Improved Longitudinal Joint Details in Decked Bulb Tees for Accelerated Bridge Construction: Fatigue Evaluation
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 15, Issue 5
Abstract
This companion paper focuses on an investigation of improved continuous longitudinal joint details for decked precast prestressed concrete girder bridge systems. Precast concrete girders with an integral deck, which are cast and prestressed with the girder, provide benefits of rapid construction along with improved structural performance and durability. Despite these advantages, the use of this type of construction has been limited to isolated regions of the United States. One of the issues limiting more widespread use is the perceived problem with durability of longitudinal joints used to connect adjacent girders. Four full-scale slabs connected by No. 16 (#5) headed reinforcement detail using a 152 mm (6 in.) lap length were fabricated and tested. An analytical parametric study was conducted to provide a database of maximum forces in the longitudinal joint. These maximum forces are then used to determine the loading demand necessary in the slab testing due to the service live load. Static and fatigue tests under four-point pure-flexural loading, as well as three-point flexural-shear loading, were conducted. Test results were evaluated based on flexural capacity, curvature behavior, cracking, deflection, and steel strain. Based on these test results, the improved longitudinal joint detail is a viable connection system that transfers the forces between the adjacent decked bulb tee girders.
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Acknowledgments
The research reported in this paper has been performed under the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 12-69 project, “Design and Construction Guidelines for Long-Span Decked Precast, Prestressed Concrete Girder (DPPCG) Bridges.” Other research team members include Roy Eriksson, Chuck Prussack, and Ahmed Elre-maily. Publication of this paper does not necessarily indicate acceptance by the Academy, the Federal Highway Administration, or by AASHTO. The writers would also like to acknowledge Ken Thomas and Larry Roberts for their assistance with the testing setups.
References
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Li, L., Ma, Z., Griffey, M. E., and Oesterle, R. G. (2010). “Improved longitudinal joint details in decked bulb tees for accelerated bridge construction: Concept development.” J. Bridge Eng. 15(3), 327–336.
Ma, Z., Chaudhury, S., Millam, J. L., and Hulsey, J. L. (2007). “Field test and 3D FE modeling of decked bulb-tee bridges.” J. Bridge Eng., 12(3), 306–314.
Zhu, P., and Ma, Z. (2010). “Selection of durable closure pour materials for accelerated bridge construction.” J. Bridge Eng., posted online ahead of print Febrary 17, 2010.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 15 • Issue 5 • September 2010
Pages: 511 - 522
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 28, 2009
Accepted: Nov 23, 2009
Published online: Dec 15, 2009
Published in print: Sep 2010
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