Steel Box Girder Bridge


Box Girder Bridges: Design, Types, and Applications

A box girder bridge is a bridge in which the primary load-bearing structure consists of hollow, box-like girders made of steel, concrete, or composite materials. These bridges are known for their high torsional stiffness, aerodynamic efficiency, and suitability for long spans.


1. Key Features of Box Girder Bridges

Closed-Section Design – The hollow box shape provides excellent torsional (twist) resistance, making it ideal for curved bridges.
Material Options – Can be constructed from:

  • Steel (lightweight, prefabricated)

  • Prestressed Concrete (durable, low maintenance)

  • Steel-Concrete Composite (combines benefits of both)
    Aerodynamic Stability – The streamlined shape reduces wind effects, crucial for long-span bridges.
    Versatile Construction Methods – Can be built using cast-in-place, precast segments, or incremental launching.


2. Types of Box Girder Bridges

(1) By Cross-Section Shape

TypeDescriptionApplications
Single-Cell Box GirderOne enclosed chamber; simple and efficient.Medium-span highway bridges (30–100 m).
Multi-Cell Box GirderMultiple internal chambers for extra strength.Wide decks or heavy-load bridges (e.g., cable-stayed bridges).
Trapezoidal Box GirderSloped sides for better aesthetics and aerodynamics.Long-span bridges (e.g., viaducts).
Segmental Box GirderBuilt in precast segments, joined with post-tensioning.Balanced cantilever construction.

(2) By Material

  • Steel Box Girder – Lightweight, used in long-span bridges (e.g., Millau Viaduct, France).

  • Concrete Box Girder – Economical for medium spans (e.g., Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, USA).

  • Composite Box Girder – Steel girder + concrete deck (e.g., Rio–Antirrio Bridge, Greece).

(3) By Construction Method

  • Balanced Cantilever – Segments built symmetrically from piers.

  • Incremental Launching – Assembled on-site and pushed into place.

  • Full-Span Prefabrication – Entire girders built offsite and lifted into place.


3. Advantages & Disadvantages

✔ Advantages:

High Strength & Stiffness – Resists bending and twisting better than I-girders.
Long Spans Possible – Suitable for spans up to 300+ meters (concrete) or 500+ meters (steel).
Aerodynamic Efficiency – Performs well in high-wind areas.
Aesthetic Flexibility – Can be shaped for modern, sleek designs.

✖ Disadvantages:

Complex Construction – Requires skilled labor and precise formwork.
Higher Initial Cost – More expensive than simple beam bridges.
Maintenance Challenges – Closed sections may need internal inspection access.


4. Famous Box Girder Bridges

???? Millau Viaduct (France) – World’s tallest cable-stayed bridge with steel box girders.
???? Great Belt Bridge (Denmark) – Hybrid steel-concrete box girder design.
???? Sutong Bridge (China) – Longest cable-stayed bridge with a steel box girder deck.
???? Zakim Bridge (USA) – Aesthetic composite box girder in Boston.


Conclusion

Box girder bridges are a preferred choice for modern, long-span bridges due to their strength, stability, and design flexibility. While more complex to build than simple beam bridges, their performance in challenging environments makes them indispensable in modern infrastructure.

Specifications:
main steel frameH section steel beam and columns, painted or hot dip galvanizing, galvanized C section or steel pipe
Secondary frameHot dip galvanized C purlin, steel bracing , tie bar , knee brace , edge cover etc.
Roof panelSteel sheet, Alum-Zinc sheet , Alumnium sheet, EPS sandwich panel,glass fiber sandwich panel,rock wool sandwich panel,and PU sandwich panel etc.
Wall panelSandwich Panel or Corrugated Steel Sheet etc.
Tie RodCircular Steel Tube
BraceRound Bar
Knee BraceAngle Steel
Roof GutterColor Steel Sheet, Alum-zinc sheet, Gal. sheet, Stainless steel
Drawings & Quotation:
(1) Customized design is welcomed. We will quote for you promptly.
(2) In order to give you an exactly quotation and drawings, please let us know the length, width, eave height and local weather.
The above is for reference only,the specific required material components according to customer needs.


Product Parameters


Box Girder Bridges: Design, Types, and Applications

A box girder bridge is a bridge in which the primary load-bearing structure consists of hollow, box-like girders made of steel, concrete, or composite materials. These bridges are known for their high torsional stiffness, aerodynamic efficiency, and suitability for long spans.


1. Key Features of Box Girder Bridges

Closed-Section Design – The hollow box shape provides excellent torsional (twist) resistance, making it ideal for curved bridges.
Material Options – Can be constructed from:

  • Steel (lightweight, prefabricated)

  • Prestressed Concrete (durable, low maintenance)

  • Steel-Concrete Composite (combines benefits of both)
    Aerodynamic Stability – The streamlined shape reduces wind effects, crucial for long-span bridges.
    Versatile Construction Methods – Can be built using cast-in-place, precast segments, or incremental launching.


