Title: Ultimate Load Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Beam-and-Slab Highway Bridges

Author(s): R. Nagaraja and S. D. Lash

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 67

Issue: 12

Appears on pages(s): 1003-1009

Keywords: beams (supports) ; bridges (structures); concrete slabs; deflection; failure mechanisms;hinges (structural) ; models; reinforced concrete; shear properties; strains; structural design; torsion; ultimate strength method.

DOI: 10.14359/7335

Date: 12/1/1970

Abstract:
A procedure for estimating the ultimate load capacity of reinforced concrete beam-and-slab highway bridges of moderate span is described. This procedure takes into account the resistance provided by bending hinges, torsional hinges, and slab yield lines. Mechanisms of failure are proposed, and ultimate load tests of 1/10 and 1/4 scale models demonstrated that these mechanisms are in fact developed if secondary failures, particularly those caused by the interaction of shear and torsion, are prevented. The ultimate load capacity of a beam-and-slab bridge may be predicted with reasonable accuracy using assumed mechanisms of failure and ultimate strength design methods.