Contribution of Intermediate Diaphragms in Enhancing Precast Bridge Girder Performance
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 18, Issue 3
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of intermediate diaphragms on the stiffness of precast prestressed AASHTO type bridge girders, combined with the actual bearing stiffness and thermal changes. Some of the parameters studied include the presence of intermediate diaphragms, bridge skewness, temperature change, and an increase in bearing stiffness due to cold temperature or aging. A finite element model of a bridge superstructure containing Florida Bulb Tee 78 girders was created. This model was subjected to an HL93 truck load as suggested by the AASHTO LRFD. Results indicate that intermediate diaphragms have a modest positive effect of reducing the maximum deflections for the chosen girder, with the effect varying with skewness and thermal change.
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References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 18 • Issue 3 • August 2004
Pages: 142 - 146
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 20, 2002
Accepted: Apr 2, 2003
Published online: Jul 15, 2004
Published in print: Aug 2004
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