Investigation of the structural behaviour of balanced cantilevered box girder bridges with different cell numbers

Balanced cantilever bridge is a structural design method utilized in the construction of bridge superstructures with the aim of achieving structural balance and enhancing load-carrying capacity. Typically characterized by a symmetric shape, the bridge is designed to balance loads between cantilevers, ensuring a homogeneous distribution. Balanced cantilever bridges aspire to merge architectural aesthetics with engineering performance, aiming to create a durable and secure transportation infrastructure. The primary objective of this study is to calculate the impact of single-cell and multi-cell configurations commonly employed in balanced cantilever bridge designs on the structural strength of the bridge and seeks to investigate the prevalent preference for single-cell bridge designs in the market. To address this objective, three different models with the same structural design and load conditions were developed: a single-cell bridge with a total length of 300 meters, a two-cell bridge with a length of 300 meters, and finally, a three-cell bridge with a length of 300 meters. Results obtained through a solution method considering the construction phase indicate that, in terms of both strength and cost, the single-cell cantilever bridge proves to be the most optimal model, as commonly seen in the industrial, striking a balance between these factors.