Behavior of a 3-Span Continuous Bridge Before and After Continuity Joint Replacement Using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 35, Issue 6
Abstract
One method of bridge construction consists of simply supported precast, prestressed concrete girders made continuous for live load through individual continuity joints connecting the two girder ends from adjacent spans. However, creep, shrinkage, and thermal effects can create large positive moments in the joints, leading to severe cracking and potential loss of moment transfer. A bridge in Fort Supply, Oklahoma, utilizing this type of connection was slated for joint replacement, and the Oklahoma DOT elected to use ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) for the replacement. To evaluate the effectiveness of the UHPC joint, a load test was conducted before and after joint replacement. The bridge was tested by systematically placing dump trucks filled with crushed stone at the midspan of each continuous span. Deflections were monitored for each test, and strains were monitored in two joints using strain gauges embedded in the UHPC joints during construction. While the measured deflections were small, the strain readings from the postrepair test showed that the UHPC joint was able to effectively provide continuity.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the Oklahoma DOT for their generous support, Stanley Black & Decker for donating the laser distance measurer devices needed to conduct this research, and Built Right Construction for their hard work and generous assistance during construction. This work was supported by the ODOT through the State Planning and Research Program Project SPR 2284.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 35 • Issue 6 • December 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 4, 2021
Accepted: Jul 30, 2021
Published online: Sep 15, 2021
Published in print: Dec 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Feb 15, 2022
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