The use of pretensioned precast beams in bridge construction is common in some countries but less frequent in others. A range of structural solutions has been applied in the past, and it is generally believed that some are preferable to others.

The FIP Commission on Prefabrication, through its Working Party on Basic Principles of Design, has carried out an analysis of important criteria in precast bridge construction. In the preparation of this Technical Report, extensive use has been made of the results of a survey conducted in 1972 across various European countries.

The working group, headed by Dr. Ing. G. Huyghe (Belgium), included members from the Netherlands and France, as indicated in the introduction to the report. Comprehensive comments were also provided by a specially formed group within the Dutch association STUVO.

The report identifies the most frequently used structural solutions and discusses, in a comparative manner, different beam and bridge configurations. Important design requirements are highlighted with regard to transport and erection, load distribution, bearings and joints, as well as the function of the bridge deck. A modular standard for lane width, span length, and skewness is proposed. A possible standard for loading is also discussed, as significant differences were found in load assumptions between countries.

It is hoped that this Technical Report will assist in the selection of precast bridge beam systems, as well as contribute to the international harmonisation of standards.