INNOVATIVE METHODS OF CONCRETE BRIDGE DESIGN

This article chronicles two ways that engineers use design and analysis tools to produce concrete bridge and viaduct designs. The first method combines the traditional civil engineering practice of strut-and-tie analysis with finite element analysis (FEA) to study the local effects of external posttensioning in segmental concrete box girders. The second study uses FEA to assess the load effects of trucks on the box girder superstructure of the Bang Na-Bang Pli-Bang Pakong Expressway in Bangkok, Thailand. Engineers used FEA to predict structural behavior, reducing the structure cost while maintaining the required strength and serviceability. Several major benefits emerged from using FEA software in concrete bridge design. Finite element models enable engineers to use multiple element types to get more refined results and, therefore, avoid over-engineering a design. Special viewing capabilities enable engineers to see on-screen whether their designs are sensibly reinforced and to determine the feasibility of the designs while reducing the number of calculations performed by the engineer. With FEA, engineers can model the behavior of complex segments and geometry to determine if the overall design is a practical solution for the project at hand. In addition, faster computing times and improved computer hardware enable engineers to model more complicated designs with challenging design parameters.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10519629
• Corporate Authors:

  Civil Engineering News, Incorporated

  1255 Roberts Boulevard, Suite 230
  Kennesaw, GA  United States  30144
• Authors:
  • SHAFER, G
  • Pfuntner, J
• Publication Date: 1999-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 52-57
• Serial:
  • Civil Engineering News
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue Number: 12
  • Publisher: Civil Engineering News, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 1051-9629

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Box girder bridges; Box girders; Bridge superstructures; Civil engineering; Columns; Concrete bridges; Concrete ties; Costs; Expressways; Finite element method; Loads; Posttensioning; Segmental construction; Serviceability; Software; Strength of materials; Structural analysis; Structural design; Structural engineering; Struts; Truck traffic
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bang na-bang pli-bang pakong expressway
• Geographic Terms: Bangkok (Thailand)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Finance; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00759776
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 16 1999 12:00AM