Title:
Influence of Edge Beam on Behavior of Bridge Overhangs
Author(s):
José Javier Veganzones Muñoz, Costin Pacoste, Lars Pettersson, and Raid Karoumi
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
115
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
957-970
Keywords:
bending moment; bridge edge beam; bridge overhang; cantilever; distribution width; failure mode; finite element; shear force; structural analysis
DOI:
10.14359/51702225
Date:
7/1/2018
Abstract:
Recently, a solution without edge beam was presented to reduce life cycle costs in bridges. Because bridge edge beams contribute to an increased load capacity of overhang slabs, the loss of robustness of the overhang should be investigated. The aim of this paper is to investigate and quantify the influence of the edge beam on the structural behavior of overhang slabs. A nonlinear, three-dimensional (3-D) finite element model was developed and validated using experimental data. Failure modes as well as the shearing and bending moment capacities were determined. An assessment of existing design methods is also presented. The results show the edge beam has a significant contribution to the load capacity. Specifically, the shear force is more efficiently distributed for concentrated loads near the free edge. Design methods should be reviewed to account for the edge beam’s influence in the loadbearing capacity of the overhang slab.