwest Atkins North America
David Deitz Todd Lang Gregg Reese

Palmer Engineering HDR Modjeski and Masters Inc.
Roy L. Eriksson Z. John Ma Steven L. Schwarz

Eriksson Technologies, Inc. University of Tennessee-Knoxville HR Green Inc.
vii (MAY 2020)

The following are consulting members of the PCI Girder Stability Subcommittee. Consulting members
are not held to the same strict attendance standards as voting members, as set forth in the PCI Group
Operating Manual. Many of these members attended numerous meetings and participated in committee
work, including verbal and written reviews of the documents.
Mantu Baishya Lalith Galagedera Richard Potts
Independent Civil Engineer Yaggy Colby Associates Standard Concrete Products, Inc.
Brian Barngrover Michael Haas Loren Risch (Retired)

Eriksson Technologies Inc. Collins Engineers, Inc. Kansas Dept. of Transportation
Oguzhan Bayrak Tim Holien Francesco Russo

University of Texas at Austin Tindall Corp. Michael Baker International
Shrinivas Bhide Finn Hubbard Chad Saunders

Consultant Fickett Structural Soluations Bayshore Concrete Products
JP Binard Sam Keske Gudmund Setberg

Precast Systems Engineering Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Caltrans
Inc.
Krista Brown Dale King Milenko Simic

Consultant Bekaert Prestressed Systems Inc.
Paul Dentel Michael Laviolette Fletcher Potts Smith

Jersey Precast Corporation HDR Standard Concrete Products, Inc.
Bill Dreher (Retired) Estella Matemu Maher K. Tadros

Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation Dayton Superior Concrete e.Construct USA LLC
Accessories Inc.
D. Scott Eschleman Michael McCool Christopher Waldron

Stanley Consultants Inc. Beam, Longest & Neff LLC University of Alabama Birmingham
Matt Farrar Andrew Mish Doug Whittaker

Idaho Dept. of Transportation Modjeski and Masters Inc. Michael Baker International
Zhengzheng Fu Claude S. Napier (Retired) Brian Witte

Louisiana Dept. of Transportation FHWA Parsons
& Development
Kent Fuller Tanarat Potisuk William N. Nickas, Staff Liaison
Dura-Stress Inc. Oregon Dept. of Transportation (Non-voting)
Precast/Prestressed Concrete
Institute
viii (MAY 2020)

This PCI document was developed with the oversight of the PCI Committee on Bridges. The following is
a list of the active voting members of this committee at the time this document was balloted.
Glenn Myers, Chair Gregg Freeby Pinar Okumus
Atkins North America Formerly Texas Dept. of SUNY, University at Buffalo
Transportation
Gregg Reese, Vice-Chair Mark Hoppe (Retired) Michael Oliva
Modjeski and Masters Inc. Kansas Dept. of Transportation University of Wisconsin
Steve Seguirant, TAC Liaison Finn Hubbard Scott Phelan
Concrete Technology Corp. Fickett Structural Solutions David Evans and Assoc.
Sameh S. Badie Troy Jenkins Tanarat Potisuk
George Washington University Northeast Prestressed Products, Oregon Dept. of Transportation
LLC
Mr. Gregory Aaron Banks, Andy Ko Mary Lou Ralls Newman
WSP STV Incorporated Ralls Newman, LLC
Oguzhan Bayrak Todd Lang Julie Sarson
University of Texas at Austin HDR Burns & McDonnell
JP Binard Michael Laviolette Steven L. Schwarz

Precast Systems Engineering HDR HR Green Inc.
Richard Brice Z. John Ma Rita Seraderian
Washington State Dept. of University of Tennessee-Knoxville PCI Northeast
Transportation
Reid Castrodale Mustafa Mashal Eric Steinberg
Castrodale Engineering Idaho State University Ohio University
Consultants PC
David Deitz Eric E. Matsumoto Chris White
Palmer Engineering California State University Volkert
Kevin R. Eisenbeis Richard Miller Yuhe Yang
Burns & McDonnell University of Cincinnati PCI Northeast
Roy L. Eriksson Andrew Mish William N. Nickas, Staff Liaison
Eriksson Technologies Inc. Modjeski and Masters Inc. (Non-voting)
Precast/Prestressed Concrete
Institute
Jim Fabinski James Nelson
EnCon United Iowa Dept. of Transportation
Hussam (Sam) Fallaha Andrzej S. Nowak
Florida Department of Auburn University
Transportation
ix (MAY 2020)
The following are consulting members of the PCI Committee on Bridges. Consulting members are not
held to the same strict attendance standards as voting members as set forth in the PCI Group Operations
Manual. Many of these members attended numerous meetings and participated in committee work
including oral and written reviews of the documents.
Tess Ahlborn Mohamed Essili Mary Ellen Kimberlin
Michigan Technological University Consultant Ohio Prestressers Association
Musa R. Alawneh Matt Farrar Charles W. Leidholdt
e.construct Fz LLC Idaho Dept. of Transportation Hamilton Form Company, Ltd.
Alex Aswad (Retired) Pedro Fernandez Lisette Shana Ludena
Pennsylvania State University David Evans & Associates T.Y. Lin International Group
James M. Barker Gregg Freeby Tom Macioce
The Collaborative Inc. Formerly Texas Dept. of Pennsylvania Dept. of
Transportation Transportation
Shrinivas Bhide Zhengzheng Fu Marc Maguire
Consultant Louisiana Dept. of Transportation University of Nebraska - Lincoln
& Development
Dean Bierwagen David Garber Farshad Mazloom
Stanley Consultants Florida International University Kie-Con, Inc.
Scott R. Canfield Antonio M. Garcia Michael L. McCool
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson Garcia Bridge Engineers Beam, Longest & Neff, LLC
Inc.
Vijay Chandra Silvio Garcia Bob Mills
VC Consulting, LLC Hardesty & Hanover Hamilton Form Company, Ltd.
Dave Chapman, JR Hossein Ghara George Morcous
Knife River Corporation Northwest Volkert University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Francisco De Jesus Chitty James S. Guarre Azam Nabizadeh
Florida International University Berger ABAM/WSP University of Wisconsin -
Milwaukee
Mi Geum Chorzepa Michael Haas Robert J. Peterman
University of Georgia Collins Engineers, Inc. Kansas State University
William Colquett Ziad Hanna Chuck Prussack (Retired)
Alabama Dept. of Transportation Alfred Benesch & Company Oldcastle Precast Inc.
John S. Dick Susan Hida Basile G. Rabbat (Retired)
J. Dick Precast Concrete Caltrans Consultant
Daniel Dowling Fouad Jaber Carin L. Roberts-Wollmann
Michael Baker International Nebraska Dept. of Roads Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
State University
Bill Dreher (Retired) Brian Jenner Hugh David Ronald
Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation Forterra Building Products Atkins North America
D. Scott Eshleman Sam Keske Joe E. Salvadori
Stanley Consultants Inc Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Michael Baker International
Inc.
x (MAY 2020)
Consulting members of the PCI Committee on Bridges (cont.)
Gudmund Setberg Colin Wayne Van Kampen Christopher S. Williams
Caltrans Modjeski and Masters Inc. Purdue University
Mohsen A. Shahawy Christopher Michael Vanek Brian Witte
SDR Engineering Consultants, Inc. WSP Parsons
C. Shawn Sun Edward Wasserman Wael Zatar
Louisiana Technical University Modjeski and Masters, Inc. Marshall University
C. Douglas Sutton (Retired) Daniel Werner Miloslav Zeman
Purdue University Plum Creek Structures Dura-Stress, Inc.
David A. Tomley Kevin Western
Thompson Engineering Minnesota Dept. of
Transportation
Kyle Turner Hartanto Wibowo
Michael Baker International Iowa State University
The following current and past members of the AASHTO Subcommittee on Bridges served on the
Technical Committee for Concrete (T-10). Many of these engineers are also voting and consulting
members of the PCI Committee on Bridges. They also served as an advisory group with the FHWA-
AASHTO-PCI Contract task order no 5010 (DTFH61-11-D-00010-T-5010), “Advanced Precast Element
Design and Construction State of Practice” under which this product was developed. Many state
highway agency employees and AASHTO staff reviewed draft documents and work plans.
Below are listed those that routinely participated in this multiyear endeavor.
Kevin Western (Chair T-10) Strat Cavros Arielle Ehrlich
Minnesota DOT AASHTO Staff Minnesota Dept. of Transportation
Matt Farrar (Vice Chair T-10) Nancy Daubenberger (past Jamie Farris
Idaho Dept. of Transportation member) Texas Dept. of Transportation
Minnesota DOT
Patrica Bush Bill Dreher (Retired) Gregg Freeby (Retired)
AASHTO Staff Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation Texas Dept. of Transportation
Zhengzheng Fu Bruce Johnson (past member) Tanarat Potisuk
Louisiana Dept. of Transportation Oregon Dept. of Transportation Oregon Dept. of Transportation
& Development
Sue Hida (past member) Bijan Khaleghi Will Potter
Caltrans Washington Dept. of Florida Dept. of Transportation
Transportation
Mark Hoppe Robert Landry Gudmund Setberg
Kansas Dept. of Transportation New Hampshire Dept. of Caltrans
Transportation
Reggie Holt Tom Macioce Loren Risch (Retired)
Federal Highway Administration Pennsylvania Dept. of Kansas Dept. of Transportation
Transportation
Fouad Jaber Jim McDonnell
Nebraska Department of Roads AASHTO Staff
xi (MAY 2020)
PCI staff and the institute’s many dedicated members would like to express their gratitude to Jim
McDonnell, Patricia Bush, and Strat Cavros of the AASHTO staff for the opportunity to serve as
subconsultant on this Federal Highway Administration assignment. Their project management,
guidance, and patience throughout this assignment have been invaluable and are deeply appreciated.
The forward-thinking conceptualization of the need for this manual by Reggie Holt of the Federal
Highway Administration should also be acknowledged as key to the project’s success. JP Binard served
as technical editor for this document.
Lastly, a thank you to the primary authors, Glenn Myers, Mike McCool, JP Binard, Rich Miller, and Rick
Brice. Their willingness to meet multiple times with interested engineers, the PCI Committee on
Bridges, PCI Girder Stability Subcommittee, and AASHTO T-10, the technical committee on concrete
design, to develop and illustrate the various steps of analysis using a concatenated Microsoft
spreadsheet to address the lateral stability of precast, prestressed concrete bridge girders is
appreciated by the broader bridge community.
xii (MAY 2020)

