Design and Behavior of Seamless Bridge-Pavement Systems
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2023-09-01
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Edition:August 2019 – August 2023
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Abstract:The seamless bridge concept eliminates expansion joints on the bridge deck and joints between the bridge and approach, which can significantly reduce the maintenance costs and improve the long-term durability of the primary load-carrying components. Past applications of seamless bridges have utilized Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) in which a transition zone is employed between the bridge deck and CRCP to accommodate deformations caused by the longitudinal expansion and contraction of the bridge. A critical aspect of the system response is the longitudinal load transfer mechanism in the transition zone, which is governed by the concrete slab-base interaction. This project aims to advance the development and implementation of seamless systems in the U.S. based on a comprehensive investigation including experimental testing and numerical modeling. The experimental study focused on the characterization of the concrete slab-base interaction through unit-cell direct shear tests and cyclic large-scale push-off tests. The load (shear) versus displacement behavior at the concrete slab-base interface was evaluated for different interface materials (geotextiles, polyethylene sheets, felt paper) intended to break the bond and control the level of interface restraint. The effects of cyclic movements were investigated. The numerical study involved the development of a structural model of the entire seamless system under longitudinal effects, and a more detailed continuum finite element model of the transition zone under combined longitudinal and out-of-plane (vertical) effects. The numerical models were used to study the influence of the friction coefficient at the concrete slab-base interface, reinforcement ratio and slab thickness of the transition zone on the axial response of the system. Potential design issues related to the seamless bridge connection were investigated through numerical parametric studies for various bridge prototype structures in Texas with different configurations. Based on the experimental results and numerical studies, general design recommendations were developed, including the selection of promising bond breakers (i.e., felt paper and double-sided textured linear low-density polyethylene sheet) in the transition zone, design verification criteria and design details. Simplified analytical models were developed to determine the stresses and deformations induced in the system considering axial and out-of-plane effects. A design example of an actual bridge in Texas modified to include a seamless connection with CRCP was presented using the proposed design procedure.
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