Tension Performance of Precast Bridge Deck Longitudinal Joints with Different Configurations

Abstract

Cast-in-place bridge decks cause issues such as traffic congestion, dust, noise, and air pollution at the construction site. Precast bridge deck systems address these issues by facilitating the installation of prefabricated concrete units on site. However, as cracking and leakage problems have been recently observed in the longitudinal joints that connect the precast bridge deck units of existing bridges, evaluations of the connectivity and constructability of such joints are essential. Consequently, this study experimentally investigated the structural performance of longitudinal joint configurations of six precast bridge decks with varying joint widths, steel plate configurations, and rebar details to determine the optimal joint configuration. A tensile load was applied to each joint specimen, and the resulting relative displacement across the joint was measured. Subsequently, a finite element model of the optimal joint specimen was developed and determined to exhibit behavior under loads similar to that observed during the test, confirming the ability of finite element analyses to accurately predict the behavior of such joints. The results of this study are expected to improve designs for the longitudinal joints of precast bridge deck systems, facilitating expedited bridge construction, while minimizing construction impacts.