Analytical and Experimental Investigation of Bridge Girder Shear Distribution Factors
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 14, Issue 3
Abstract
Tests on twelve bridges (six along Interstate 55 and six along Interstate in Illinois) were performed to determine the validity of certain provisions for calculating bearing forces in the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) and the load factor design bridge specifications. The bridges were selected to be typical of Illinois interstate highway bridges and maintain a range of parameters to study. These bridges were instrumented on their beam webs with three strain gauge rosettes installed on each beam to measure shear stresses caused by loads. Static tests and slow moving 8 km/h tests with a loaded truck in specified locations were performed. Dynamic tests at highway speeds were also completed. Finite-element models were developed and compared to the test results. The study shows that the LRFD specification procedures closely approximate the shear distribution factors determined by finite-element analysis and testing.
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Acknowledgments
This project could not have been accomplished without the support and hard work of several students from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville: Ben Erschen, Mark Hanselman, Ashlee Keller, Nawin Khatri, Ashleigh Komnick, Lalit Maharjan, Jewel Shrestha, and Rajesh Shrestha. The writers are also indebted to the IDOT Technical Review Panel, chaired by Tom Domagalski, S. E., of the Bureau of Bridge Design. This work was supported primarily by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration under their research programs. Any opinions, findings and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Illinois Department of Transportation, or the Federal Highway Administration.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 14 • Issue 3 • May 2009
Pages: 154 - 163
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Feb 7, 2007
Accepted: Nov 19, 2008
Published online: May 1, 2009
Published in print: May 2009
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