Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Post-tensioned concrete bridges'

Master of Science
Department of Civil Engineering
Robert Peterman
A flowable hybrid concrete mix with a spread of 17 to 20 inches was created with a superplasticizer to be used in post-tension haunch-slab (PTHS) bridges where rebar congestion is heaviest. The mix would allow for proper concrete consolidation. A conventional concrete mix with a slump of three to four inches was also created to be placed on top of the hybrid mix. The conventional mix would be used to create a sloping surface on the top of the concrete. The two mixes could be combined in the PTHS bridge deck and act as one monolithic specimen. Standard concrete tests such as compressive strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, permeability, freeze/thaw resistance, and coefficient of thermal expansion were determined for the mixes and compared. Core blocks were cast using both mixes and composite cores were drilled. The cores were tested and their composite split-tensile strengths were compared to the split-tensile strengths of cylinders made from the respective mixes. A third concrete mix was made by increasing the superplasticizer dosage in the hybrid concrete mix to create a self-consolidating concrete (SCC) mix with a 24-inch spread. The SCC mix was created as a worst-case scenario and used in the determination of shear friction. Eighty-four push-off shear friction specimens were cast using the SCC mix. Joint conditions for the specimens included uncracked, pre-cracked, and cold-joints. Uncracked and pre-cracked specimens used both epoxy- and non-epoxy-coated shear stirrups. Cold-joint specimens used both the SCC mix and the conventional concrete mix. Joint-conditions of the cold-joint specimens included a one-hour cast time, a seven-day joint with a clean shear interface, and a seven-day joint with an oiled shear interface. The shear friction specimens were tested using a pure shear method and their results were compared to the current American Concrete Institute code equation.

[EN] Bridges, as an important component of infrastructure, are expected to meet all the requirements for a modern society. Traditionally, the primary aim in bridge design has been to achieve the lowest cost while guaranteeing the structural efficiency. However, concerns regarding building a more sustainable future have change the priorities of society. Ecological and durable structures are increasingly demanded. Under these premises, heuristic optimization methods provide an effective alternative to structural designs based on experience. The emergence of new materials, structural designs and sustainable criteria motivate the need to create a methodology for the automatic and accurate design of a real post-tensioned concrete bridge that considers all these aspects. For the first time, this thesis studies the efficient design of post-tensioned concrete box-girder road bridges from a sustainable point of view. This research integrates environmental, safety and durability criteria into the optimum design of the bridge. The methodology proposed provides multiple trade-off solutions that hardly increase the cost and achieve improved safety and durability. Likewise, this approach quantifies the sustainable criteria in economic terms, and evaluates the effect of these criteria on the best values of the variables. In this context, a multi-objective optimization is formulated to provide multiple trade-off and high-performing solutions that balance economic, ecologic and societal goals. An optimization design program selects the best geometry, concrete type, reinforcement and post-tensioning steel that meet the objectives selected. A three-span continuous box-girder road bridge located in a coastal region is selected for a case study. This approach provides vital knowledge about this type of bridge in the sustainable context. The life-cycle perspective has been included through a lifetime performance evaluation that models the bridge deterioration process due to chloride-induced corrosion. The economic, environmental and societal impacts of maintenance actions required to extend the service life are examined. Therefore, the proposed goals for an efficient design have been switch from initial stage to life-cycle consideration. Faced with the large computational time of multi-objective optimization and finite-element analysis, artificial neural networks (ANNs) are integrated in the proposed methodology. ANNs are trained to predict the structural response based on the design variables, without the need to analyze the bridge response. The multi-objective optimization problem results in a set of trade-off solutions characterized by the presence of conflicting objectives. The final selection of preferred solutions is simplified by a decision-making technique. A rational technique converts a verbal pairwise comparison between criteria with a degree of uncertainty into numerical values that guarantee the consistency of judgments. This thesis gives a guide for the sustainable design of concrete structures. The use of the proposed approach leads to designs with lower life-cycle cost and emissions compared to general design approaches. Both bridge safety and durability can be improved with a little cost increment by choosing the correct design variables. In addition, this methodology is applicable to any type of structure and material.
