The Gordie Howe International Bridge – Superstructure construction engineering: design and control

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and the longest composite deck in the world. The erection sequence was initially developed for symmetrical balanced cantilever erection but was subsequently changed to building the side spans first using temporary piers followed by cantilever erection of the main span. The superstructure was stick-built during erection. The geometric control and adjustment of cable stay forces as the work progressed has represented a challenge to control and adjust the predictive global model to reach the reference geometry at end of construction within the required tolerances, all while avoiding affecting the erection sequence schedule at any time during construction.