Serviceability Limit State Aspects of Continuous Bridges Using Precast Concrete Beams

When designing continuous concrete bridges incorporating precast, pretensioned beams, problems of interpretation of design requirements arise at the continuous supports when considering the serviceability limit state. These problems are associated with the tension induced in the tops of the precast beams at their ends as a result of hogging bending and with the tension induced at the bottom of the in situ concrete crosshead as a result of long-term sagging bending in the absence of live load. These problems are discussed and design proposals made. Professor L.A. Clark and I. Sugie

Author(s): Clark, L A;Sugie, I

Keywords: continuous structural members;bridges;beams;reinforced concrete;precast;serviceability;pretensioned;design;seatings;construction work;case studies;detailing;cracking;stress;deflecting;reinforcement