[ES] Los puentes, como parte importante de una infraestructura, se espera que reúnan todos los requisitos de una sociedad moderna. Tradicionalmente, el objetivo principal en el diseño de puentes ha sido lograr el menor coste mientras se garantiza la eficiencia estructural. Sin embargo, la preocupación por construir un futuro más sostenible ha provocado un cambio en las prioridades de la sociedad. Estructuras más ecológicas y duraderas son cada vez más demandadas. Bajo estas premisas, los métodos de optimización heurística proporcionan una alternativa eficaz a los diseños estructurales basados en la experiencia. La aparición de nuevos materiales, diseños estructurales y criterios sostenibles motivan la necesidad de crear una metodología para el diseño automático y preciso de un puente real de hormigón postesado que considere todos estos aspectos. Por primera vez, esta tesis estudia el diseño eficiente de puentes de hormigón postesado con sección en cajón desde un punto de vista sostenible. Esta investigación integra criterios ambientales, de seguridad estructural y durabilidad en el diseño óptimo del puente. La metodología propuesta proporciona múltiples soluciones que apenas encarecen el coste y mejoran la seguridad y durabilidad. Al mismo tiempo, se cuantifica el enfoque sostenible en términos económicos, y se evalúa el efecto que tienen dichos criterios en el valor óptimo de las variables. En este contexto, se formula una optimización multiobjetivo que proporciona soluciones eficientes y de compromiso entre los criterios económicos, ecológicos y sociales. Un programa de optimización del diseño selecciona la mejor combinación de geometría, tipo de hormigón, armadura y postesado que cumpla con los objetivos seleccionados. Se ha escogido como caso de estudio un puente continuo en cajón de tres vanos situado en la costa. Este método proporciona un mayor conocimiento sobre esta tipología de puentes desde un punto de vista sostenible. Se ha estudiado el ciclo de vida a través de la evaluación del deterioro estructural del puente debido al ataque por cloruros. Se examina el impacto económico, ambiental y social que produce el mantenimiento necesario para extender la vida útil del puente. Por lo tanto, los objetivos propuestos para un diseño eficiente han sido trasladados desde la etapa inicial hasta la consideración del ciclo de vida. Para solucionar el problema del elevado tiempo de cálculo debido a la optimización multiobjetivo y el análisis por elementos finitos, se han integrado redes neuronales en la metodología propuesta. Las redes neuronales son entrenadas para predecir la respuesta estructural a partir de las variables de diseño, sin la necesidad de analizar el puente. El problema de optimización multiobjetivo se traduce en un conjunto de soluciones de compromiso que representan objetivos contrapuestos. La selección final de las soluciones preferidas se simplifica mediante una técnica de toma de decisiones. Una técnica estructurada convierte los juicios basados en comparaciones por pares de elementos con un grado de incertidumbre en valores numéricos que garantizan la consistencia de dichos juicios. Esta tesis proporciona una guía que extiende y mejora las recomendaciones sobre el diseño de estructuras de hormigón dentro del contexto de desarrollo sostenible. El uso de la metodología propuesta lleva a diseños con menor coste y emisiones del ciclo de vida, comparado con diseños que siguen metodologías generales. Los resultados demuestran que mediante una correcta elección del valor de las variables se puede mejorar la seguridad y durabilidad del puente con un pequeño incremento del coste. Además, esta metodología es aplicable a cualquier tipo de estructura y material.