2. Types of Box Girder Bridges

(1) By Cross-Section Shape

TypeDescriptionApplications
Single-Cell Box GirderOne enclosed chamber; simple and efficient.Medium-span highway bridges (30–100 m).
Multi-Cell Box GirderMultiple internal chambers for extra strength.Wide decks or heavy-load bridges (e.g., cable-stayed bridges).
Trapezoidal Box GirderSloped sides for better aesthetics and aerodynamics.Long-span bridges (e.g., viaducts).
Segmental Box GirderBuilt in precast segments, joined with post-tensioning.Balanced cantilever construction.

(2) By Material

  • Steel Box Girder – Lightweight, used in long-span bridges (e.g., Millau Viaduct, France).

  • Concrete Box Girder – Economical for medium spans (e.g., Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, USA).

  • Composite Box Girder – Steel girder + concrete deck (e.g., Rio–Antirrio Bridge, Greece).

(3) By Construction Method

  • Balanced Cantilever – Segments built symmetrically from piers.

  • Incremental Launching – Assembled on-site and pushed into place.

  • Full-Span Prefabrication – Entire girders built offsite and lifted into place.


3. Advantages & Disadvantages

✔ Advantages:

High Strength & Stiffness – Resists bending and twisting better than I-girders.
Long Spans Possible – Suitable for spans up to 300+ meters (concrete) or 500+ meters (steel).
Aerodynamic Efficiency – Performs well in high-wind areas.
Aesthetic Flexibility – Can be shaped for modern, sleek designs.

✖ Disadvantages:

Complex Construction – Requires skilled labor and precise formwork.
Higher Initial Cost – More expensive than simple beam bridges.
Maintenance Challenges – Closed sections may need internal inspection access.


4. Famous Box Girder Bridges

???? Millau Viaduct (France) – World’s tallest cable-stayed bridge with steel box girders.
???? Great Belt Bridge (Denmark) – Hybrid steel-concrete box girder design.
???? Sutong Bridge (China) – Longest cable-stayed bridge with a steel box girder deck.
???? Zakim Bridge (USA) – Aesthetic composite box girder in Boston.


Conclusion

Box girder bridges are a preferred choice for modern, long-span bridges due to their strength, stability, and design flexibility. While more complex to build than simple beam bridges, their performance in challenging environments makes them indispensable in modern infrastructure.

Specifications:
main steel frameH section steel beam and columns, painted or hot dip galvanizing, galvanized C section or steel pipe
Secondary frameHot dip galvanized C purlin, steel bracing , tie bar , knee brace , edge cover etc.
Roof panelSteel sheet, Alum-Zinc sheet , Alumnium sheet, EPS sandwich panel,glass fiber sandwich panel,rock wool sandwich panel,and PU sandwich panel etc.
Wall panelSandwich Panel or Corrugated Steel Sheet etc.
Tie RodCircular Steel Tube
BraceRound Bar
Knee BraceAngle Steel
Roof GutterColor Steel Sheet, Alum-zinc sheet, Gal. sheet, Stainless steel
Drawings & Quotation:
(1) Customized design is welcomed. We will quote for you promptly.
(2) In order to give you an exactly quotation and drawings, please let us know the length, width, eave height and local weather.
The above is for reference only,the specific required material components according to customer needs.


Packaging and Transportation
Instruments and Equipment
FAQ

Q: How can I get a quote for my project?
A: You can contact me anytime, via WeChat, WhatsApp, Email, or phone. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Email: jack@xingyasteel.com
Phone: +86 17305413116
WeChat: 17305413116
WhatsApp: +86 17305413116

Q: How long can I get the price?
A: If possible, please provide project CAD drawings, pictures or specific requirements. We usually quote within 6 hours. If you want to get a quote as soon as possible, please let us know via WeChat, WhatsApp or email so that we can prioritize your inquiry.

Q: Can we visit your factory?
A: Of course, we welcome you to visit our factory or production line on site to understand our strength and quality. We will arrange a professional team to serve you. You just need to send your itinerary and leave the rest to us.

Q: Do you provide customized product services?
A: Of course, our professional R&D team can design and produce the products you need according to your specifications and drawings. For example: special size, special control, OEM, etc.

Q: Where is the loading port?
A: Normally, we ship from Tianjin Port, Qingdao Port and Shanghai Port. Of course, we can also accept the port you specify.

Contact Us
Nameis requiredNameformat error
Mobileis requiredMobileformat error
Companyis requiredCompanyformat error
Addressis requiredAddressformat error
Emailis requiredEmailformat error
Messageis required
Related Products
Copyright © Jinan Xingya Metal Material Co., Ltd.