INFORMATION FOR USERS
U1.0 About This Document
This document is available as an electronic “eBook” and in a hardcopy version. A simple log-in to the
PCI website is all that is needed to download this and other free resources. The hardcopy version must
be purchased for a small fee through the PCI Bookstore.
U1.1 Structure of the Document

U1.1.1 Using Links
Links are provided from the Table of Contents to all numbered sections. The user may conveniently
jump to a page number or to a section number. Links are provided to the websites of many of the cited
references and to topics for additional information.
U1.1.2 Numbered Paragraphs

Each main section in the text is identified with a decimal numbering system similar to the system used
for various AASHTO specifications and the PCI Bridge Design Manual. This is the system used to
organize this page you are reading. The hierarchy of the system is also apparent by the type size and
font used in the titles of the sections.
U1.1.3 Page Header

The header on every page identifies the subject and the title of the document.
U1.1.4 Page Footer

The lower right corner shows the month and year of publication. In the center is the page number.
Revised pages will show “a,” “b,” etc. following the page number and a new date in the right corner. This
method will be useful to determine the most current revision.
U1.1.5 Figures and Tables

All figures and tables are numbered to indicate the section where they first appear. Example: Figure
3.2-1 is found in Section 3.2 and Figure 3.2-2 is the second figure to appear in the same section.
Figures and tables referenced in the text are in bold type.
U1.2 Revisions and Registration

Revisions to this document are expected. To receive revisions, or notices of revisions, it is necessary to
register your copy of the manual. This registration is automatically created if you use the PCI Bookstore
to download your eBook copy.
U1.2.1 Registering Your Copy

There is no cost or obligation to be registered. Those obtaining an eBook through the PCI website will
be automatically registered to the email address registered.
U1.2.2 Errors and Omissions

Your help will be appreciated in locating errors and identifying omissions. Please contact PCI with your
suggestions at PCIBridgeManual@pci.org.
xiii (MAY 2020)

U1.2.3 Dissemination of Corrections
Corrections to this document if required will be assembled and a notice emailed to those who have
registered. The replacement pages will readily identify the change and the page will be identified as
revised in the footer.
Two methods are used to disseminate changes. Simple corrections, revisions, and improvements will be
posted as errata on the PCI publications website at https://www.pci.org/publicationerrata.
Alternatively, users may select Errata on the Publications page and look for the title of this document.
Complex revisions that involve more than a few pages may require the user to redownload the entire
document. There will be no cost for this download. Instructions will be emailed as noted above.
In the future, when a new edition is required, an email will notify registered users. Please keep your
contact information current so you can be notified.
U1.3 Exchange of Suggestions

U1.3.1 Send Your Suggestions
Your suggestions and comments concerning this document will be greatly appreciated. Call, write or
send email to Bridge Engineer at the location and telephone number on the inside cover page, or email
PCIBridgeManual@pci.org.
U1 3.2 Our Suggestion

We strongly urge the designer, in the early stages of a project, to contact one or more PCI-Certified
precast concrete manufacturers. The manufacturer can advise about local experience and capability.
The producer can often help with suggested solutions and cost estimates. They can provide specific
design information about special local, state, or regional precast sections. A current list of PCI-Certified
producers is readily available on the PCI website at www.pci.org.
xiv (MAY 2020)

CALCULATION OF LATERAL STABILITY ___________________________________TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.1 LIMITATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 INPUT DATA ....................................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2.1 Opening the File ........................................................................................................................................ 1-2
1.3 CUSTOMARY CAUTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 1-2
1.4 SECURITY ............................................................................................................................................................. 1-2
2.0 ANALYSIS METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS ............................................................................................. 2-1
2.1 SPECIFICATIONS AND REFERENCES........................................................................................................ 2-1
2.2 GIRDER EQUILIBRIUM ................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2.1 Hanging Girder........................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2.2 Seated Girder .............................................................................................................................................. 2-2
2.3 COMBINED EFFECTS ....................................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.3.1 Hanging Girder with Wind .................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.3.2 Seated Girder with Lateral Forces...................................................................................................... 2-3
2.4 LOADS.................................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.4.1 Permanent Loads ...................................................................................................................................... 2-4
2.4.2 Transient Loads ......................................................................................................................................... 2-4
2.4.3 Environmental Loads .............................................................................................................................. 2-4
2.5 MATERIAL PROPERTIES................................................................................................................................ 2-4
2.6 TOLERANCES ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.7 FACTORS OF SAFETY ...................................................................................................................................... 2-5
3.0 USING THE WORKBOOK ................................................................................................................................ 3-1
3.1 INPUT .................................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.1 Operational Instructions ........................................................................................................................ 3-1
3.1.2 General Input .............................................................................................................................................. 3-2
3.1.2.1 Project and User Information ...................................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.2.2 Bridge Geometry ............................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.2.3 Girder Properties .............................................................................................................................. 3-2
3.1.2.4 Material Properties .......................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.2.5 Prestressing Properties .................................................................................................................. 3-2
3.1.2.6 Parameters at Lifting ....................................................................................................................... 3-3
TOC -1 (MAY 2020)

3.1.2.7 Input Parameters for Individual Calculation Cases ............................................................. 3-3

3.2 GUIDANCE ON PARAMETER ........................................................................................................................ 3-3
3.2.1 Concrete Strengths ................................................................................................................................... 3-3
3.2.2 Effective Prestress and Camber .......................................................................................................... 3-3
3.2.3 Strand Centroid at Midspan .................................................................................................................. 3-4
3.2.4 Definition of ei.total ..................................................................................................................................... 3-4
3.3 GUIDANCE NOTES FOR LIFTING CASES .................................................................................................. 3-4
3.3.1 Rigid Extension of Lift Device Above Top of Beam ylift ............................................................... 3-4
3.3.2 Impact Factor IM ....................................................................................................................................... 3-4
3.3.3 Cantilevers a ............................................................................................................................................... 3-4
3.3.4 Inclined Cables ........................................................................................................................................... 3-5
3.4 GUIDANCE NOTES FOR SEATED CASES................................................................................................... 3-5
3.4.1 All Cases – Roll Center............................................................................................................................. 3-5
3.4.2 Dunnage Case ............................................................................................................................................. 3-5
3.5 GUIDANCE NOTE FOR TRANSPORT CASE .............................................................................................. 3-6
3.5.1 Direction of Forces ................................................................................................................................... 3-6
3.5.2 Configuration .............................................................................................................................................. 3-7
3.6 GUIDANCE NOTES FOR ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION STAGE CASE .................................................... 3-7
3.7 BEARING STIFFNESS ....................................................................................................................................... 3-8
4.0 OUTPUT ................................................................................................................................................................ 4-1
4.1 LIFT FROM BED - VERTICAL ........................................................................................................................ 4-1
4.2 LIFT FROM BED - INCLINED......................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.3 SEATED ON DUNNAGE ................................................................................................................................... 4-2
4.4 SEATED ON TRANSPORT............................................................................................................................... 4-2
4.5 LIFT IN FIELD - VERTICAL ............................................................................................................................ 4-2
4.6 LIFT IN FIELD - INCLINED............................................................................................................................. 4-2
4.7 FIRST GIRDER SEATED ON BEARING ....................................................................................................... 4-2
4.8 INACTIVE CONSTRUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 4-3
4.9 DECK (ACTIVE) CONSTRUCTION ............................................................................................................... 4-3
4.10 BEARING ROTATIONAL STIFFNESS ....................................................................................................... 4-3
5.0 CITED REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................ 5-1
6.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................................................................. 6-1
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................... A-3
EXAMPLE 1: 136 ft long PCI BT-72 .................................................................................................................. A-5
TOC -2 (MAY 2020)

