AUTOMATED DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BOX GIRDER BRIDGES

A procedure for automated design by computer of multi-span reinforced concrete bridge girders is described, a user's guide for a computer program developed to apply the procedure is presented, and example designs are reviewed. The program is limited to cast-in-situ girders of constant width and depth, but the span lengths may vary from span to span, and cross section variations are also taken into account. Analyses for dead and live load are carried out automatically, and slab thicknesses and reinforcement areas are then selected on a fully-stressed basis, considering both flexure and shear. The analysis and design cycle is repeated to convergence. In an optional final stage, an optimal reinforcing bar layout may be determined using a dynamic programming procedure. A cost computation for the structure is included in the program. A sample design produced by the program is shown to be close to a design described in the State of California Manual of Bridge Design Practice.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of California, Berkeley

  Division of Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics
  Berkeley, CA  United States  94720

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Ghose, A
  • Powell, G H
• Publication Date: 1974-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 79 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Automation; Beams; Bridge bearing pads; Bridge design; Bridge members; Bridges; Computer programming; Computer programs; Concrete; Concrete bridges; Concrete structures; Costs; Design; Girder bridges; Girders; Highway bridges; Length; Methodology; Reinforced concrete; Slabs; Structural design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bridge spans; Cost analysis; Reinforced concrete beams
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Finance; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00093559
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: USCESM-74-15 Final Rpt., FHWA-RD-75-S0388
• Contract Numbers: HPR-1(12),D-4-53
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 21 1976 12:00AM