Experimental analysis of bridge falsework Cuplok systems

What is it about?

Bridge falsework systems are frequently used during the construction of cast in place concrete bridges. These structures have a significant impact on the cost, construction rate and safety of the supported permanent structures. However, in recent years a high number of accidents involving bridge falsework systems occurred worldwide. This paper concerns experimental tests of joints of falsework Cuplok® systems.

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Why is it important?

In this paper, the results of 192 tests carried out during the experimental programme will be presented, consisting of five different experiments on three different types of joints. Relevant new results were obtained concerning the bending behaviour and resistance of spigot joints (used to connect two vertical elements) and of forkhead joints (used to connect the falsework system to the formwork system) from which no published research was found to date. Based on the results, joint models are evaluated and improved empirical analytical models are developed. Finally, probabilistic models for the most relevant variables controlling the behaviour and resistance of the cuplok joints (used to connect horizontal elements to vertical elements) will be presented that can be used in the stochastic analysis of falsework Cuplok® systems.