Alternative structural design strategies for bridge decks in low traffic volume roads

This research is part of a major project with a stimulus that rose from the need to manage a large number of ageing bridges in low traffic volume roads (LTVR) in Australia. The project investigated, designed and consequently constructed, involved replacing an ageing super-structure of a 10m span bridge with a disused flat-bed rail wagon (FRW). This research, therefore, is developed on the premises that the FRW can be adopted as the main structural system for the bridges in LTVR network. The main focus of this research is to present two alternate deck wearing systems (DWS) as part of the design of the FRW as road bridge deck conforming to AS5100 (2004). The bare FRW structural components were first examined for their adequacy (ultimate and serviceability) in resisting the critical loads specified in AS5100(2004). Two options of DWSs were evaluated and their effects on the FRW examined. The first option involved usage of timber DWS; the idea of this option was to use all the primary and secondary members of the FRW in load sharing and to provide additional members where weaknesses in the original members arose. The second option involved usage of reinforced concrete DWS with only the primary members of the FRW sharing the AS5100 (2004) loading. This option inherently minimised the risk associated with any uncertainty of the secondary members to their structural adequacy. This thesis reports the design phases of both options with conclusions of the selection of the ideal option for better structural performance, ease of construction and cost.

• Record URL:
  http://eprints.qut.edu.au/61092/
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Masters by Research thesis
• Authors:
  • Palliyaguru, N S
• Publication Date: 2013

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 1 file

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bearing capacity; Bridge decks; Bridge design; Bridges; Durability; Loads; Low volume roads; Reinforced concrete; Timber
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• ATRI Terms: Bridge deck; Bridge design; Bridge loads; Durability; Low traffic road; Reinforced concrete; Timber
• ITRD Terms: 9011: Design (overall design); 2774: Low traffic road; 4506: Wood (mater)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01489858
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 15 2013 9:48AM