Comparison of PCI Workbook Solutions with Recommended Practice Results .........................A-6

RP Example 6.1.1 – Girder hanging from vertical cables with no wind ...................................... A-10
RP Example 6.1.2 – Girder hanging from vertical cables with impact, no wind ...................... A-20
RP Example 6.1.3 – Girder hanging from vertical cables with wind ............................................. A-30
RP Example 6.1.4 – Girder hanging from inclined cables with wind ............................................ A-40
RP Example 6.2.1 – Girder during transport stopped on superelevated curve ........................ A-53
RP Example 6.2.2 – Girder during transport at intersection ........................................................... A-63
RP Example 6.3.1 – Single girder seated on bearing ........................................................................... A-73
RP Example 6.3.2 – Multiple girders seated on bearings, inactive construction ..................... A-83
RP Example 6.3.3 – Exterior girder stability, active construction ................................................. A-95
RP Example 6.3.3 – Exterior girder stability, active construction, revise bracing ............... A-101
EXAMPLE 2: 201 ft long FIB 102 .................................................................................................................. A-107
Properties ......................................................................................................................................................... A-108
Example 2.1 – Vertical lifting from bed, iteration 1 ......................................................................... A-111
Example 2.2 – Vertical lifting from bed, Iteration 2 ......................................................................... A-121
Example 2.3 – Vertical lifting in field, iteration 1 .............................................................................. A-131
Example 2.4 - Girder during transport at intersection, iteration 1 ............................................ A-141
Example 2.5 - Girder during transport at intersection, iteration 2 ............................................ A-151
Example 2.6 - Girder during transport stopped on superelevated curve ................................ A-162
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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
TOC -4 (MAY 2020)

CALCULATION OF LATERAL STABILITY ________________________________________________CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The calculation spreadsheets described in this publication were created in Microsoft Excel for
Office 365, developing lateral stability checks for the multiple steps that a precast, prestressed
concrete bridge girder will experience during its journey from the prestressing bed to its full
incorporation into a bridge. These steps are identified by tabs in the spreadsheet as follows:
• Lift from Bed – Vertical or Inclined
• Seated on Dunnage
• Seated on Transport
• Lift in Field – Vertical or Inclined
• First Girder Seated on Bearings
• Inactive Construction
• Deck (Active) Construction
• Bearing Rotational Stiffness
The spreadsheet allows the user to input customized geometry with unique section properties,
age-related concrete strengths pertaining to initial handling and erection activities, variable
overhangs for lift loop locations and bunking for transport, and specialized parameters such as
impact percentages as well as sweep. An iterative approach to analysis of a precast,
prestressed concrete bridge element and the resulting lateral stability of the element using this
spreadsheet is strongly encouraged to obtain the most efficient design and detailing.
1.1 LIMITATIONS
The following limitations of this workbook program must be understood.
1. Analysis of a precast, prestressed concrete bridge element according to governing
codes and/or specifications must be performed outside of this spreadsheet before
checking lateral stability.
2. The spreadsheet program checks for stress limits relating to lateral stability according
to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications,1 but does not confirm any
requirements relating to service or strength in the completed bridge structure.
3. Designers should confirm regional availability of bridge products assumed in analysis.
4. Unique procedures for handling or erection are beyond the capabilities of this
spreadsheet program. Common means and methods as identified in PCI publication
CB-02-16, Recommended Practice for Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete
Bridge Girders,5 are the basis for the analysis.
1.2 INPUT DATA

Open the workbook in Microsoft Excel. Specific project input is entered in the workbook’s
“General Input” worksheet. Detailed instructions are given in section 3.0, Using the Workbook.
1-1 (MAY 2020)

INTRODUCTION
1.2.1 Opening the File
Whenever a downloaded Excel file is opened, you will see a warning similar to the following:
If you trust the website from which you downloaded the Excel file, click the “Enable Editing”
button to allow interaction with the data.
1.3 CUSTOMARY CAUTIONS

Significant effort was made by PCI, its committee members, and consultants to produce this
workbook in a manner consistent with the level of care and skill ordinarily exercised by the
engineering profession. They exercised usual and customary care to incorporate the national
specifications, guidelines, and standards that were in effect and applicable as of the date of
publication. No other representation, expressed or implied, and no warranty or guarantee is
included or intended.
PCI, its members, and consultants cannot accept responsibility for any errors or oversights in
the use of this workbook or in the preparation of any final design and engineering plans. Any
changes to this workbook will be at the user's sole risk and without liability or legal exposure
to PCI, its members, and consultants.
This workbook is intended for use by professional personnel who are competent to evaluate
the significance and limitations of its assumptions and computations and who are able to
accept responsibility for the application of the results. Actual conditions on any project must
be given special consideration, and more specific evaluation and engineering judgment may be
required that are beyond the intended scope of this workbook.
1.4 SECURITY
To reduce the possibility of accidental modifications to this workbook, security features have
been used. All worksheets have been password-protected, with only the input cells left
unprotected.
The user may unlock and modify the worksheets. That allows the addition of agency- or
specifier-specific requirements or constraints, or the incorporation of code revisions.
To unlock the workbook, the Excel password is “genesis.”
1-2 (MAY 2020)

ANALYSIS METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
2.0 ANALYSIS METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS

2.1 SPECIFICATIONS AND REFERENCES
The following specifications and codes were used to develop this workbook:
• AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials). 2017.

AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. 8th ed. Washington, DC: AASHTO.
• AASHTO. 1995. Guide Design Specifications for Bridge Temporary Works. 1st ed. with 2008
interim revisions. Washington, DC: AASHTO.
• AASHTO. 2017. Guide Specifications for Wind Loads on Bridges During Construction.
Washington, DC: AASHTO.
• Mast, R. F. 1989. "Lateral Stability of Long Prestressed Concrete Beams — Part 1." PCI
Journal 34 (1): 34–53.
• Mast, R. F. 1993 "Lateral Stability of Long Prestressed Concrete Beams — Part 2." PCI
Journal 38 (1): 70–88.
• NCHRP (National Cooperative Highway Research Program). 2008. Rotation Limits for
Elastomeric Bearings. Report 596. Washington, DC: Transportation Research Board.
• PCI Committee on Bridges. 2016. Recommended Practice for Lateral Stability of Precast,
Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders. Publication CB-02. Chicago, IL: PCI. (referred to herein
as the Recommended Practice)
• PCI Committee on Tolerances. 2000. Tolerance Manual for Precast and Prestressed Concrete
Construction. MNL-135. Chicago, IL: PCI.
2.2 GIRDER EQUILIBRIUM

The theory of girder stability is that of equilibrium for two cases: a hanging girder which is
suspended from above and a seated girder which is supported from below. The two cases are
handled separately in the workbook.
2.2.1 Hanging Girder

Hanging girder stability is based on the resolution of internal and external loads that are
eccentric to an imaginary line connecting the support points, referred to as the roll axis (Fig.
2.2-1). Moment restraint at the lifting devices is typically negligible, so as a girder is lifted, the
eccentricity causes the girder to rotate about the roll axis. As the girder rotates, it continues to
deflect laterally under its own weight, resulting in an increasing eccentricity, which drives
more rotation. Rotation continues until the girder reaches a state of static equilibrium.
2-1 (MAY 2020)

