Abstract

LB-DECK, a precast concrete panel type, is a permanent concrete deck form used as a formwork for cast-in-place concrete pouring at bridge construction site. LB-DECK consists of 60 mm thick concrete slab and 125 mm height Lattice-girders partly embedded in the concrete slab. These decks have been applied to the bridges, which girder spacings are short enough to resist longitudinal cracking caused by construction loads. This paper presents experimental research work conducted to evaluate the cracking load of LB-DECKs designed for long span bridge decks. Twenty four non-composite beams and four composite beams are fabricated considering three design variables of thickness of concrete slab, height of lattice-girder, and diameter of top-bar. Static loads controlled by displacements are applied to test beams to obtain cracking and ultimate loads. Vertical displacements at the center of beams, strains of top-bar, crack propagation in concrete slab, and final failure modes are carefully monitored. The obtained cracking loads are compared to the analytical results obtained by elastic analyses. Long-term analyses using age-adjusted effective modulus method (AEMM) are also conducted to investigate the effects of concrete shrinkage on the cracking loads. Based on the test results, the tensile strength and the design details of LB-DECKs are discussed to prevent longitudinal cracking of long span bridge decks.

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