Investigation of the Effects of Transverse Bending in a Composite Inverted T-Slab Bridge System
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 22, Issue 1
Abstract
The composite inverted T-slab bridge system provides an accelerated bridge construction alternative for short- to medium-span bridges with spans ranging from 6.1 to 20 m. The system consists of adjacent precast inverted T-slabs with a cast-in-place (CIP) concrete topping. Such a composite bridge system offers a shallow superstructure depth ideal for sites with stringent vertical clearance requirements. When concentrated loads are applied to a bridge of this type, the bridge deforms as a two-way flat plate. This paper presents an analytical and experimental investigation to study the relationship between transverse bending and reflective cracking. Transverse bending moment demands were quantified using a finite-element model and compared with tested transverse bending moment capacities provided by several subassemblage specimens, which feature two precast cross-sectional shapes and three transverse connections. It was concluded that all tested specimens performed well at service load levels. The detail that features a precast inverted T-slab with tapered webs and no mechanical connection between the adjacent inverted T-slabs and CIP topping is the simplest and most economical.
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Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the guidance and assistance of Michael Brown of the Virginia Transportation Research Center, and Andy Zickler and Chris Lowe of the Structure and Bridge Division of the Virginia DOT. The assistance of Doug Nelson, David Mokarem, Brett Farmer, Dennis Huffman, and Kedar Halbe at the Murray Structural Engineering Laboratory at Virginia Tech is gratefully acknowledged. The opinions in this report are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the sponsor.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 22 • Issue 1 • January 2017
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 18, 2016
Accepted: Jun 17, 2016
Published online: Aug 30, 2016
Published in print: Jan 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jan 30, 2017
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