Full-Scale Test of Continuity Diaphragms in Skewed Concrete Bridge Girders
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 16, Issue 1
Abstract
Continuity diaphragms used in prestressed girder bridges on skewed bents have caused difficulties in detailing and construction. The results of the field verification for the effectiveness of continuity diaphragms for skewed, continuous, and prestressed concrete girder bridges are presented. The current design concept and bridge parameters that were considered include skew angle and the ratio of beam spacing to span (aspect ratio). A prestressed concrete bridge with continuity diaphragms and a skewed angle of 48° was selected for full-scale test by a team of engineers from Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Federal Highway Administration. The live load tests performed with a comprehensive instrumentation plan provided a fundamental understanding of the load transfer mechanism through these diaphragms. The findings indicated that the effects of the continuity diaphragms were negligible and they can be eliminated. The superstructure of the bridge could be designed with link slab. Thus, the bridge deck would provide the continuity over the support, improve the riding quality, enhance the structural redundancy, and reduce the expansion joint installation and maintenance costs.
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Acknowledgments
Support for this work was provided by Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) under research project number UNSPECIFIED06-3ST and state project number UNSPECIFIED736–99-1373. The contents of this study reflect the views of the writers who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the LA-DOTD or the LTRC. This paper does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 16 • Issue 1 • January 2011
Pages: 21 - 28
Copyright
© 2011 ASCE.
History
Received: Sep 4, 2009
Accepted: Mar 18, 2010
Published online: Mar 25, 2010
Published in print: Jan 2011
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