Figure 2.2-1.
Free Body Diagram of Rotated Girder. Note: ei = initial lateral eccentricity; W = weight of
the girder; ycm = height of the lift point roll center; ylift = rigid extension of lift device above
top of girder; yr = distance from the roll axis to the center of mass; z = lateral deflection of
the girder under self weight; θ = rotation angle of the girder from vertical.
2.2.2 Seated Girder

Seated girder stability is based on the resolution of internal and external forces that are
eccentric to the girder supports through the rotational resistance of the transporting rig or
bearing pad upon which the girder is seated (Fig. 2.2-2). The overall stability of the girder is
also influenced by the cross slope of the surface on which the truck or bearing is resting and
imperfections in girder geometry. Principal forces acting to cause overturning include girder
self-weight and wind and centrifugal force during transport.
2-2 (MAY 2020)

Figure 2.2-2.
Free Body Diagram of Rotated Girder on Bearings. Note: ei = initial lateral eccentricity
Mr =resisting moment; W = girder weight; yr = distance from the roll axis to the center of
mass; z = lateral deflection of the girder under self weight; α = slope of support; θ =
rotation angle of the girder from vertical.
2.3 COMBINED EFFECTS

Variations are applied to the two primary cases from section 2.2, which are included in the
Recommended Practice5 and the Excel workbook.
2.3.1 Hanging Girder with Wind

The introduction of wind into the equilibrium equations requires consideration of wind-
induced rotation and lateral deflection, as well as self-weight girder deflection associated with
the wind-induced rotation. Because the girder is supported from the top, the rotation and
deflections result in opposing contributions to the lateral stability factor of safety.
2.3.2 Seated Girder with Lateral Forces

The introduction of wind and centrifugal force into the equilibrium equations simply adds the
overturning forces due to these lateral loads into the acting moment equation along with the
added lateral deflections from these forces. This condition may exist while the girder is in
storage on dunnage or while in transport on a truck or barge, during both active and inactive
construction phases including setting on elastomeric bearings.
2.4 LOADS
The loading criteria should conform to governing codes or specifications or as otherwise set
forth by the stability engineer.
2-3 (MAY 2020)

2.4.1 Permanent Loads
Permanent loads relevant to girder stability include dead load of structural components and
force and deformation effects from prestress, creep, and shrinkage. Dead load includes the
weight of all components of the structure included within each stage of the life of the
prestressed girder, including self-weight and the weight of bracing, formwork, and any other
appurtenances. The effective prestress force, creep, and shrinkage result in superimposed
deformations that must be considered in the analysis of girder stability. These deformations
are defined as girder camber and lateral deflection of the girder.
2.4.2 Transient Loads

Transient loads relevant to girder stability include impact, centrifugal force, and construction
live load. Section 8.10.2.2 of the PCI Bridge Design Manual4 provides guidance for impact loads
during transportation. The manual recommends that effects of impact, both downward and
upward, as well as stability be addressed separately. Centrifugal force is a consideration for
stability during transportation around curves. This force generates an overturning moment
about the girder’s support combined with a lateral deflection. Turning movements on adverse
cross slopes generate a centrifugal force that reduces stability. The centrifugal force generated
by turning movements resulting in lateral outward deflection should not be relied upon to
improve stability factors of safety. The AASHTO Guide Design Specifications for Bridge
Temporary Works,2 section 2.2.3, states that the construction live load is the actual weight of
any equipment plus a uniform load of 20 lb/ft2 applied over the area supported, and 75 lb/ft
applied at the outside edge of deck overhangs.
2.4.3 Environmental Loads

Environmental loads relevant to girder stability include wind loads, thermal loads, and seismic
loads as may be applicable to the project. The PCI Bridge Design Manual4 discusses the
importance of including wind loads in stability considerations. In addition to causing
additional lateral deflection, the wind load causes an overturning moment that must be
accounted for, whether the girder is seated or hanging. Thermal force effects are typically not a
consideration in girder stability checks because the girders are not restrained against
movement from temperature change. Thermal effects can cause girder vertical and lateral
deflections. Seismic loads are a consideration for the stability of seated girders. Seismic criteria
are very location-specific; the stability engineer must coordinate with local authorities to
develop the criteria needed for stability analysis.
2.5 MATERIAL PROPERTIES

The AASHTO LRFD specifications1 provide the governing criteria for the material properties
unless otherwise noted. These material parameters include compressive strength of the
concrete; yield strength of mild steel and strand; modulus of elasticity of mild steel, strand, and
concrete; and all applicable loss equations. Additionally, stress limits for the materials are also
in accord with the AASHTO LRFD specifications.
2-4 (MAY 2020)

2.6 TOLERANCES
PCI maintains two publications containing recommended allowable product tolerances. These
are the Tolerance Manual for Precast and Prestressed Concrete Construction and the Manual for
Quality Control for Plants and Production of Structural Precast Concrete Products.6,7 The
following product tolerances may be assumed due to manufacturing imperfections affecting
the lateral stability of girders:
• Strand and prestressing force eccentricity: ± ¼ in.
• Sweep and lateral deflection (fabrication tolerance): ⅛ in. per 10 ft of length
• Camber variation from design camber: ± ⅛ in. per 10 ft of length
• ½ in. maximum for lengths up to 80 ft
• 1 in. maximum for lengths greater than 80 ft
• Transverse location of lifting devices: ±1 in.
• Longitudinal location of lifting device: ± 6 in.
• Tipping and flushness of bearing assembly: ± ⅛ in.
Studies by Cojocaru8 documented sweep measurements during transportation. Twenty-three
of the 123 girders measured exceeded the previously mentioned sweep tolerances. The PCI
Bridge Design Manual4 recommends using the full tolerance plus 1 in. for sweep during
transportation.
2.7 FACTORS OF SAFETY

The lateral stability of girders has historically used a factor of safety on the service limit state
loads and resistance. There has been insufficient study to calibrate these historically proven
factors of safety for hanging and lifted girders for incorporation into the AASHTO LRFD
specifications.1
The factors of safety, as given in the Recommended Practice,5 section 4.3.2, and the PCI Bridge
Design Manual,4 section 8.10, are:
• Factor of safety against cracking FS = 1.0
• Factor of safety against failure FS' = 1.5
• Factor of safety against rollover FSroll = 1.5
If the factor of safety against failure FS' is less than the factor of safety against cracking FS, this
indicates that the maximum factor of safety occurs before cracking. In this case, FS' is equal to
𝐹S.
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2-6 (MAY 2020)

USING THE WORKBOOK
3.0 USING THE WORKBOOK

Instructions for using the worksheets in the workbook are given here and are also given in the
worksheet’s “Instructions” tab. To aid in understanding its use, an example is automatically
built into the workbook. The example is shown here as well.
3.1 INPUT
3.1.1 Operational Instructions
User should become familiar with the stability theory and the criteria for girder stability
presented in the Recommended Practice.5
Input for the program is provided in the “General Input” tab. Cells where input should be
entered are highlighted in light grey with bold text:
This workbook can be used to analyze either one or more specific cases, or all cases, depending
on client requirements. If it is desired to remove the inapplicable input sections from the
“General Input” tab printout, those particular rows should be highlighted and hidden (right
click on highlighted rows, then click "Hide"). To only print certain tabs, click on the first tab to
be printed, hold down the control key, then click on the remaining tabs to be printed to
activate them. Under the print command settings, select "Print Active Sheets," then print to
your device.
This workbook is configured with the following tabs:
provides the description of the workbook and operational
Instructions instructions
provides the description of the notation used within the
Notation workbook
provides the workspace where all of the input is provided and the
General Input
computational results displayed for each of the stability cases.
Lift from Bed – provides the calculations for case lift1
Vertical
Lift from Bed – provides the calculations for case lift1i
Inclined
Seated at Dunnage provides the calculations for case seat1
Seated on Transport provides the calculations for case trans
Lift in Field – Vertical provides the calculations for case lift2
Lift in Field – Inclined provides the calculations for case lift2i
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USING THE WORKBOOK
First Girder Seated on
provides the calculations for case seat2
Bearing
Inactive Construction provides the calculations for case seat3
Deck (Active) provides calculations for stability in field during deck (active)
Construction construction
Bearing Rotational provides calculation of elastomeric bearing pad rotational
Stiffness stiffness
3.1.2 General Input

3.1.2.1 Project and User Information
Project and user information can be entered into the header area. This information can also be
copied and entered on subsequent pages. It will not appear on all pages.
3.1.2.2 Bridge Geometry

