Evaluation of a bridge deck strengthening with shear connectors: finite element analysis and experimental results

Title: Evaluation of a bridge deck strengthening with shear connectors: finite element analysis and experimental results
Author(s): A.J. Leite
Paper category : conference
Book title: International Symposium on Connections between Steel and Concrete
Editor(s): R. Eligehausen
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-25-X
e-ISBN: 2351580346
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2001
Pages: 689 - 697
Total Pages: 9
Nb references: 3
Language: English

Abstract: A 10 m wide and 120 m long bridge, with three simple supported 40 m spans, showed excessive vibrations under traffic. The structural system consisted of four unshored, 2.00 m depth, steel main girders, 2.50m center spaced, supporting a reinforced concrete slab 0.26m thick.
To assess its dynamic performance under vehicle loads a finite element analysis and local strain measurements were carried out. It was concluded that the girders would be overstressed for the required design load combination and the deck flexibility should be properly strengthened to overcome the excessive vibrations.
In order to obtain a composite action to increase the girder inertia, Ø38 mm holes were drilled from the top of the concrete slab, through its thickness, just outside both edges of the top main girders’ flanges. Shear connectors welded to squared plates were positioned within the slab holes from underneath and fixed to the concrete slab with an epoxy compound before the plates were welded to the flanges. To increase the natural frequency a complementary reinforced slab with average thickness of 150 mm was added to the top flange.
The finite element analysis of the strengthened deck under the load combinations and the strain measurements on the shear connectors and on critical sections of the composite girder under loading tests showed a satisfactory behavior.

Online publication: 2009-12-31
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00