Field Test and 3D FE Modeling of Decked Bulb-Tee Bridges
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 12, Issue 3
Abstract
This paper summarizes field-testing of eight decked bulb-tee girder bridges as well as development of three-dimensional finite-element (FE) models. Using the calibrated 3D FE models, parametric studies have been performed to study the effect of shear connectors and intermediate diaphragms on live-load distribution and connector forces. It was found that: (1) in all cases studied, the live- load distribution factor (DF) for a single-lane loaded bridge was smaller than one for a double-lane loaded bridge; (2) connector forces caused by wheel loads were not uniform along the longitudinal joint—adding intermediate diaphragms tended to reduce the difference among horizontal shear forces in connectors; (3) the maximum horizontal shear force increased with the increase of the connector spacing—intermediate diaphragms reduced the maximum horizontal shear force in connectors; (4) the maximum vertical shear force and in-plane normal tensile force in connectors do not necessarily increase with the increase of the connector spacing; and (5) the summation of connector forces in each direction along the longitudinal joint remained constant irrespective of the number of connectors in the joint.
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Acknowledgments
This project was sponsored by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT&PF), the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). Support of Clint Adler, Research Engineer, and Elmer Marx, Bridge Engineer of AKDOT&PF, is gratefully acknowledged. The writers also want to thank AKDOT&PF’s field personnel who helped with the testing. The writers especially want to thank Gary Scarborough and John Orbistondo of AKDOT&PF for their assistance during testing.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 12 • Issue 3 • May 2007
Pages: 306 - 314
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Oct 10, 2005
Accepted: Apr 10, 2006
Published online: May 1, 2007
Published in print: May 2007
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