Sustainable Bridge Deck Analytical Studies

Three-dimensional finite element models are used to investigate the behavior of a bridge with link slabs. A typical three-span bridge is considered for modeling. The truck load is applied on the first-span of the bridge to produce maximum tensile stress/negative moment in the link slab. The models are one with open joints and another with the joints closed over the supports. The results are used to discuss the effects of link slabs on bridge girder and link slab stresses. The maximum flexural stresses in the bridge with link slab are lower than those in the bridge with open joint. All the stresses in the bridge decks were reduced due to the link slabs. The stresses were higher in link slab-1 than link slab-2 because the truck was placed on the span1 of the bridge. It is recommended that the link slab technique to be used for sustainable bridge decks.