The closure pour is the final—and most critical—step in segmental bridge construction. It locks in alignment, internal forces, and long-term behaviors like creep and shrinkage. This article explores how timing, staged analysis, and the Pre-Compensation Force Method (PFM) can ensure structural balance, using real-world examples like the Yamuna and Mithi River Bridges. Closure isn’t just the last pour—it’s the final test.

Smart span layout = better performance. Learn how joint placement and geometry impact cost, constructability & durability.

At Yamuna Bridge, precise elevation monitoring during pre-compensation revealed asymmetrical deformation due to stiffness differences between stitched and unstitched cantilevers. Engineers corrected the imbalance by strategically placing kentledge on the more flexible side, reducing the level difference to just 4 mm. This case highlights how field data and adaptive response play a critical role in validating and fine-tuning segmental bridge design strategies.