After intense developmental work, an innovative continuous post-tensioned bulb-tee girder system was ready to be applied. A full-scale prototype structure - the Eau Gallie Bridge near Melbourne, Florida - was constructed and tested. The test results confirmed the overall structural efficiency, strength and ductility of the bulb-tee girder system. Also, the method of construction proved to be fairly routine and economical. The new bulb-tee girder has revolutionized bridge design in Florida, allowing longer spans and reducing the amount of substructure and foundation work. The system's efficiency and wide top flange also allow wider girder spacings while keeping deck construction costs down. Used with spans of up to 145ft (44 m), the system has become a very potent and competitive option for segmental bridge construction. Several projects, either built or in construction, are presented to show the effectiveness and aesthetic beauty of this new generation of bulb-tee bridges.
