DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW CONCEPT FOR FLORIDA'S BRIDGES. VOLUMES I AND II

This report presents the findings from the first year of a three-year investigation to develop a new bridge superstructure concept for spans varying between 200-400 ft (61-122 m). A state-of-the-art survey was carried out to compile information on new materials and technologies and to obtain examples of recently constructed innovative bridges. To identify deficiencies in existing Florida bridges, the maintenance records of several representative bridges were reviewed. Cracking of the deck slab was found to be the most common problem. A careful evaluation was made of over twenty concepts proposed in the literature by several of the Tampa Bay region's most prominent long span bridge designers. Four concepts were short-listed and a double composite concept selected for detailed study. In this concept, an additional bottom slab is cast in the negative moment region in continuous plate girder or box bridges to ensure composite action in the negative moment region as well. This leads to increased strength, stiffness and stability. This concept has not been used in the United States though it has proven to be successful in Europe. The double composite concept was evaluated using AASHTO LRFD (load and resistance factor design) specifications. An optimized conventional plate girder design, i.e., composite slab for positive moment regions, was used as a benchmark. Cost savings for the comparable double composite section were 6% and structural steel weight savings were 12%. Similar savings were also realized for box girder sections. Greater savings of 8% and 14%, respectively, were realized for hybrid girders utilizing high performance steel flanges and regular steel webs. The first phase of the study has demonstrated the potential of the double composite concept. The aim of the second phase is to conduct additional design studies, laboratory tests and numerical analyses to further refine and develop the concept. Proposed experimentation includes specific tests for developing new design criteria followed by a scale model test of a three-span hybrid double composite plate girder model implementing the criteria. To maximize economy, girder spacing will be kept as large as practical and alternate mechanisms for shear transfer (other than stud connectors) investigated. The elastic and ultimate response of the model will be assessed. An additional phase is recommended for the future to allow monitoring of stresses in a demonstration prototype structure.

• Record URL:
  https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/21000/21600/21608/PB99128654.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Volume I contains the research report and Volume II the appendices.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of South Florida, Tampa

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 4202 East Fowler Avenue
  Tampa, FL  United States  33620

  Florida Department of Transportation

  Haydon Burns Building, 605 Suwanee Street
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32301
• Authors:
  • Sen, R
  • Stroh, S
  • Olbinska, J
  • Hassiotis, S
  • Mullins, G
• Publication Date: 1999-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Box girder bridges; Bridge superstructures; Composite structures; Costs; Design; Innovation; Long span bridges; Plate girder bridges; Savings; Weight
• Uncontrolled Terms: Future research
• Geographic Terms: Europe; Florida
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Finance; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00760575
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: BB 522
• Files: NTL, TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 29 1999 12:00AM