[CAT] Els ponts, com a part important d'una infraestructura, s'espera que reunisquen tots els requisits d'una societat moderna. Tradicionalment, l'objectiu principal en el disseny de ponts ha sigut aconseguir el menor cost mentres es garantix l'eficiència estructural. No obstant això, la preocupació per construir un futur més sostenible ha provocat un canvi en les prioritats de la societat. Estructures més ecològiques i durables són cada vegada més demandades. Davall estes premisses, els mètodes d'optimització heurística proporcionen una alternativa eficaç als dissenys estructurals basats en l'experiència. L'aparició de nous materials, dissenys estructurals i criteris sostenibles motiven la necessitat de crear una metodologia per al disseny automàtic i precís d'un pont real de formigó posttesat que considere tots estos aspectos. Per primera vegada, esta tesi estudia el disseny eficient de ponts de formigó posttesat amb secció en calaix des d'un punt de vista sostenible. Esta investigació integra criteris ambientals, de seguretat estructural i durabilitat en el disseny òptim del pont. La metodologia proposada proporciona múltiples solucions que a penes encarixen el cost i milloren la seguretat i durabilitat. Al mateix temps, es quantifica l'enfocament sostenible en termes econòmics, i s'avalua l'efecte que tenen els dits criteris en el valor òptim de les variables. En este context, es formula una optimització multiobjetivo que proporciona solucions eficients i de compromís entre els criteris econòmics, ecològics i socials. Un programa d'optimització del disseny selecciona la millor geometria, tipus de formigó, armadura i posttesat que complisquen amb els objectius seleccionats. S'ha triat com a cas d'estudi un pont continu en calaix de tres vans situat en la costa. Este mètode proporciona un major coneixement sobre esta tipologia de ponts des d'un punt de vista sostenible. S'ha estudiat el cicle de vida a través de l'avaluació del deteriorament estructural del pont a causa de l'atac per clorurs. S'examina l'impacte econòmic, ambiental i social que produïx el manteniment necessari per a estendre la vida útil del pont. Per tant, els objectius proposats per a un disseny eficient han sigut traslladats des de l'etapa inicial fins a la consideració del cicle de vida. Per a solucionar el problema de l'elevat temps de càlcul degut a l'optimització multiobjetivo i l'anàlisi per elements finits, s'han integrat xarxes neuronals en la metodologia proposada. Les xarxes neuronals són entrenades per a predir la resposta estructural a partir de les variables de disseny, sense la necessitat d'analitzar el pont. El problema d'optimització multiobjetivo es traduïx en un conjunt de solucions de compromís que representen objectius contraposats. La selecció final de les solucions preferides se simplifica per mitjà d'una tècnica de presa de decisions. Una tècnica estructurada convertix els juís basats en comparacions per parells d'elements amb un grau d'incertesa en valors numèrics que garantixen la consistència dels dits juís. Esta tesi proporciona una guia que estén i millora les recomanacions sobre el disseny d'estructures de formigó dins del context de desenrotllament sostenible. L'ús de la metodologia proposada porta a dissenys amb menor cost i emissions del cicle de vida, comparat amb dissenys que seguixen metodologies generals. Els resultats demostren que per mitjà d'una correcta elecció del valor de les variables es pot millorar la seguretat i durabilitat del pont amb un xicotet increment del cost. A més, esta metodologia és aplicable a qualsevol tipus d'estructura i material.
García Segura, T. (2016). Efficient design of post-tensioned concrete box-girder road bridges based on sustainable multi-objective criteria [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/73147
TESIS

When designing a bridge it is of high importance that the geometry for the cross section is optimized for the structure. This is partly due to the influence of the amount of material needed and its impact on the budget and environment. The influence of choosing the right amount of each material lies in the unit-price of the different material, where they can differ significantly. The Swedish Transport Administration, Trafikverket, has ordered the construction of Stockholm Bypass which is one of Swedens largest infrastructure project and is valued to 27.6 billion SEK according to the price index of the year 2009. The infrastructure project is divided into multiple projects where one of them is assigned to Implenia and Veidekke through a joint venture (Joint venture Hjulsta, JVH) and is valued to nearly 800 MSEK. The reference bridge that is used in the analysis of the master’s thesis is a part of the project. The aim of this masters thesis was to analyze and compare the two construction methods, mov- able scaffolding system (MSS) and incremental launching for the reference bridge with respect to amount post-tensioning and slenderness. Furthermore, an economical comparison between the two construction methods was carried out based on the obtained results. The analysis of the MSS was carried out by modeling the reference bridge structure in the finite element software SOFiSTiK AG. The bridge was modeled with different cross section height, i.e. different slenderness where the optimal amount of post-tension tendons could be determined by iteration until stress conditions from the Eurocode were fulfilled. For the incremental launching method, a numerical analysis was performed. The optimal amount of required post-tensioning was evaluated in the construction stages and final stages with different construction heights i.e. different values of slenderness. A cost analysis was also performed where the aim was to analyze how the total cost of the construc- tion of the bridge would be influenced by the different slenderness of the bridge as a comparison for the two construction methods. This was done by dividing the costs into fixed costs and variable costs. The results showed that the structural rigidity had a large influence on the required amount of prestressing steel for both construction methods. In other words, the smaller the cross section the more prestressing steel was required. Incremental launching proved to require a much greater amount of (PT) tendons compared to the MSS although the identical cross sections and properties for both methods, except for the PT. The prestressing for incremental launching is generally by centrical prestressing during the construction stages. A intersection point was obtained in the cost analysis for the construction methods. The incremental launching was the cheaper solution for slenderness smaller than the intersection point at slenderness between 17 and 18. The MSS was cheaper than the incremental launching for slenderness larger than the intersection point.
