EFFECTS OF EDGE STIFFENING AND DIAPHRAGMS ON THE RELIABILITY OF BRIDGE GIRDERS

Secondary elements such as barriers, sidewalks, and diaphragms may affect the distribution of live load to bridge girders. The objective of this study is to evaluate their effect on girder reliability if these elements are designed to be sufficiently attached to the bridge so as not to detach under traffic live loads. Simple-span, two-lane structures are considered, with composite steel girders supporting a reinforced concrete deck. Several representative structures are selected, with various configurations of barriers, sidewalks, and diaphragms. Bridge analysis is performed using a finite-element procedure. Load and resistance parameters are treated as random variables. Random variables considered are composite girder flexural strength, secondary element stiffness, load magnitude (dead load and truck traffic live load), and live load position. It was found that typical combinations of secondary elements have a varying influence on girder reliability, depending on secondary element stiffness and bridge geometry. Suggestions are presented that can account for secondary elements and that provide a uniform level of reliability to bridge girders.

• 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:
  • Eamon, C D
  • Nowak, A S
• Publication Date: 2005-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 206-214
• Serial:
  • Journal of Bridge Engineering
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1084-0702
  • Serial URL: http://ojps.aip.org/beo

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Barriers (Roads); Diaphragms (Engineering); Finite element method; Flexural strength; Girder bridges; Live loads; Load transfer; Sidewalks; Static loads; Stiffness; Structural stability (Mathematics)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00987505
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 17 2005 12:00AM