Effect of Edge Stiffening and Diaphragms on the Reliability of Bridge Girders
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 10, Issue 2
Abstract
Secondary elements such as barriers, sidewalks, and diaphragms may affect the distribution of live load to bridge girders. The objective of this study is to evaluate their effect on girder reliability if these elements are designed to be sufficiently attached to the bridge so as not to detach under traffic live loads. Simple-span, two-lane structures are considered, with composite steel girders supporting a reinforced concrete deck. Several representative structures are selected, with various configurations of barriers, sidewalks, and diaphragms. Bridge analysis is performed using a finite-element procedure. Load and resistance parameters are treated as random variables. Random variables considered are composite girder flexural strength, secondary element stiffness, load magnitude (dead load and truck traffic live load), and live load position. It was found that typical combinations of secondary elements have a varying influence on girder reliability, depending on secondary element stiffness and bridge geometry. Suggestions are presented that can account for secondary elements and that provide a uniform level of reliability to bridge girders.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 10 • Issue 2 • March 2005
Pages: 206 - 214
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 12, 2003
Accepted: Nov 4, 2003
Published online: Mar 1, 2005
Published in print: Mar 2005
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