BECT Ltd
Special construction equipment · BL

Beam Launcher

A launching system for simply supported bridges. It lifts, carries and places prefabricated steel and concrete beams span by span, without requiring crane assistance.

Discuss your projectModel variants
Truss beam launcher spanning between two bridge piers, supported on portal legs above a partly completed deck.
Truss beam launcher spanning between piers with its support legs seated on the completed deck.

Key specifications

Standard spans
20–40 mCustomisable beyond 40 m
Beam types
T, I, U, boxSteel and concrete beams
Crane assistance
Not requiredBeams erected by the launcher
Model variants
TwoSingle-box and twin-truss
Overview

What a beam launcher does

A beam launcher erects simply supported bridge spans from prefabricated beams. It picks up each beam, carries it forward along the completed deck, positions it over the span and lowers it onto its bearings. Because the launcher performs the lift itself, no separate crane is needed, which reduces both project cost and site setup time.

The system handles T-type, I-type, U-type and box-type beams. It is designed for sites where crane access is impractical: high piers, difficult ground access, water crossings and poor soil conditions.

Applications

Applications and construction method

The construction method is span-by-span erection of prefabricated beams on simply supported bridges. The launcher advances along the structure it has just built, so each completed span becomes the working platform for the next.

Suitable structures and situations

  • Simply supported bridges
  • Highway overpasses
  • Railway bridges
  • Water-crossing structures
  • High piers
  • Difficult ground access
  • Poor soil conditions
Capability

Spans, beam types and design considerations

Span range and beam types

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Span range and the beam sections the launcher handles.
Standard span range 20–40 m
Spans beyond 40 m Available as a customised design
Beam types T-type, I-type, U-type and box-type
Beam materials Prefabricated steel and concrete
Crane assistance Not required

Advantages and design considerations

  • Erection without a crane

    Prefabricated steel and concrete beams are assembled without crane assistance, reducing overall project cost and setup time.

  • Flexible span range

    Standard models cover spans of 20–40 m, with customised designs available for spans beyond 40 m.

  • Several beam sections

    Handles T-type, I-type, U-type and box-type beams, so the launcher suits a range of deck designs.

  • Difficult site conditions

    Designed for high piers, restricted ground access, water bodies and poor soil, where crane standing is impractical.

  • Two model variants

    Single-box and twin-truss configurations, selected on the load-bearing and stability requirements of the project.

  • Programme and cost

    Span-by-span erection from the completed deck shortens construction time and reduces temporary works at ground level.

Configuration

Model variants

The beam launcher is available in two configurations. Both cover the same span range and handle the same beam sections; they differ in the load-bearing and stability duty they are designed for.

Swipe or scroll horizontally to view the full table.

The two available beam launcher configurations.
Single-box Suited to standard bridge construction requirements.
Twin-truss Designed for projects requiring enhanced load-bearing capacity and stability.
Gallery

Beam launcher installations, showing the launching girder, support legs, and beams being lifted, carried and placed.

Beam launcher lowering a precast concrete I-beam onto its bearings, with the launching girder directly above.
Precast I-beam being lowered onto its bearings by the launching girder.
Truss launching girder set on rails across a completed deck, with precast beams stored alongside ready for erection.
Launching girder on its rails, with beams set out ready for erection.
Long precast concrete beam suspended beneath a launching girder and carried alongside a completed elevated deck.
Beam carried beneath the launching girder along the completed deck.
Beam launcher positioned on a bridge deck with reinforcement laid out, its girder cantilevered forward over the next span.
Launcher cantilevered forward over the next span, deck reinforcement in place.
Beam launcher erecting a span of a long low bridge over water, supported on the completed deck and a temporary trestle.
Span erection over water, the launcher supported off the completed deck.
Beam launcher advancing along a viaduct of erected U-beams, with the machinery deck and portal frame visible.
Launcher advancing along completed U-beam spans.
Related
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Get in touch

Discuss your beam launcher requirement

Tell us the span arrangement, beam type and site access constraints, and our team will respond to your enquiry.

Send a project enquiryinfo@bectltd.com