Improved Longitudinal Joint Details in Decked Bulb Tees for Accelerated Bridge Construction: Concept Development
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 15, Issue 3
Abstract
This paper focuses on an investigation of improved continuous longitudinal joint details for decked precast prestressed concrete girder bridge systems. Precast concrete girders with an integral deck that is cast and prestressed with the girder provide benefits of rapid construction along with improved structural performance and durability. Despite these advantages, use of this type of construction has been limited to isolated regions of the United States. One of the issues limiting more widespread use is a perceived problem with durability of longitudinal joints used to connect adjacent girders. This paper presents the results of a study to assess potential alternate joint details based on constructability, followed by testing of selected details. Seven reinforced concrete beam specimens connected with either lapped headed reinforcement or lapped welded wire reinforcement were tested along with a specimen reinforced by continuous bars for comparison. Test results were evaluated based on flexural capacity, curvature at failure, cracking, deflection, and steel strain. Based on the survey and the experimental program, a headed bar detail with a 152 mm (6 in.) lap length was recommended for replacing the current welded steel connector detail.
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Acknowledgments
The research reported in this paper has been performed under the ongoing National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Grant No. UNSPECIFIED12-69 project, “Design and Construction Guidelines for Long-Span Decked Precast, Prestressed Concrete Girder (DPPCG) Bridges.” Other research team members include Roy Eriksson, Chuck Prussack, and Ahmed Elre-maily. The opinions and conclusions expressed or implied in this paper are those of the research agency. They are not necessarily those of the Transportation Research Board, the National Research Council, the Federal Highway Administration, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, or the individual states participating in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program. The writers would also like to acknowledge Austin Bateman, Ken Thomas and Larry Roberts at UTK for their assistance with the testing.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 15 • Issue 3 • May 2010
Pages: 327 - 336
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: May 25, 2008
Accepted: Aug 24, 2009
Published online: Aug 26, 2009
Published in print: May 2010
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