Title:
Effects of Barriers on Load Distribution in a Concrete Slab-Span Bridge
Author(s):
Kendall A. Hill, Benjamin Z. Dymond, Brock D. Hedegaard, Lauren E. Linderman
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
352
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
78-93
Keywords:
barrier, bridge, finite element model, instrumentation, load distribution, load rating, reinforced concrete, slab-span, truck test
DOI:
10.14359/51734858
Date:
5/31/2022
Abstract:
Characterization of load distribution is useful for determining the load rating of bridges, and results in the literature have shown that the structure type and presence of secondary elements both impact this distribution. The focus of this study was to determine how the load distribution in a concrete slab-span bridge was affected by the presence of concrete barriers through finite element modeling and a truck live load test. There are minimal studies reported in the literature that quantify this phenomenon in slab-span bridges. A three-dimensional solid-element finite element model was used to determine the distribution when load was placed near and away from a barrier. Truck testing utilized strain gauges and displacement transducers to characterize the effects of a barrier on load distribution. Results indicated that the barrier had an impact on load distribution in concrete slab-span bridges. This impact could be quantified to determine the live load demand more accurately for use in load rating a concrete slab-span bridge.
Related References:
AASHTO. (1994). “AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications” (1st ed.). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Washington, D.C.
AASHTO. (2002). “Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges” (17th ed.). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Washington, D.C.
AASHTO. (2018). “The Manual for Bridge Evaluation” (3rd ed.). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Washington, D.C.
AASHTO. (2020). LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (9th ed.). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Washington, D.C.
AASTHO. (2017). “LRFD Bridge Design Specifications” (8th ed.). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. doi: 10.1201/9780203946602.ch20. Washington, D.C.
Azizinamini, A., Shekar, Y., Boothby, T. E., & Barnhill, G. (1994a). “Old concrete slab bridges. I: Experimental Investigation.” Journal of Structural Engineering (United States), 120(11), 3305–3319. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(1994)120:11(3305)
Azizinamini, A., Shekar, Y., Boothby, T. E., & Barnhill, G. (1994b). “Old Concrete Slab Bridges. II: Analysis.” Journal of Structural Engineering, 11, 3305–3319.
Azizinamini, Atorod, & Choobineh, F. (1995). “Rating concrete slab bridges.” IABSE Reports, 805–810.
Csagoly, P. F., & Lybas, J. M. (1989). “Advanced Design Method for Concrete Bridge Deck Slabs.” Concrete International, 53–63.
Freeman, C., & Vasconcelos, B. (2018). “Solid Concrete Slab Bridges.” H. Ansley Structures Research Center: Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Jones, B. P., Shenton, H. W. I., Lewis, J., Wolfe, S., Faghri, A., Pletz, E., Lee, E., & Carter, M. (2012). Effective Width of Concrete Slab Bridges in Delaware (Vol. 1, Issue 3).
Mabsout, M., Tarhini, K., Jabakhanji, R., & Awwad, E. (2004). “Wheel load distribution in simply supported concrete slab bridges.” Journal of Bridge Engineering, 9(2), 147–155. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)1084-0702(2004)9:2(147)
Sherman, R. J., Hebdon, M. H., & Lloyd, J. B. (2020). “Diagnostic Load Testing for Improved Accuracy of Bridge Load Rating.” Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 34(5), 1–9.
doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0001483