Abstract
Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC) specifies empirical equations for the moment and shear distribution factors for selected bridge configurations. These empirical equations were based on the orthotropic plate theory with equivalent slab bending and torsional rigidity. Also, they were based on analysis procedure and CHBDC truck loading condition slightly different from those specified in the current CHBDC code of 2006. In this study, a parametric study was conducted, using the finite-element modeling to determine the moment and shear distribution factors for solid slab bridges subjected to CHBDC truck loading. Shell elements were used to model the bridge deck slab supported over bearings on each side of the bridge at 1.2 m spacing. The results from the parametric study were correlated to those available in the CHBDC code. Results show considerable difference in FEA results and CHBDS equations, especially for shear distribution factors. This project provides research results that can be used further to develop more reliable expressions for moment and shear distribution factors for solid slab bridges.
Highlights
Solid slab or voided-slab bridges can be used for bridge spans ranging from 5 to 32 m, representing the range for short spans and lower range of the medium span bridges
To simplifY the design process, the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC, 2006) specified imperial expressions for moment and shear distribution factors which are basically the ratio between them maximum structural quantities in a bridge cross-section resulting from different scenarios of truck loading conditions to the average value obtained from simple beam analysis
Based on the results from the parametric study on slab bridges, the following conclusions are drawn: 1. Bridge span length and number of design lanes play a significant role on the values of the load distribution factors
Summary
Solid slab or voided-slab bridges can be used for bridge spans ranging from 5 to 32 m, representing the range for short spans and lower range of the medium span bridges. The design values for bending moment, shear or deflection for solid slab bridges depend on the location and the number of moving trucks on the bridge, boundary conditions and the cross section properties of bridge components. These values vary with the change in slab thickness, span, width of bridge, and load cases. To simplifY the design process, the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC, 2006) specified imperial expressions for moment and shear distribution factors which are basically the ratio between them maximum structural quantities in a bridge cross-section resulting from different scenarios of truck loading conditions to the average value obtained from simple beam analysis. The load distribution factors takes into account the two- and threedimensional behaviour of the bridge superstructure when treating the bridge as onedimensional structural (i.e. simple beam) to simplifY the design process
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