Structurally Supported Single Point Urban Interchanges (SPUI)

A Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) is a variation of the traditional Diamond Interchange and it is quickly gaining popularity in the congested urban areas of the United States. Typically identified by its distinctive ‘hour glass’ shape, the SPUI has the distinct advantage of improving capacity by allowing two simultaneous left turn movements at the signalized intersection of an interchange. Accommodating the shape of the structure supported SPUI typically results in a geometrically complex bridge structure with complex structural behavior. The intent of this paper is to share the experience and knowledge gained by the authors while designing two structure supported SPUIs in the last three years. Both structures are cast-in-place post tensioned box girder bridges. The first was designed using the Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges (17th Edition) and, the latter employed the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (3rd Edition). This paper discusses the essential coordination involved between the structural and roadway disciplines for the geometry layout and shed light on how conventional tools were employed for the analysis and design of this highly unconventional and relatively new type of superstructure.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Concrete Bridge Council

  Portland Cement Association, 5420 Old Orchard Road
  Skokie, IL  United States  60077-1083
• Authors:
  • Asthana, Manas
  • Smart, Craig
• Conference:
  • HPC: Build Fast, Build to Last. The 2006 Concrete Bridge Conference
  • Location: Reno NV, United States
  • Date: 2006-5-7 to 2006-5-10
• Publication Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 11p
• Monograph Title: HPC: Build Fast, Build to Last

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Box girder bridges; Bridges; Diamond interchanges; Finite element method; Highway capacity; Single point urban interchanges; Structural design; Traffic congestion; Urban areas
• Identifier Terms: AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications
• Uncontrolled Terms: Post tensioned concrete bridge
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01036165
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 27 2006 8:14AM