EFFECT OF BEARING PADS ON PRECAST PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGES

Precast AASHTO concrete bridge I-beams are often supported at the ends by elastomeric bearing pads. The bearing pad-bridge beam interface defines support boundary conditions that may affect the performance of the bridge. In this study, finite-element modeling was used to validate AASHTO bearing stiffness specifications. Stiffness characteristics of the Florida DOT bearing pads were theoretically determined under varying elastomer shear modulus values. Finite-element models of AASHTO Types III and V beams were subjected to simulated static truckloads. Vertical and horizontal spring elements simulating new bearing pads were incorporated at the ends of the beam models. A full section of a bridge was also modeled, and the results were compared with field tests. In general, the restraint effects of the bearing pads are beneficial to the performance of the beams and bridge. However, the beneficial effect is small for new bearing pads and more pronounced under a drastic increase in bearing stiffness due to aging and colder temperatures. This increase in bearing stiffness must be justified if the beneficial elements are to be utilized. Current Florida DOT bearing pads are serving the main purpose of their application--to provide minimum horizontal restraint force to the beams while allowing horizontal movement.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/32947845
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Yazdani, N
  • Eddy, S
  • Cai, C S
• Publication Date: 2000-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 224-232
• Serial:
  • Journal of Bridge Engineering
  • Volume: 5
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1084-0702
  • Serial URL: http://ojps.aip.org/beo

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge bearing pads; Bridge engineering; Bridges; Finite element method; Horizontal supports; I beams; Prestressed concrete bridges; Shear modulus; State departments of transportation; Static loads; Stiffness; Structural supports; Validation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Elastomeric bearing pads
• Geographic Terms: Florida
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00797583
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 2 2000 12:00AM