Title:
In-Service Behavior of a Cast-in-Place Segmental Concrete Box Girder Bridge
Author(s):
Matthew Yarnold - Texas A&M University
Publication:
CRC
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
24
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
12/9/2022
Abstract:
In summary, this study provided further insight into the in-service behavior of segmental concrete box girder bridges. The approach to identifying this in-service behavior was through an in-depth field evaluation of the SHSCB. The process began with a comprehensive review of the existing documentation. Then planning and execution of a field monitoring system. SHSCB was monitored for over a year, and data was recorded. Data analysis was performed for seasonal and daily behavior. This included a comparison of the results with theoretical models. The primary findings include the following. • Seasonal behavior: The long-term behavior was stable, as indicated by the lack of slope in the data. In addition, the magnitude of seasonal response was relatively low, which shows the continual release of forces due to boundary restraints. These mechanisms are still functioning adequately after more than forty years. • Daily behavior: Vertical temperature gradients were clearly captured, which induced flexural stresses. The differences between the East and West datasets indicate transverse temperature gradients are also present, which is due to the north-south orientation of the bridge. The gradient behavior overall was more complex in Section 3 due to the primary and secondary stresses. It is also worth noting that the daily summer behavior did produce higher tensile stresses compared to the winter. • Comparison with Theoretical Models: The AASHTO and New Zealand models illustrated similar accuracies to the measured responses. Both models showed to be reasonable for general design criteria.