Vid dimensionering av tvärsektioner i broar är det av stor vikt att optimera geometrin avseende materialåtgång då mängden material har stor på verkan på ett projekts budget samt miljö. Eftersom konstruktioner ofta består av olika byggnadsmaterial gäller det vid optimering att välja byggnadsmaterialen genom optimerad proportionalitet. Förbifart Stockholm, beställt av Trafikverket, är ett av Sveriges största infrastrukturprojekt och värderas till 27,6 miljarder kronor enligt 2009 års prisnivå. Infrastrukturprojektet är uppdelat i flera mindre entreprenader eller så kallade etapper. Den entreprenad som omfattar trafikplats Hjulsta Södra har blivit tilldelat till Implenia och Veidekke genom ett konsortium (Jointventure Hjulsta, JVH) och värderas till cirka 800 miljoner kronor. Den förspända betongbro som byggs i trafikplats Hjulsta ligger till grund för analysen i detta examensarbete och har använts som referens under vår studie. Syftet med examensarbete var att analysera och jämföra två de två olika produktionsmetoderna, Movable scaffolding system (MSS) och etappvis lansering med hänsyn till erforderlig mängd förspänningskablar och slankhet. Vidare, baserat på erhållna resultat, utfördes en ekonomisk analys och jämförelse mellan produktionsmetoderna. Analysen av MSS utfördes genom att modellera brokonstruktionen i mjukvaruprogrammet SOFiSTiK AG som bygger på finita elementmetoder. Konstruktionen modellerades för olika slankheter, där slankheten definieras som kvoten mellan maximala spannlängden och brons tvärsnittshöjd. Spannlängden hölls konstant medan tvärsnittshöjden varierade för att erhålla olika slankheter. Den optimala slankheten bestämdes genom iterering av mängd förspänningskablar tills spänningsvillkoren var uppfyllda enligt Eurocode. För analysen av etappvis lansering utfördes en numerisk analys vars den optimala mängden förspänningskablar utvärderades i byggskedet (construction stages) samt i slutskedet (final stage). Analysen utfördes på samma sätt för de olika slankheterna. Slutligen genomfördes en konstandsanalys för de olika metoderna. Syftet var att jämföra hur den totala kostnaden för uppförandet av brokonstruktionen skiljde sig för de olika slankheterna. Jämförelsen genomfördes genom att dela upp de olika kostnaderna i fasta kostnader samt rörliga kostnader. Resultaten från analysen visade att den erforderliga mängd förspänningskablar som behövs i en förspänd betongbro är beroende av den strukturella styvheten i tvärsektionen. En högre slankhet, alltså lägre tvärsnittshöjd, ger lägre styvhet och därav mer erforderlig förspänningskablar. Etappvis lansering visade sig vara den metod som krävde mer mängd förspänningskablar. I resultaten för kostnadsanalysen uppmättes en skärningspunkt, för en slankhet mellan 17-18, mellan de två olika metoderna. För förspända betongbroar med slankhet lägre än skärningsupunkten vid 17-18 är etappvis lansering det billigare alternativet. För slankheter högre än 17-18 är MSS det mer ekonomiskt lönsamma alternativet.

