Hyprescon Canada Inc. fabricates and erects prestressed concrete girders in various sizes across Ontario. Girder sizes at different lengths up to 46 m (150 ft) are available: CPCI 900, 1200, 1600, 1900 and 2300. The fabrication facility is certified under the CSA regulations 23.4 for structural and specialty non-prestressed & prestressed concrete products. Hyprescon Canada Inc. is a member of the Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI).

Prestressed concrete girders combine the compressive strength of concrete and the high tensile strength of steel strands, which are required in concrete structures to resist tensile stresses. The steel strands are initially tensioned in the girder to pre-compress the surrounding concrete providing the ability to resist higher external loads. The application of prestressing results in more slender structures with longer lengths.

History

CPCI history - click here.

Design and Economical Advantages

Low initial cost:
Due to the efficient and cost effective combination of steel and concrete, the production of prestressed concrete girders provides a low cost solution. The initial cost of this composite product is generally less then other bridge structures.

Minimum maintenance:
The long-term performance of prestressed concrete girders reduces maintenance costs. The design requirements by the provincial ministry ensure that this high durable and high quality product is fabricated with quality materials and certified manufacturing facilities.

Quick and easy fabrication:
Prestressed concrete girders can quickly and easily be fabricated. The lead-time for the fabrication is minimal since the girders are produced locally and standard shapes and sizes are available.

Rapid and systematic erection:

The rapid and systematic erection of prestressed concrete girders can be performed in any weather and at any time of the day. The use of systematic erection procedures, as well as flexible erection hours, allows for minimum traffic interruption. Double and triple span bridge structures can easily be installed in one day.

Efficient bridge construction:
The fabrication of prestressed concrete girders can occur prior or during the construction of the bridge piers and abutments. Thus, the girders can be installed immediately upon the contractor's request, allowing for a continuous and on-time construction of the bridge structure.

Simple design:
Bridge structures using prestressed concrete girders are designed using OHBDC-91 and are stronger, leaner and lighter than other bridge systems. For single span bridges, the girders are generally designed with integral abutments to eliminate problematic expansion joints. For multiple bridge span structures, the pier connections are designed as continuous ends.
Due to the low span/depth ratio of prestressed concrete girders, bridges with shallow superstructures can be built to provide maximum clearance and minimum approach slabs. The straightforward design of prestressed concrete girders can be applied for new structures as well as for the replacement of exiting structures.

High product quality and durability:
Our quality assurance (Q.A.) team ensures that each girder is inspected and monitored throughout every phase of the manufacturing process. A high quality product is one of Hyprescon's core values to ensure long-term performance and durability.
Hyprescon's prestressed concrete girders are manufactured with high-performance concrete (HPC). The HPC mix uses Hyprescon's Type 10SF cement, which is blended with silica-fume. The application of silica-fume provides a stronger and denser cement matrix in concrete. HPC also reduces the risk of chemical attacks caused by deicing salts. Additionally, all girders are manufactured with an air-entrained agent to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles caused by Ontario weather.

Relevant Projects

Hyprescon has produced prestressed concrete girders with heights varying from 0.9 m (3 ft) to 2.3 m (7.5 ft) and lengths ranging from 15 m (50 ft) to 44.5 m (146 ft). The larger girders reached weights up to 70,000 kg (155,000 lbs). See the Project Report section for further details.