PHOTOELASTIC MODEL STUDIES FOR AN EXPERIMENTAL SEGMENTAL BRIDGE

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation designed an experimental segmental bridge which was constructed at the Pennsylvania Transportation Research Facility at The Pennsylvania State University. To supplement the data obtained from field testing the bridge and from laboratory testing of segments, a photoelastic model study was conducted. The objectives of the photoelastic model studies were to determine the stress distribution in segments in the area between the diagonal tendon termination points and to show that the scattered light photoelastic technique can be used for complex three-dimensional problems. A 1/15 scale model of a segment was studied using the scattered light technique. The model was cast from a photoelastic epoxy and did not include steel reinforcing. Cantilever flanges were not included, but ducts for diagonal tendons were cast into the model. A steel loading frame was designed to apply stresses to the model. The model was investigated using a scattered light polariscope. Stresses were determined in regions away from the influence of the diagonal tendons and in the regions surrounding the diagonal tendons. The scattered light photoelastic technique was successfully used to determine the stresses present within these regions of the web. Stress concentrations developed by the anchored diagonal tendons were found to be localized and not of extreme magnitudes. A major limitation of the scattered light technique was seen in the rotation of the principal stress axes in the region near the diagonal tendon. Overall, the scattered light technique was shown to have advantages over the alternative frozen stress approach. (FHWA)

• Corporate Authors:

  Pennsylvania State University, University Park

  Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, Transportation Research Building
  University Park, PA  United States  16802

  Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

  Commonwealth and Forster Streets
  Harrisburg, PA  United States  17120

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Ross, E L
  • Conway, J C
  • McClure, R M
• Publication Date: 1980-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 67 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Concrete bridges; Epoxides; Laboratory tests; Mathematical models; Photoelasticity; Segmental construction; Stresses; Tendons; Webbing
• Uncontrolled Terms: Experimental design; Models
• Old TRIS Terms: Epoxy; Photoelastic studies
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00373169
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-PA-81-011 Intrm Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: 75-3
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jun 30 1983 12:00AM