Bridge geometry input is limited to the overall length of girder, the number of girders in the
cross section of the superstructure, and the distance from the end of the girder to centerline of
bearing.
The basic configuration of the bridge assumes no skew at the ends of the bridge. This
assumption only affects the inactive construction case. In this case, multiple girders with
intermediate bracing resist the overall deflection of all of the girders, acting as a system. Skew
tends to reduce the amount of deflection. Depending on the amount of skew and the bracing
locations, the calculation for the deflection of the girders becomes very complex and beyond
the scope of this workbook. Assuming no skew is a conservative assumption for this inactive
construction case.
3.1.2.3 Girder Properties

Girder property input includes the typical girder properties required for the design of the
prestressed girder, including girder height, area, flange widths, center of gravity, moments of
inertia and torsional constant. In this section, several other section properties are computed
based on input.
3.1.2.4 Material Properties

Material property input includes the correction factor for modulus of elasticity, the unit weight
of unreinforced girder concrete and of the girder concrete with reinforcement, and the
concrete density modification factor. In this section, the weight per foot and total weight of the
girder are computed based on the input.
3.1.2.5 Prestressing Properties

Prestressing properties define the location of the harp point from midspan Lharp. This input
defines the location where critical concrete stresses are calculated. Set the value of Lharp to
critical location. Several locations may need investigation. For girder with straight strands, the
value of Lharp may be set to 0.00 feet for analysis at midspan.
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USING THE WORKBOOK
3.1.2.6 Parameters at Lifting
The parameters at lifting include the lift connection offset from the top of the girder, the lateral
tolerance on the lift connection, and lateral wind pressures according to site or project
specifications. The loads included in the template are in accordance with the Recommended
Practice.5
3.1.2.7 Input Parameters for Individual Calculation Cases

The following section provides relevant information for each of the stability cases. For each
case, general parameters are defined, and a table is provided for girder input parameters and
presentation of results. The following table is an example of the "Lifting with Vertical Cables"
table. Notation definition for the tables are provided on the “General Input” worksheet. The
input variables are shown for each case in the shaded blue area with bold text. The calculation
results are provided for the factor of safety against cracking FScr, the factor of safety against
failure FS', and the bottom and top fiber concrete stresses in the girder at the critical location
for lateral stability. If a calculated value meets the criteria, it will be shown with a green
background. If a calculated value does not meet the design criteria, it will be shown with a red
background. The input variables can be modified until all the calculation results show a green
value, indicating that the proposed design meets all design criteria. Then the specific
calculation tab should be checked to ensure that the intent of the designer has been achieved.
All of the tables operate in a similar manner.
Note that the sign convention for concrete stresses is negative for tension and positive for
compression.
3.2 GUIDANCE ON PARAMETERS

The parameters indicated in the table are all defined on the “General Input” tab. Further
clarification is offered here.
3.2.1 Concrete Strengths

Concrete strength at transfer typically applies for lifting from the bed, otherwise known as f'ci.
For this example, it is 6.50 ksi. Concrete strength at erection or other field activities is most
typically f'c (usually at 28 days). For this example, it is 8.50 ksi.
3.2.2 Effective Prestress and Camber

Effective prestress Peff is the prestress force with appropriate losses according to the time of
the activity. For the condition of lifting from the bed, this may be equivalent to Ppi. In this
example, Peff.lift1 as it is described in the output sheet and the “Notation” tab is 2299 kip. The
camber resulting from this stage and this force is noted as 3.30 in. in this example.
3-3 (MAY 2020)

USING THE WORKBOOK
For the time at erection, it may be an intermediate step that is not always computed in
traditional concrete bridge girder design, such as a time of 50 days where the losses would be
somewhere between Ppi and Ppe. In this example, Peff.lift2 as it is described in the output sheet
and the “Notation” tab is 2127 kip. The camber resulting from this stage and this force is noted
as 4.40 in. in this example.
3.2.3 Strand Centroid at Midspan

Occasionally ycgs.mid could be different if temporary top strands are used for lifting from the
bed. Refer to the Recommended Practice5 for more information.
3.2.4 Definition of ei.total

PCI’s Tolerance Manual for Precast and Prestressed Concrete Construction 6 defines the tolerance
for lateral sweep as:
Lateral deflection (sweep) tolerance ei.tol :
𝐿𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 1
𝑒𝑖.𝑡𝑜𝑙 = in.
10 ft 8
= 136.00 ft / 10 ft × ⅛ in. Calculated based on value of

= 136.00 ft / 10 ft × ⅛ in. Lgirder on “Girder Input” tab
Unless specified otherwise by the client, ei.total should be taken as one half of ei.tol for cases lift1,
lift1i, and seat1, and 1 in. plus ei.tol for all other cases.
3.3 GUIDANCE NOTES FOR LIFTING CASES

3.3.1 Rigid Extension of Lift Device Above Top of Beam ylift
When using a value of ylift greater than zero, the stiffness of the projection out of the top of the
girder must be great enough to minimize its lateral deflection. This stiffness is assumed for the
equilibrium and factor of safety equations in the workbook, which include ylift as part of yr.
Refer to the Recommended Practice5 for additional discussion on this requirement. For strand
lifting loops, ylift should be taken as zero.
3.3.2 Impact Factor IM

Impact factor at stage IM: Impact is applied to the girders to account for handling of the precast
concrete element. Both downward impact and upward rebound impact should be checked to
determine which case is critical. Downward impact is positive, while upward impact is
negative. Refer to chapter 4 of the Recommended Practice5 for applicability guidance.
3.3.3 Cantilevers a
When using end cantilevers to counterbalance the center of mass closer to the roll axis (a.lift >
dbearing), the user must check the concrete tension and compression stresses in the cantilevers,
and revise the workbook input accordingly. Stranding adjustments are not performed
internally within this workbook.
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USING THE WORKBOOK
3.3.4 Inclined Cables
For lifting with inclined cables, yupper.yoke is located where the inclined cables meet (Fig. 3.3-1).
Figure 3.3-1.
Horizontal Forces Developed During Single Crane Lift. Note: Ph = horizontal component of
the tension force in an inclined cable; W = weight of the girder; yupper.yoke = distance
between upper and lower yoke; ϕ = angle between sloped lift sling and horizontal.
3.4 GUIDANCE NOTES FOR SEATED CASES

3.4.1 All Cases – Roll Center
For all seated cases, the roll center of the bearing is assumed at midheight of the bearing. This
value, defined as ybrg.seat, may be adjusted, depending on the type of bearing used. This distance
is included within the yr dimension.
3.4.2 Dunnage Case

For the dunnage case seat1, the support is assumed to extend across the full width of the girder
bottom flange. For cases where the girder is set on a pad that is less than the full width, the
value of wbrg.seat1 may be adjusted to be less than the bottom flange. A parameter entitled
“Transverse Bearing Rotational Stiffness, Kseat1” should be reviewed for accuracy based on the
storing methods.
Often girders are stored at the initial lift location as identified by alift, but the workbook does
provide an option to define a separate overhanging condition entitled aseat1. This change in
boundary conditions may influence stability and stress of the girder more than initial lifting.
Figure 3.4-1 illustrates the parameters pertaining to the height from the roll center to the
bottom of the girder ybrg.seat1 and height of the roll center from the bearing seat hroll.seat1.
3-5 (MAY 2020)

USING THE WORKBOOK
Figure 3.4-1
Free Body Diagram of Girder Seated on Dunnage. Note: hroll.seat1 = height of roll center
above bearing pedestal, single girder on dunnage; Wbrg.seat1 = plan dimension of bearing
pad parallel to axis of rotation, single girder on dunnage; ybrg.seat1 = height from roll center
to bottom of girder, single girder on dunnage.
3.5 GUIDANCE NOTES FOR TRANSPORT CASE

3.5.1 Direction of Forces
Figure 3.5-1 shows the directions of wind force and centrifugal force. The workbook “Seated
on Transport” case is developed from the Recommended Practice5 where the critical cases
checked cause the girder in Fig. 3.5-1 to rotate farther to the left. These cases include:
a) a transport vehicle breakdown or stopped condition on a superelevated curve, where
the design speed and the radius are taken as zero;
•
b) a transport vehicle traveling around a curve with adverse superelevation, such as a left
turn within an intersection.
Centrifugal force is not intended to increase factors of safety around curves. This workbook
should not be used to analyze turning at high speeds, or high crosswinds, where the tendency
is to rotate the girder toward the right.
Figure 3.5-1 shows the definition of variables hroll.trans and zmax.trans.
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USING THE WORKBOOK
Figure 3.5-1.
Free Body Diagram of Rotated Girder on Transport Vehicle. Note: CE = centrifugal force;
hroll = roll center above the roadway: Ma =acting moment: Mr = resisting moment; W =
weight of girder; WS = wind load; zmax = distance from the center of bunking surface to the
centerline of the dual tires on the truck; α = superelevation of the roadway supporting the
vehicle; θ = rotation angle of the girder from vertical1.
The workbook does not analyze the case of lateral forces sufficient to cause roll about the
upper tires.
3.5.2 Configuration
A parameter entitled “Hauling Rig Rotational Stiffness Ktrans” should be reviewed for accuracy
based on the transporting methods. Similar to product on dunnage, the seated girder on
transport may have a modified overhang or atrans and the height to the roll center yseat.trans is
critical.
3.6 GUIDANCE NOTES FOR ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION STAGE CASE

