The use of segmental precast construction techniques resulted in quality, durability and economy in the floating drawspan for this $84 million design-build project located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The new 4700 ft (1433 m) long bridge connects the "mainside" area of the Naval Base at Pearl Harbor with Ford Island, and the drawspan provides a 650 ft (198 m) wide opening for large ships. The fixed trestle is a prestressed concrete girder structure utilizing stay-in-place prestressed deck form panels and supported by prestressed piles. The floating span is a cellular concrete box pontoon, comprising precast panels integrated with cast-in-place concrete. This article provides an overview of the project and describes the design and construction of three 310 x 50 x 17.5 ft (94.5 x 15.2 x 5.3 m) deep hollow concrete sections that were produced in Tacoma, Washington, and integrated at the site into one continuous 930 ft (283.5 m) long floating bridge pontoon.
