NCHRP Report 517, Extending Span Ranges of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Girders, contains the findings of research performed to develop recommended load and resistance factor design procedures for achieving longer spans using precast, prestressed concrete bridge girders. Standard details and examples illustrating the design of three typical bridges were also developed.

Solutions to increase the span range of precast, prestressed concrete girders used in the United States and abroad include splicing segments for longer simple or continuous spans, connecting simple spans for continuity, and assembling haunched pier segments in the field. However, this experience and the technology for applying these solutions are fragmented and job-specific.

The objective of this research was to develop recommended load and resistance factor design procedures, standard details, and design examples for achieving longer spans using precast, prestressed concrete bridge girders.