Recommended Practice5 Fig. 5.4.3-1 is included here as Fig. 3.6-1 to provide some guidance as
to the variable included in the “General Input” tab. Coping is the terminology for the extension
of the deck beyond the outside face (tip) of the girder top flange.
3-7 (MAY 2020)

USING THE WORKBOOK
Sext
Sscreed
Figure 3.6-1.
Loads During Deck Construction. Note: sext = walkway formwork extension length beyond
coping; multiple girders seated on bearings; sscreed = distance from coping to screed rail;
multiple girders on bearings in field.
3.7 BEARING STIFFNESS

The last tab provides a calculation of bearing stiffness Kθ.z for a steel-reinforced elastomeric
bearing set normal to the centerline of girder, which is the recommendation contained within
the Recommended Practice.5 Refer to the Recommended Practice for a discussion of potential
stiffness reduction for the case where the bearing is skewed from this normal condition.
3-8 (MAY 2020)

OUTPUT
4.0 OUTPUT
Output from the workbook is immediately generated in the various tabs as a result of the
“General Input” entry. The tables at the base of each section on general input correlate to the
analysis in each of the 10 tabs: Lift from Bed – Vertical, Lift from Bed – Inclined, Seated on
Dunnage, Seated on Transport, Lift in Field – Vertical, Lift in Field – Inclined, First Girder
Seated on Bearing, Inactive Construction, Deck (Active) Construction, and Bearing Rotational
Stiffness.
The content of the output for each tab is examined in the following sections, including the
output for the built-in example.
4.1 LIFT FROM BED - VERTICAL

“Lift from Bed – Vertical” is the condition where the girder is lifted from the stressing bed with
vertical rigging. The concrete compressive strength is at an age of fc.lift1 with an effective
prestress force Peff.lift1. Lift points are inboard from the ends of the girder. Lateral stability is
based on this configuration of the hanging girder. Compressive and tensile stresses are
checked at the harp point along with the rotations due to lateral deflections caused by gravity
and/or wind. The results are then displayed as follows:
Subsequent to compressive and tensile stress checks are the factors of safety against cracking
and failure:
The computation of each item is clearly identified in the concatenated formatting of the
workbook and the theory explained in detail in the Recommended Practice.5
4.2 LIFT FROM BED - INCLINED

Lift from Bed – Inclined is identical in nature to that described in section 4.1 aside from a
horizontal compressive force on the component that results from the inclination of the rigging.
The compressive force may increase the factor of safety against cracking, as in the example
problem:
4-1 (MAY 2020)

OUTPUT
4.3 SEATED ON DUNNAGE

When the product is detensioned and put in storage, or set on dunnage at the precast concrete
facility, the effective prestress and concrete compressive strength are similar to that described
in section 4.1 or 4.2. The overhang may be modified as compared to the initial lifting in section
4.1 or 4.2, which will alter the compressive/tensile stresses and the factors of safety against
cracking/rollover.
4.4 SEATED ON TRANSPORT

The effective prestress and compressive strength corresponds to a time beyond the initial
lifting, handling, and storage conditions of sections 4.1 to 4.3. The compressive strength is
expressed as fc.trans and the effective prestress Peff.trans. Factors of safety pertaining to cracking
and rollover are checked based on these altered parameters.
4.5 LIFT IN FIELD - VERTICAL

This condition is very similar to section 4.1, except for the change in the material properties:
compressive strength and effective prestress, which typically correlate to the 28-day strength,
and prestress losses for an assumed age at erection, which will have a resulting camber. Lift
locations for girders erected in the field are often further toward the center to decrease rigging
or improve stability. This variable is entitled alift2.
4.6 LIFT IN FIELD - INCLINED

This condition mimics that of section 4.2 with a horizontal component, along with the material
property modifications described in section 4.5. The lift location for this case is entitled alift2i.
4.7 FIRST GIRDER SEATED ON BEARING

This stage of construction checks compressive/tensile stresses as well as factors of safety with
material properties and effective prestress consistent with section 4.5 or 4.6. Rollover is
critical at this phase of construction when the product is released from the crane; therefore,
bracing is checked in detail.
Where bracing is required, the workbook computes the required moment to be resisted by the
bracing as well as the lateral force.
4-2 (MAY 2020)

OUTPUT
Overturning moment to be resisted by bracing (service), if needed:
𝑊𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 [ 𝑧0.𝑝.𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡2 𝜃𝑚𝑎𝑥.𝑝.𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡2 + 𝑦𝑟.𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡2 𝜃𝑚𝑎𝑥.𝑝.𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡2 +𝑒𝑖.𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡2 +𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑔.𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡2 ]+𝑀𝑜𝑡.𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡2

𝑀𝑜𝑡.𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡2.𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒 = 2
Concurrent lateral force:

𝐿𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑.𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡2
𝐹𝑜𝑡.𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡2.𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒 =
2
4.8 INACTIVE CONSTRUCTION

Overturning and forces in lateral bracing as required were checked in section 4.7 for typical
wind loads expected during erection. This stage correlates to a condition where the girder is
erected and higher winds may occur. The same checks are reiterated for this revised loading.
4.9 DECK (ACTIVE) CONSTRUCTION

This condition is during the construction of the deck: dead loads, construction live loads, and
screed loading. The exterior girder is critical in this condition and checked in detail for bracing
requirements.
4.10 BEARING ROTATIONAL STIFFNESS

This tab provides a separate calculation for the rotational stiffness of the bearing with inputs
and a printable output to match the assumptions in the “General Input” tab. This tab and the
general input of all Kθ.xxxx cases are not linked. Note Kθ.z calculated in this tab is the same
stiffness identified as Kθ.xxxx elsewhere in the workbook.
4-3 (MAY 2020)

OUTPUT
4-4 (MAY 2020)

CITED REFERENCES
5.0 CITED REFERENCES

1. AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials). 2017. AASHTO LRFD Bridge
Design Specifications. 8th ed. Washington, DC: AASHTO.
https://store.transportation.org/item/collectiondetail/152 (fee)
2. AASHTO. 1995. Guide Design Specifications for Bridge Temporary Works. 1st ed. with 2008 interim revisions.
Washington, DC: AASHTO.
3. AASHTO. 2017. Guide Design Specifications for Wind Loads on Bridges During Construction. Washington, DC:
AASHTO. https://store.transportation.org/Item/PublicationDetail?ID=3728 (fee)
4. PCI Bridge Design Manual Steering Committee. 2014. Bridge Design Manual. MNL-133. 3rd ed., 2nd release.
Chicago, IL: PCI.
https://www.pci.org/ItemDetail?iProductCode=MNL-133-11E&Category=FREE&WebsiteKey=5a7b2064-
98c2-4c8e-9b4b-18c80973da1e
5. PCI Committee on Bridges. 2016. Recommended Practice for Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete
Bridge Girders. Publication CB-02-16. Chicago, IL: PCI. https://www.pci.org/ItemDetail?iProductCode=CB-02-
16&Category=FREE&WebsiteKey=5a7b2064-98c2-4c8e-9b4b-18c80973da1e
6. Errata for Recommended Practice for Lateral Stability of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders (CB-
02-16).
https://www.pci.org/PCI_Docs/Design_Resources/Guides_and_manuals/Errata%20-
%20Recommend%20Practice%20for%20Lateral%20Stability%20-%20March%202020.pdf
7. PCI Committee on Tolerances. 2000. Tolerance Manual for Precast and Prestressed Concrete Construction.
MNL-135. Chicago, IL: PCI. https://www.pci.org/ItemDetail?iProductCode=MNL-135-
00&Category=FREE&WebsiteKey=5a7b2064-98c2-4c8e-9b4b-18c80973da1e
8. PCI Plant Certification Committee. 1999. Manual for Quality Control for Plants and Production of Structural
Precast Concrete Products. MNL-116. 4th ed. Chicago, IL: PCI.
https://www.pci.org/ItemDetail?iProductCode=MNL-116-99&Category=QA&WebsiteKey=5a7b2064-98c2-
4c8e-9b4b-18c80973da1e (fee)
9. Cojocaru, R. 2012. “Lifting Analysis of Precast Prestressed Concrete Beams.” MSc thesis, Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/32464
5-1 (MAY 2020)