Objective condition assessment is essential to make better decisions for safety and serviceability of existing civil infrastructure systems. This study explores the condition of an existing transit guideway system that has been in service for thirty-five years. The structural system is composed of six-span continuous prestressed concrete bridge segments. The overall transit system incorporates a number of continuous bridges which share common design details, geometries, and loading conditions. The original analysis is based on certain simplifying assumptions such as rigid behavior over supports and simplified tendon/concrete/steel plate interaction. The current objective is to conduct a representative study for a more accurate understanding of the structural system and its behavior. The scope of the study is to generate finite element models (FEMs) to be used in static and dynamic parameter sensitivity studies, as well load rating and reliability analysis of the structure. The FEMs are used for eigenvalue analysis and simulations. Parameter sensitivity studies consider the effect of changing critical parameters, including material properties, prestress loss, and boundary and continuity conditions, on the static and dynamic structural response. Load ratings are developed using an American Association for State Highway Transportation Officials Load and Resistance Factor Rating (AASHTO LRFR) approach. The reliability of the structural system is evaluated based on the data obtained from various finite element models. Recommendations for experimental validation of the FEM are presented. This study is expected to provide information to make better decisions for operations, maintenance and safety requirements; to be a benchmark for future studies, to establish a procedure and methodology for structural condition assessment, and to contribute to the general research body of knowledge in condition assessment and structural health monitoring.
M.S.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Engineering and Computer Science
Civil Engineering

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Toledo, 2007.
Typescript. "Submitted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science in Civil Engineering." "A thesis entitled"--at head of title. Bibliography: leaves 86-87.

During the fall of 2012, two separate Interstate 15 highway bridges over the 400 South roadway in Orem, Utah were demolished after 50 years of service. Four post-tensioned girders were salvaged from both the north-bound and south-bound bridge. A series of tests was performed with these girders in the System Material And Structural Health Laboratory (SMASH Lab). The girders were tested with different loading criteria to determine the strength and material properties of the girder. The experimental results were compared with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Load Resistance Factored Design (AASHTO LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications and a finite-element model using ANSYS. The AASHTO LRFD Specification was fairly conservative on predicting capacity and capable of predicting the type of failure that occurred. The ANSYS model was developed and calibrated to model the girder behavior. The concrete properties in the model were significantly adjusted in order to be comparable to the experimental results. Further exploration in ANSYS needs to be done to precisely model the actual behavior of the girder.

To make sound decisions about the remaining life of a structure, the precise calculation of the prestress losses is very important. In post-tensioned structures, the prestress losses due to creep and shrinkage can cause serviceability issues and can reduce flexural capacity. The Varina-Enon Bridge is a cable-stayed, precast, segmental, post-tensioned box girder bridge located in Richmond, Virginia. Observation of flexural cracks in the bridge by inspectors promoted a study regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. For understanding and sustaining the structure throughout its remaining service life, accurately quantifying prestress losses is important. Two approaches are used to predict long-term prestress losses on the Varina-Enon Bridge. The first approach involves a finite element computer model of the bridge which run a timedependent staged-construction analysis to obtain predicted prestress losses using the CEB-FIP '90 code expressions for creep and shrinkage. The second approach involves the compilation of data from instrumentation mounted in the bridge to back calculate the effective prestress force. The analysis using the computer model predicted the prestress losses as 44.6 ksi in Span 5, 47.9 ksi in Span 6, 45.3 ksi in Span 9, and 45.9 ksi in Span 11. The prestress losses estimated from field data were 50.0 ksi in Span 5, 48.0 ksi in Span 6, 46.7 ksi in Span 9, and 49.1 ksi in Span 11. It can be seen that relative to the results of field data estimations, the finite element analyses underestimated prestress loss, but given the degree of uncertainty in each form of estimation, the results are considered to fit well.
Master of Science
In order to apply a precompression force to concrete structures, post-tensioned concrete employs stressed steel strands. To construct lighter, stiffer structures, this popular building technology can be used. The steel strands undergo a reduction in force known as prestress losses over time. To make good decisions about the remaining life of a structure, the precise calculation of the prestress losses is very important. The Varina-Enon Bridge is a post-tensioned concrete box-girder bridge in Richmond Virginia. In July of 2012, observation of flexural cracks in the bridge by the inspectors promoted a study regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. Two techniques are used to predict long-term prestress losses for this bridge. A computer model of the bridge is used in the first method to calculate losses using the design code. In order to measure prestress losses, the second technique used data from sensors mounted on the bridge. It was found that the estimation of losses closely matched those predicted at the time of the bridge construction and the computer model results. Based on this the final conclusion is made that the prestress loss in the Varina-Enon Bridge is not significantly more than expected.

