Abstract
In general, most highway bridges are constructed using prestressed concrete or steel girders. Mechanical joints are provided at the end of each span, to allow for the expansion of the bridge deck due to shrinkage of concrete, thermal effects, and deflections, among others. Smooth riding ability, low noise, wear resistance, and water tightness should be provided by expansion joints. In recent times, the increased traffic volume, along with heavier vehicle movements, adversely affects the performance of expansion joints in the bridge girder, causing a possible failure in one of the above‐mentioned mechanisms. The deterioration of the expansion joint may result in leakage of water, concrete cracking, and potential problems in the underlying substructure. In this paper, we study the pier‐pier cap connections in integral bridges subjected to thermal and seismic loads using analytical methods and experimental tests.
Highlights
Integral bridges are constructed without joints or connection frames. ese are characterized by a monolithic relation between the bridge deck and the substructure. e intermediate connection between the two abutments is provided without any joints in the deck
Based on the bar bending details, two reinforcement cages were prepared to test the behavior of pier-pier cap connections when subjected to thermal load and seismic loading, respectively. e strain gauges were positioned at the critical points in the reinforcement cage to measure the strain which will be experienced by the reinforcement at the time of loading. e critical sections were found from analysis of the structure in ANSYS 14.5 commonly used strain gauge consisting of an insulating flexible backing with a metallic foil pattern is used. e strain gauges attached to the reinforcement using adhesive are illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, respectively
En the models of the specimens were generated in ANSYS 14.5 and analyzed. e experimental results obtained were validated with the numerical results
Summary
Integral bridges are constructed without joints or connection frames. ese are characterized by a monolithic relation between the bridge deck and the substructure (piers and abutments). e intermediate connection between the two abutments is provided without any joints in the deck. Erefore, in this paper, we investigate the behavior of integral bridges with pier-pier cap connections subjected to thermal and seismic loads. The longitudinal displacements of the integral abutments were validated with experimental results obtained with changes in the bridge temperature. E stresses and forces were developed on the superstructure of prestressed concrete integral abutment bridges due to thermal loads. Sritharan et al [11] conducted an experimental investigation on an integral bridge pier consisting of a concrete column having I-shaped precast concrete girders with an inverted T-beam concrete cap, which accelerated the construction methods of the bridge in a seismic zone. Wang et al [12] made an experimental investigation on the prefabricated bridge piers with grouted splice connections subjected to seismic loading In his research, he found that the grouted splice piers performed better when compared to cast-in places. Coarse aggregate kg 2.7 strength. e average compressive strength of concrete was found to be 37.2 N/mm
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