CITED REFERENCES
5-2 (MAY 2020)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
6.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers). 2013. Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures.
ASCE/SEI 7-10. Baltimore, MD: ASCE. https://sp360.asce.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Merchandise/Product-
Details/productId/232961952 (fee)
ASCE. 2015. Design Loads on Structures during Construction. ASCE/SEI 37-14. Baltimore, MD: ASCE.
https://sp360.asce.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Merchandise/Product-Details/productId/233079035 (fee)
Consolazio, G. R., H.R. Hamilton III, and M. S. Beery. 2012. Experimental Validation Of Bracing Recommendations
For Long-Span Concrete Girders. Structures Research Report 2012/72909-74040, Gainesville, FL: University of
Florida, Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering. https://trid.trb.org/view/1236755
Consolazio, G. R., K. R. Gurley, and Z. S. Harper. 2013. Bridge Girder Drag Coefficients and Wind-Related Bracing
Recommendations, Structures Research Report 2013/87322. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida, Department of
Civil and Coastal Engineering. https://www.consolazio.essie.ufl.edu/doc/UF-report-2013-87322.pdf
Cojoaru, R., and C. D. Moen. 2013. “VT Lifting Stability Analysis – US Customary Units.” Excel spreadsheet
program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA.
http://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/handle/10919/23723
FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation). 2015. Beam Stability. Mathcad 15 Program. Tallahassee, FL: FDOT.
https://www.fdot.gov/structures/proglib.shtm
FDOT. 2015. Structures Manual. Florida Department of Transportation, Tallahassee, FL: FDOT.
Laszlo, G., and R. R. Imper. 1987. “Handling and Shipping of Long Span Bridge Beams.” PCI Journal 32 (6): 86–101.
https://www.pci.org/PCI/Publications/PCI_Journal/Issues/1987/November-
December/Handling_and_Shipping_of_Long_Span_Bridge_Beams.aspx.
Mast, R. F. 1989. “Lateral Stability of Long Prestressed Concrete Beams — Part 1.” PCI Journal 34 (1): 34–53.
https://www.pci.org/PCI/Publications/PCI_Journal/Issues/1989/January-
February/Lateral_Stability_of_Long_Prestressed_Concrete_Beams_Part_1.aspx
Mast, R. F. 1993. “Lateral Stability of Long Prestressed Concrete Beams — Part 2.” PCI Journal 38 (1): 70–88.
https://www.pci.org/PCI/Publications/PCI_Journal/Issues/1993/January-
February/Lateral_Stability_of_Long_Prestressed_Concrete_Beams-Part_2.aspx
Moen, C. D. 2014. “Direct Calculation of Deflections and Stresses in Precast Prestressed Concrete Beams During
Lifting.” In The PCI National Bridge Conference: Proceedings, September 6–9, Washington, D.C. Chicago, IL: PCI.
NCHRP (National Cooperative Highway Research Program). 2008. Rotation Limits for Elastomeric Bearings.
Report 596, Washington, DC: Transportation Research Board. https://trid.trb.org/view/850027
Tadros, M., F. Fawzy, and K. Hanna. 2011. “Precast, Prestressed Girder Camber Variability.” PCI Journal 56 (1):
135–154.
https://www.pci.org/PCI/Publications/PCI_Journal/Issues/2011/Winter/Precast__prestressed_girder_camber_v
ariability.aspx
6-1 (MAY 2020)

CITED REFERENCES
6-2 (MAY 2020)

CALCULATION OF LATERAL STABILITY__________________________________________________APPENDIX
APPENDIX TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
EXAMPLE 1: 136 ft long PCI BT-72 ....................................................................................................................... 5
Comparison of PCI Workbook Solutions with Recommended Practice Results ............................. 6
RP Example 6.1.1 – Girder hanging from vertical cables with no wind .......................................... 10
RP Example 6.1.2 – Girder hanging from vertical cables with impact, no wind .......................... 20
RP Example 6.1.3 – Girder hanging from vertical cables with wind ................................................. 30
RP Example 6.1.4 – Girder hanging from inclined cables with wind ................................................ 40
RP Example 6.2.1 – Girder during transport stopped on superelevated curve ............................ 53
RP Example 6.2.2 – Girder during transport at intersection ............................................................... 63
RP Example 6.3.1 – Single girder seated on bearing ............................................................................... 73
RP Example 6.3.2 – Multiple girders seated on bearings, inactive construction ......................... 83
RP Example 6.3.3 – Exterior girder stability, active construction ..................................................... 95
RP Example 6.3.3 – Exterior girder stability, active construction, revise bracing .................... 101
EXAMPLE 2: 201 ft long FIB 102 ....................................................................................................................... 107
Properties .............................................................................................................................................................. 108
Example 2.1 – Vertical lifting from bed, iteration 1 .............................................................................. 111
Example 2.2 – Vertical lifting from bed, Iteration 2 .............................................................................. 121
Example 2.3 – Vertical lifting in field, iteration 1 ................................................................................... 131
Example 2.4 - Girder during transport at intersection, iteration 1 ................................................. 141
Example 2.5 - Girder during transport at intersection, iteration 2 ................................................. 151
Example 2.6 - Girder during transport stopped on superelevated curve ..................................... 162
A-1 (MAY 2020)

A-2 (MAY 2020)

APPENDIX INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Example 1 is a comparison of the Microsoft Excel workbook with the original Mathcad example
problem in the Recommended Practice. A table compares key results from the two programs.
An errata to the Recommended Practice has been generated that resolves some of the large
discrepancies found in the comparison table. Refer to the User Guide Foreword or visit the link
below for more information.
https://www.pci.org/PCI_Docs/Design_Resources/Guides_and_manuals/Errata%20-
%20Recommend%20Practice%20for%20Lateral%20Stability%20-%20March%202020.pdf
Example 2 is an iterative approach to design that coincides with a draft design example
formulated for incorporation to the PCI Bridge Design Manual.4 Design considerations common
to the fabricator are described sequentially with standard assumptions as the starting point
along with the iterative revisions made to comply with the lateral stability requirements as
well as the design of the structure. Local PCI Chapters are encouraged to conduct parametric
studies of regional shapes to better understand the limits of their products and aide designers,
contractors, and owners on this subject. This will help ensure the success of future projects as
we continue to extend spans and unique applications of prestressed, precast concrete bridge
products.
A-3 (MAY 2020)

APPENDIX INTRODUCTION
A-4 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE 1: 136 ft long PCI BT-72

Comparison Table and PCI Workbook Results
A-5 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
Comparison of PCI Workbook Solutions with Recommended Practice Results
Table 1 compares key results from the Microsoft Excel workbook with those from the original Mathcad
example problem in the Recommended Practice.
A-6 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-7 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-8 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-9 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
RP Example 6.1.1 – Girder hanging from vertical cables with no wind
A-10 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-11 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-12 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-13 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-14 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-15 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-16 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-17 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-18 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-19 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
RP Example 6.1.2 – Girder hanging from vertical cables with impact, no wind
A-20 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-21 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-22 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-23 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-24 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-25 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-26 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-27 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-28 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-29 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
RP Example 6.1.3 – Girder hanging from vertical cables with wind
A-30 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-31 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-32 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-33 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-34 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-35 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-36 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-37 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-38 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-39 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
RP Example 6.1.4 – Girder hanging from inclined cables with wind
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FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-41 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-42 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-43 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-44 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-45 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-46 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-47 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-48 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-49 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-50 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-51 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-52 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
RP Example 6.2.1 – Girder during transport stopped on superelevated curve
A-53 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-54 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-55 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-56 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-57 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-58 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-59 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-60 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-61 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-62 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
RP Example 6.2.2 – Girder during transport at intersection
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FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-64 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-65 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-66 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-67 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-68 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-69 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-70 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-71 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-72 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
RP Example 6.3.1 – Single girder seated on bearing
A-73 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-74 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-75 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-76 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-77 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-78 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-79 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-80 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-81 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-82 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
RP Example 6.3.2 – Multiple girders seated on bearings, inactive construction
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FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-84 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-85 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-86 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-87 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-88 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-89 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-90 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-91 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-92 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-93 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-94 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
RP Example 6.3.3 – Exterior girder stability, active construction
A-95 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-96 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-97 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-98 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-99 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-100 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
RP Example 6.3.3 – Exterior girder stability, active construction, revise bracing
A-101 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-102 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
A-103 (MAY 2020)

FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
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FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
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FIB BT-72 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE 2: 201 ft long FIB 102

PCI Workbook Results
A-107 (MAY 2020)

FIB 102 EXAMPLE
Properties
The following Florida I-beam example is the basis of an iterative investigation of lifting, handling, and hauling.
The parameters for the analysis are as follows:
Required concrete compressive strength at transfer 𝑓𝑐𝑖′ = 7.5 ksi

Specified concrete compressive strength for use in design 𝑓𝑐′ = 10.0 ksi
Overall beam length = 201.0 ft
A = cross-sectional area of beam = 1370.6 in.2
h = overall depth of beam = 102 in.
Iy = weak axis moment of inertia about the centroid of the precast concrete beam =
106,355 in.4
Ix = strong axis moment of inertia about the centroid of the precast concrete beam =
1,852,722 in.4
yb = distance from centroid to extreme bottom fiber of the precast concrete beam = 45.99
in.
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
A-110 (MAY 2020)

FIB 102 EXAMPLE
Example 2.1 – Vertical lifting from bed, iteration 1

Girder lift points from beam end: 10 ft
Time of lift: Immediately after strand release
Prestress after initial prestress losses: 2772 kip
Location of CG of strands from girder soffit: 8.51 in.
Girder camber: 2.43 in.
Lifting method: Vertical cables
Wind load: 21.3 lb/ft of beam (20 mph, 3 second gust; refer to RP)
Impact: 0%
Initial girder lateral deflection: 1.26 in. (½ sweep tolerance based on plant experience)
Lifting connection eccentricity: 0.25 in. (¼ tolerance based on plant experience)
Roll center above girder top flange: 0 in. (no rigid connection)
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
Example 2.2 – Vertical lifting from bed, Iteration 2
Girder lift points from beam end: 17 ft (centerline of lifting group, revised for FScr and FS')*
Time of lift: Immediately after strand release
Prestress after initial prestress losses: 2879 kip†
Location of CG of strands from girder soffit: 11.80 in.†
Girder camber: 1.81 in.†
Impact: 0%
Initial girder lateral deflection: 1.26 in. (½ sweep tolerance based on plant experience)
* Typically, long, heavy prestressed girders will have multiple pick points along the length of
the girder. In this case, the lift points are assumed to be at 15 ft and 19 ft where the
centerline of strand lift loops may be considered to be 17 ft.
† By modifying the four 0.5 in. diameter top strand stressed to 16.5 kip to four 0.6 in. diameter
strand stressed to 43.9 kip along with midspan debonding where the strands are bonded 25
ft at each end, the increased cantilever in iteration 2 satisfies both the end stresses and
lateral stability when lifting from bed, as well as in service.
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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FIB 102 EXAMPLE
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Example 2.3 – Vertical lifting in field, iteration 1
Girder lift points from beam end: 21 ft (centerline of lifting group, revised for FScr and FS')*
Time of lift: After 28-day strength
Prestress force after initial prestress losses: 2809 kip
Concrete compressive strength: 10.0 ksi
Location of cg of strands from girder soffit: 11.80 in.
Girder Camber: 2.98 in.
Impact: 0%
Girder lateral deflection: 3.51 in. (1 in. plus sweep tolerance)
* By using the lift loops at 19 ft from the previous example and adding an additional set at 23 ft
from the end of the girder, the centerline of the lifting group in the field is 21 ft.
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Example 2.4 - Girder during transport at intersection, iteration 1
Time of shipping: After 28-day strength
Girder bunking point on transport: 21 ft
Roll center below girder bottom flange: 51.99 in.
Total hauling rig rotational stiffness: 40,500 in.-kip per radian
Bunking eccentricity: 1.00 in.
Roll center to centerline of tire group: 36 in.
Height of roll center above roadway: 24 in.
Roadway superelevation: 2% opposite to the direction of travel
Transport speed: 10 mph
Turning radius: 120 ft
Wind load: 0 lb/ft of beam
Impact: 0%
Girder lateral deflection: 3.51 in. (1 in. plus sweep tolerance)
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Example 2.5 - Girder during transport at intersection, iteration 2
Prestress force after initial prestress losses: 2942 kip*
Location of CG of strands from girder soffit: 16.60 in.*
Girder camber: 1.97 in.*
Total hauling rig rotational stiffness: 80,000 in.-kip per radian†
Roll center to centerline of tire group: 48 in.†
Transport speed: 8 mph†
Impact: 0%
Initial girder lateral deflection: 3.51 in. (1 in. plus sweep tolerance)
* By modifying the four 0.5 in. diameter top strand stressed to 16.5 kip to eight 0.6 in.
diameter strand stressed to 43.9 kip along with midspan debonding where the strands are
bonded 25 ft at each end, the increased cantilever in iteration 2 satisfies both the end
stresses and lateral stability when seated on transport at intersection, as well as in service.
† Stiffness and width of the hauling rig had to be modified for the design to work. Availability of
a hauling rig should always be verified with local fabricators. The speed of the turn at the
intersection is also reduced based on practical limits.
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Example 2.6 - Girder during transport stopped on superelevated curve
Total hauling rig rotational stiffness: 80,000 in.-kip per radian
Roll center to centerline of tire group: 48 in.
Transport speed: 0 mph
Impact: 0%
Initial girder lateral deflection: 3.51 in. (1 in. plus sweep tolerance)
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A PCI Report
8770 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. | Suite 1150 | Chicago, IL 60631-3517 | 312-786-0300 | www.pci.org

Lateral Stability For Precast Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders

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Lateral Stability For Precast Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders

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A PCI Report

200 West Adams Street I Suite 2100 I Chicago, IL 60606-5230

200 West Adams Street I Suite 2100 I Chicago, IL 60606-5230

User Manual for Calculating

the Lateral Stability of

Concrete Bridge Girders

Fir st Edit ion

200 West Adams Street I Suite 2100 I Chicago, IL 60606-5230

User Manual for Calculating

the Lateral Stability of

Concrete Bridge Girders

200 West Adams Street I Suite 2100 I Chicago, IL 60606-5230

Fir st Edit ion

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020938516

Publisher’s Cataloging-In-Publication Data

iii (MAY 2020)

Industry Body of Knowledge

Overall Training Learning Objectives:

Training Course T523

Training Course T525

Training Course T527

David Deitz Todd Lang Gregg Reese

Roy L. Eriksson Z. John Ma Steven L. Schwarz

vii (MAY 2020)

Brian Barngrover Michael Haas Loren Risch (Retired)

Oguzhan Bayrak Tim Holien Francesco Russo

Shrinivas Bhide Finn Hubbard Chad Saunders

JP Binard Sam Keske Gudmund Setberg

Krista Brown Dale King Milenko Simic

Paul Dentel Michael Laviolette Fletcher Potts Smith

Bill Dreher (Retired) Estella Matemu Maher K. Tadros

D. Scott Eschleman Michael McCool Christopher Waldron

Matt Farrar Andrew Mish Doug Whittaker

Zhengzheng Fu Claude S. Napier (Retired) Brian Witte

viii (MAY 2020)

JP Binard Michael Laviolette Steven L. Schwarz

xii (MAY 2020)

U1.1 Structure of the Document

U1.1.2 Numbered Paragraphs

U1.1.3 Page Header

U1.1.4 Page Footer

U1.1.5 Figures and Tables

U1.2 Revisions and Registration

U1.2.1 Registering Your Copy

U1.2.2 Errors and Omissions

xiii (MAY 2020)

U1.3 Exchange of Suggestions

U1 3.2 Our Suggestion

xiv (MAY 2020)

TOC -1 (MAY 2020)

3.1.2.7 Input Parameters for Individual Calculation Cases ............................................................. 3-3

TOC -2 (MAY 2020)

Comparison of PCI Workbook Solutions with Recommended Practice Results .........................A-6

TOC -3 (MAY 2020)

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

TOC -4 (MAY 2020)

1.2 INPUT DATA

1-1 (MAY 2020)

1.3 CUSTOMARY CAUTIONS

1-2 (MAY 2020)

2.0 ANALYSIS METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS

• AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials). 2017.

2.2 GIRDER EQUILIBRIUM