Cantilever form traveler construction, also known as cast-in-place cantilever construction, is a key equipment for segmented construction of prestressed concrete continuous beams, T-shaped rigid frames, and cantilever beams. It is an innovative technology developed from traditional continuous beam construction techniques. The technology also has the following characteristics: first, it can bear the self-weight of its own beam segments and construction loads; second, it has high rigidity and strong deformation resistance; third, its structure is simple and construction is convenient; fourth, it has strong adaptability, with the bottom formwork frame capable of flexible lifting, making it applicable to beam bodies of different heights.

First, cantilever form traveler construction for continuous beam bridges is a key and difficult project in the construction of long-span highway bridges. It is relatively complex. During specific construction, it is necessary to fully analyze the linear structure of the bridge, bridge dimensions, and loads during operation. Based on previous construction experience, methods, and concepts, different continuous beam cantilever form traveler construction technologies should be adopted to ensure more convenient construction, more stable traveler structures, fewer incomplete joints, effectively leverage the advantages of the technology, guarantee the quality and efficiency of bridge construction, and ensure safe and reliable operation of the bridge project in the later stage.
Second, the cantilever form traveler for continuous beam bridges is the core and key to cantilever beam construction. In continuous beam bridge traveler construction, it is necessary to scientifically fabricate the traveler structure, which serves as the main foundation for cantilever beam construction. Currently, traveler structures specifically include hybrid, cable-stayed, suspension, and steel forms. The traveler structure also includes various moving facilities, formwork setups, anchoring facilities, suspension facilities, and main suspension frames, with numerous joints and complex operations. Considering the importance of travelers to continuous beam bridge construction, construction enterprises must scientifically fabricate traveler structures in accordance with technical specifications, engineering designs, and laws and regulations to ensure the overall quality of the traveler. During specific fabrication, enterprises need to strengthen communication with suppliers, test and accept the traveler’s component materials to ensure they meet specifications, types, and quantities, conduct thorough inspections, verify the presence of factory qualification certificates, and strictly control traveler quality. After purchasing relevant materials, they must be tested before use. Strict quality control is required for the traveler’s bottom formwork platform and main suspension frame. During fabrication and assembly, supervision and testing must be enhanced, with all anchoring facilities, moving facilities, and suspension facilities inspected one by one to promptly identify abnormalities, reduce safety risks, and ensure the quality of traveler construction.
Third, after the fabrication of the continuous beam bridge traveler and the acceptance of all components and joints, assembly must be carried out in accordance with procedures and specifications to ensure traveler quality. This can be done through the following steps: first, assemble the anchoring facilities, suspension facilities, and main suspension frame in accordance with design drawings and technical parameter specifications. Transport the assembled facilities to the base of the bridge pier using appropriate vehicles for suspension assembly. Place them horizontally. Technicians need to place anchors horizontally along the sliding rails in the vertical direction of the load-bearing steel bars. After transporting the main suspension frame to the fixed position, use suspension methods to fix it and reinforce the anchors in the vertical direction of the bridge’s prestressed steel bars. Assemble other components, then install beam facilities and suspension facilities on the working platform, followed by side forms and bottom forms. After integrating these basic structures with the suspension facilities, correct and reinforce the side forms and bottom forms. After full assembly, a preloading test must be conducted to understand the elastic performance of the traveler. Adjustments are made based on specific test results to ensure the reliability of the entire process, thereby ensuring the cantilever beam’s linear structure meets requirements and providing a basis for subsequent construction.
Fourth, during traveler movement, the mobility of the traveler must be inspected to ensure construction safety and stability. Specifically, a preloading test is first conducted to inspect the performance of the traveler’s moving components and all parts. Only after meeting requirements can the traveler be moved. During this process, technicians must be arranged to conduct inspections, and on-site command and supervision must be implemented to ensure the traveler’s moving facilities move at a constant speed. After reaching the specified position, the tail anchoring facilities must be fixed and adjusted to ensure overall stability of the traveler.
After the bridge traveler test is completed, steel bars must be installed scientifically, and the safety of the traveler must be inspected. During installation, an overall bundling method is used to ensure standardized installation, with the top plate, web plate, and bottom plate firmly bound and fixed in position to ensure the stability of the load-bearing pipes, enabling them to function normally and ensuring the smooth progress of subsequent construction activities.
Sixth, concrete pouring. After completing the above steps, concrete construction must be carried out scientifically. During pouring, construction loads must be strictly controlled to ensure the balance of both ends of the concrete structure. Quality control of concrete at both ends of the traveler must be strengthened to ensure symmetrical positioning and consistent pouring speed. If discrepancies are found between the concrete at both ends, timely adjustments must be made, such as using cross-pumping methods. In addition, concrete pouring must strictly follow the sequence from bottom to top, from the bottom plate to the web plate and then to the top plate, to ensure the overall quality of the concrete. Furthermore, control during concrete vibration must be enhanced to ensure uniform vibration and avoid collisions, ultimately ensuring the integrity of the corrugated pipes.
In summary, quality control in cantilever form traveler construction for long-span prestressed continuous beam highway bridges is a systematic project that runs through every detail of the entire construction process—from the design and fabrication of the traveler structure and material acceptance, to the precise control of assembly and debugging, safety supervision during movement, and balance control during concrete pouring. Each link of quality control directly affects the structural safety, alignment accuracy, and service life of the bridge. Effective quality control not only avoids safety risks during construction and reduces rework costs but also provides a solid guarantee for the long-term stable operation of the bridge.
To further deepen the discussion in this field, the next article will focus on the specific implementation paths of quality control in cantilever form traveler construction for long-span prestressed continuous beam highway bridges. It will elaborate on key operational points and technical specifications in critical links, from parameter optimization in the traveler design stage and strict inspection of incoming materials, to alignment monitoring and prestressed tension control during construction, and standard verification during acceptance. It will also analyze the prevention and handling of common quality issues combined with actual engineering cases, providing more targeted guidance for engineering practice.