Influence of Secondary Elements and Deck Cracking on the Lateral Load Distribution of Steel Girder Bridges
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 11, Issue 2
Abstract
The AASHTO LRFD load distribution factor equation was developed based on elastic finite element analysis considering only primary members, i.e., the effects of secondary elements such as lateral bracing and parapets were not considered. Meanwhile, many bridges have been identified as having significant cracking in the concrete deck. Even though deck cracking is a well-known phenomenon, the significance of pre-existing cracks on the live load distribution has not yet been assessed. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of secondary elements and deck cracking on the lateral load distribution of girder bridges. First, secondary elements such as diaphragms and parapets were modeled using the finite element method, and the calculated load distribution factors were compared with the code-specified values. Second, the effects of typical deck cracking and crack types that have a major effect on load distribution were identified through a number of nonlinear finite element analyses. It was established that the presence of secondary elements may produce load distribution factors up to 40% lower than the AASHTO LRFD values. Longitudinal cracking was found to increase the load distribution factor by up to 17% when compared to the LRFD value while the transverse cracking was found to not significantly influence the transverse distribution of moment.
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Acknowledgments
This research has been sponsored by the Joint Transportation Research Program and Indiana Department of Transportation under Project No. UNSPECIFIEDSPR-2477. The contents of this paper 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 Federal Highway Administration and the Indiana Department of Transportation. The paper does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 11 • Issue 2 • March 2006
Pages: 178 - 187
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 24, 2004
Accepted: May 16, 2005
Published online: Mar 1, 2006
Published in print: Mar 2006
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