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Precast Pile Caps, Backwalls and Wingwalls
Precast substructure units that support a bridge and retain the ground at each end.
Overview
What are pile caps, backwalls and wingwalls?
A pile cap is a precast concrete unit that sits on top of the piles and supports the bridge beams, transferring their load down into the foundation.
A backwall sits behind the ends of the beams at each abutment and holds back the fill under the approach. Wingwalls extend out from the abutment at an angle and retain the embankment on each side.
Together with precast beams, these units make up a total precast bridge. Casting them in the plant removes forming and curing time from the site.
Where it is made
Made at these Coreslab plants
Each plant confirms what it makes and the services it offers. Choose a location to see its full capabilities. Links open in a new tab.
- Kansas City, Kansas (opens in a new tab)Pile Caps: Both End Caps and Interior Caps; Precast sections routinely fabricated for Railroad bridges; Backwalls: Precast sections routinely fabricated for Railroad bridges; Wingwalls: Precast sections routinely fabricated for Railroad bridges
- Los Angeles, California (opens in a new tab)
- Phoenix, Arizona (opens in a new tab)
- Thomaston, Connecticut (opens in a new tab)
Do not see your nearest plant? Contact us and we will point you to the right location.
Applications
Where these units are used
Pile caps
Support for bridge beams on driven piles
Used at piers and abutments
Set in place as soon as the piles are ready
Backwalls
Retain the approach fill behind the beam ends
Part of the bridge abutment
Installed with the pile caps
Wingwalls
Retain the embankment at each side
Help protect the abutment from erosion
Sized to suit the site
Resources
Design data and guides
Technical guides, standard details and plant load tables are in our resource library. The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute publishes the industry design standards our plants follow, and each project is built to the requirements of its transportation agency or railroad.
See our railroad box beams and bridge beams, or the other infrastructure products we manufacture.
Process
From design to delivery
Substructure units are built to the project drawings and the standards of the bridge owner. Our team prepares shop drawings for approval, then casts the units with their reinforcing and connection details. Each piece is cured under controlled conditions and checked by our quality staff before it ships.
Our plants follow the quality programs of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, so every piece meets the same dimensions and strength requirements.
Pieces are trucked to site in the order the contractor will set them, including night deliveries where traffic requires it. Services vary by plant, so your local Coreslab team will confirm what is available for your project.
Questions
Bridge substructure units: common questions
Why precast the substructure?
Forming and curing concrete on site takes time. Precast units arrive ready to set, which shortens the closure.
What is the difference between a backwall and a wingwall?
The backwall runs across the end of the bridge behind the beams. Wingwalls extend from the abutment at an angle to hold back the embankment.
Are these units used on railroad bridges?
Yes. They are commonly supplied with railroad box beams as a total precast bridge replacement.
Which plants make these units?
Availability varies by plant. Contact us and we will direct you to the right Coreslab location.
Contact us
Planning a bridge replacement?
Share your plans and our team will help with the precast bridge components.
Get in touch