ADVANCES IN SHORT-SPAN STEEL BRIDGES

Innovative design and construction techniques for host-span bridges can result in cost savings from 5 to 15 percent according to recent studies sponsored by the American Iron and Steel Institute and the American Institute of Steel Construction (ATSC). One technique is to widen the spaces between steel girders in combination with improved lateral distribution factors. Fewer girders are required, saving cost and weight. These savings are partially offset by the need to increase the concrete deck's thickness, but a net savings is still realized. Another promising design innovation is a new rating method to establish live-load capacity. The Autostress Design recognizes the ability of steel beams to adjust automatically to local yielding caused by heavy loads. It permits simplification of the design of continous beams by eliminating the need for cover plates. An innovative method for prefabicating short-span bridges is the Inverset system which is estimated to save from 10 to 15 percent of the cost of conventional bridge building. The deck is cast upside down in the shops resulting in prestressed structured member with a high quality concreted. Shear studs installed in the lower flange provide composite action and retain the prestress.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1519687
• Publication Date: 1985-5

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 26-27
• Serial:
  • Better Roads
  • Volume: 55
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: James Informational Media, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0006-0208
  • Serial URL: http://www.betterroads.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bearing capacity; Bridge design; Bridges; Design methods; Girders; Live loads; Metal bridges; Steel bridges; Structural design
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00396381
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 28 1986 12:00AM