Cellular and Voided Slab Bridges

Bridges of the cellular and voided slab type are explored. These types of bridges have either rectangular or circular holes running in the direction of the bridge span. In these structures the transverse distortion of the cross section may significantly affect the load distribution properties of a bridge to the extent that it can no longer be analyzed by conventional orthotropic plate theory. A simplified method is developed which can account for the increases in longitudinal moment and shear intensities which result from distortion of the cross section. Existing simplified methods, which are applicable only when transverse cell-distortion is absent, may be used in conjunction with certain modifying factors even when such effects are present.