Experimental Analysis and Analytical Modeling of Bridges With and Without Diaphragms
Advanced Search
Select up to three search categories and corresponding keywords using the fields to the right. Refer to the Help section for more detailed instructions.

Search our Collections & Repository

For very narrow results

When looking for a specific result

Best used for discovery & interchangable words

Recommended to be used in conjunction with other fields

Dates

to

Document Data
Library
People
Clear All
Clear All

For additional assistance using the Custom Query please check out our Help Page

i

Experimental Analysis and Analytical Modeling of Bridges With and Without Diaphragms

Filetype[PDF-5.89 MB]


Select the Download button to view the document
This document is over 5mb in size and cannot be previewed
English

Details:

  • Creators:
  • Corporate Creators:
  • Corporate Contributors:
  • Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Publication/ Report Number:
  • Resource Type:
  • Geographical Coverage:
  • Edition:
    Final Report
  • Corporate Publisher:
  • Abstract:
    Two prestressed concrete (P/C) I -girder bridges along the coal haul route system of Southeastern Kentucky were constructed with a 50 degree skew angle. One of the bridges has concrete intermediate diaphragms, while the other bridge has no intermediate diaphragms. Bridges of similar design along coal haul routes have experienced unusual concrete spalling at the interface of the diaphragms and the bottom flange of the girders. The purpose of this report is to identify the cause of the damage, and to evaluate the effectiveness of intermediate diaphragms. Experimental static and dynamic field testing was conducted on both bridges. All field tests were completed prior to the opening of the bridges. Once the calibration of the finite element models was completed using the test data, analyses were conducted with actual coal haul truck traffic to investigate load distribution and the cause of the spalling at the diaphragm-girder interface. Based on the results obtained in this research study, a significant advantage in structural response is generally not noted due to the presence of intermediate diaphragms. Although large differences were noted percentage wise between the responses of the two bridges, analyses suggested the bridge without intermediate diaphragms will experience displacements and stresses well within AASHTO and ACI design requirements. Finite element analyses also revealed the cause of concrete spalling witnessed in the diaphragm-girder interface region. The tendency of the girders to separate as the bridge was loaded played a large role in generating high stress concentrations in the interface region. Other mitigating factors were the presence of the diaphragm anchor bars and the fact the bridge is subjected to the overloads of coal trucks. Resolving this problem would in some measure require the removal of the concrete intermediate diaphragm. However, the total elimination of intermediate diaphragms is not recommended since they are required during construction and in the event the deck is to be replaced. The use of temporary steel diaphragms, therefore, is recommended as substitutes for the concrete intermediate diaphragms.
  • Format:
  • Funding:
  • Collection(s):
  • Main Document Checksum:
  • Download URL:
  • File Type:

Supporting Files

  • No Additional Files
More +

You May Also Like

Checkout today's featured content at rosap.ntl.bts.gov