Crack control of a continuous composite two-girder bridge with prefabricated slabs under static and fatigue loads

Abstract

In this study, an experimental test on a full-scale model of a two-span continuous composite two-girder bridge with prefabricated slabs was cautiously conducted and observed in order to study crack control. In the testing, a first loading was applied up to 360 kN and then fatigue loading test proceeded. Lastly, static loading was applied up to 900 kN. From the test results, it is confirmed that the two-girder continuous composite bridge with loop joints prefabricated slabs shows composite section behaviour for both strength and stiffness under static and fatigue loads. Although, in negative moment regions, cracks concentrated at the cast interface of the joints between decks above the internal support and the initial crack spacing is constituted by the distance between joints, crack widths can be controlled appropriately within an allowable crack width in the decks and transverse joints of the composite bridge with prefabricated slabs on an interior support under service loads. Moment curvature relationship or the flexural stiffness by Eurocode 4-2 is still useful for the estimation of the effective stiffness considering tension stiffening effects in the composite bridge with loop joints prefabricated slabs.