Development of subassembly test methods for evaluation of prefabricated bridge decks
Abstract
The robust performance of bridge decks is critical to ensure smooth daily traffic operations and adequate structural performance of the bridge during extreme events. Prefabricated bridge decks have become more popular because of their light weight, which is advantageous for long spans and rehabilitation, and rapid construction. Currently, there are no uniform national specifications for the design, performance, or installation of bridge deck systems. This often results in the use of less durable products because manufacturers design, fabricate, and install components to achieve the lowest initial cost. This has sometimes resulted in poor performance and unreasonably short service lives. Thus, the objectives of this research were to develop standard testing methods to evaluate the performance of critical details for bridge deck systems. Three subassembly deck panels were tested to determine their respective stiffness properties in the strong and weak directions, as well as in torsion. The stiffness properties were used to compute the minimum load applied for strength verification tests of subassembly bridge deck critical details. The critical details tested included longitudinal and transverse splices, and a deck-to-superstructure connection. These details were also tested in cyclic loading and evaluated. Standard testing methods were developed to determine the stiffness in the strong and weak directions, torsional stiffness, verify the strength and evaluate the cyclic loading resistance of longitudinal and transverse splices, and deck-to-superstructure connections. The test methods developed can be used to evaluate the performance of different types of bridge decks in the field.
Degree
M.S.C.E.
Advisors
Liu, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Civil engineering
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