Methods and apparatus for forming and placing generally horizontal structures

Abstract

One embodiment provides for a method of placing a structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes constructing the structure in an essentially vertical position, the structure being defined by a first end. The structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the structure is in the essentially vertical position. The structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

1 . A method of placing a structure in a generally horizontal position, comprising:
 constructing the structure in an essentially vertical position, the structure being defined by a first end;   pivotably supporting the structure at a support location proximate the first end while the structure is in the essentially vertical position; and   pivoting the structure about the support location to move the structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , and wherein the structure is constructed by one of slip forming the structure from concrete, jump forming the structure from concrete, assembling the structure from precast concrete modules, forming the structure as a composite concrete and steel structure, or assembling the structure from steel components. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the structure is defined by a second end which is distal from the first end, the method further comprising supporting the structure at the second end after the structure has been pivoted into the generally horizontal position. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , and further comprising removably attaching a counterweight to the first end of the structure while the structure is in the essentially vertical position. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , and further comprising removing the counterweight from the first end of the structure after the structure has been pivoted into the generally horizontal position. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3 , and further comprising providing a first support and a second support, and wherein the structure is pivotably supported at the support location by the first support, and is supported at the second end by the second support. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , and wherein the structure is a first structure, and is defined by a second end which is distal from the first end, the method further comprising:
 providing a cantilevered second structure defined by a free end; and   connecting the first structure at the second end to the free end of the cantilevered second structure after the first structure has been pivoted into the generally horizontal position.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , and further comprising providing a first support, and wherein the structure is pivotably supported at the support location by the first support. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , and wherein the structure is defined by opposing sides, the method further comprising providing pivot piers supported on the first support and located proximate the opposing sides of the structure, and further wherein the structure is pivotably supported at the support location by the pivot piers. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , and further comprising:
 removably attaching a counterweight to the first end of the structure while the structure is in the essentially vertical position; and   placing at least one spacer between the counterweight and the first support while the structure is in the essentially vertical position; and   removing the at least one spacer from between the counterweight and the first support prior to pivoting the structure to the generally horizontal position.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , and further comprising applying a torsional force about the support location to cause the structure to pivot from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , and wherein:
 the structure is defined by a second end which is distal from the first end; and   the torsional force is applied about the support location by applying an initial shear force to the second end of the structure.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , and wherein the structure is built as one of a bridge or a bridge section.