Field Tests of Two Prestressed-Concrete Girder Bridges for Live-Load Distribution and Moment Continuity
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 21, Issue 5
Abstract
Two similar bridges constructed with a live-load continuous connection were tested for live-load distribution and joint continuity. Girder distribution factors (GDFs) were compared with AASHTO equivalent values. For positive moments on all girders as for negative moments on interior girders, results using AASHTO equivalent GDFs were found to be generally conservative. However, for negative moments on exterior girders, test results exceeded AASHTO values, significantly so with two-lane results. GDF results were verified with a finite-element analysis (FEA) model, which produced behavior similar to the field tests. With respect to joint continuity, it is estimated that a simple span would produce a maximum positive moment about 7% higher than the actual structure, whereas a completely continuous structure would produce a maximum positive moment about 16% lower than that of the actual structure. For negative moments, the actual structure experienced about 28% of that of a continuous structure. Shear reactions were also investigated. Recommendations are proposed for evaluating transverse distribution of live load as well as the longitudinal distribution of live load, accounting for the effect of joint continuity.
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Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 21 • Issue 5 • May 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 12, 2015
Accepted: Sep 15, 2015
Published online: Jan 8, 2016
Published in print: May 1, 2016
Discussion open until: Jun 8, 2016
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