Accelerated bridge construction has quickly become the preferred method for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) as well as many other DOT’s across the United States. This type of construction requires the use of full depth precast panels for the construction of the bridge deck. The segmented deck panels produce transverse joints between panels and have come to be known as the weakest portion of the deck. Cracking often occurs at these joints and is reflected through the deck overlay where water accesses and begins corrosion of the reinforcement and superstructure below. For this reason post-tensioning of the deck panels is becoming a regular practice to ensure that the deck behaves more monolithically, limiting cracking. The current post-tensioning used by UDOT inhibits future replacement of single deck panels and requires that all panels be replaced once one panel is deemed defective. The new curved bolt connection provides the necessary compressive stresses across the transverse joints but makes future replacement of a single deck panel possible without replacing the entire bridge deck. To better understand the behavior of the new curved bolt connection under loadings, laboratory testing was undertaken on both the curved bolt and the current post-tensioning used by UDOT. The testing specimens included full-scale, full-depth, precast panels that were connected using both system. The testing induced typical stresses on the panels and connections, subjecting them to negative bending and shear. The overall performance of the curved bolt proved satisfactory. The moment capacity of both connections surpassed all theoretical calculations. The yield and plastic moments were 17% and 16% lower, respectively, than the UDOT post-tension system while at those moments deflection was relatively the same. Due to the anchorage location of the curved bolts, the reinforcement around the transverse joint received up to 5 times the strain of that of the post-tension connections. Although both systems performed well when subjected to shear forces and as compared to the theoretical capacities, the post-tension connection greatly surpassed the curved bolt in shear capacity.

The Varina-Enon Bridge is a cable-stayed, precast, segmental, post-tensioned box girder bridge located in Richmond, Virginia. Inspectors noticed flexural cracking in July of 2012 that prompted concerns regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. Prestress losses could impact the future performance, serviceability, and flexural strength of the bridge. Accurately quantifying prestress losses is critical for understanding and maintaining the structure during its remaining service life. Long-term prestress losses are estimated in the Varina-Enon Bridge using two methods. The first utilizes a time-dependent staged-construction analysis in a finite element model of the full structure to obtain predicted prestress losses using the CEB-FIP '90 code expressions for creep and shrinkage. The second method involves collecting data from instrumentation installed in the bridge that is used to back-calculate the effective prestress force. The prestress losses predicted by the finite element model were 44.9 ksi in Span 5, 47.8 ksi in Span 6, and 45.3 ksi in Span 9. The prestress losses estimated from field data were 50.0 ksi in Span 5, 48.0 ksi in Span 6, and 46.7 ksi in Span 9. The field data estimates were consistently greater than the finite element model predictions, but the discrepancies are relatively small. Therefore, the methods used to estimate the effective prestress from field data are validated. In addition, long-term prestress losses in the Varina-Enon Bridge are not significantly greater than expected.
Master of Science
Post-tensioned concrete uses stressed steel strands to apply a precompression force to concrete structures. This popular building technology can be used to create lighter, stiffer structures. Over time, the steel strands experience a reduction in force known as prestress losses. Accurately quantifying prestress losses is critical for understanding and maintaining a structure during its remaining service life. The Varina-Enon Bridge is a cable-stayed, prestressed box girder bridge located in Richmond, Virginia. Inspectors noticed cracking in July of 2012 that prompted concerns regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. Prestress losses were estimated using two methods. The first method utilized a computer model of the full bridge. The second method used data from sensors installed on the bridge to back calculate prestress losses. It was found that the prestress losses estimated from field data were slightly greater than, but closely aligned with, the computer model results. Therefore, it was concluded that the Varina-Enon Bridge has not experienced significantly more prestress losses than expected.

Bridge substructures are generally constructed using cast-in-place concrete and designed to undergo inelastic deformation in earthquake events. Although this construction approach has proven to be economical and provides adequate seismic performance through the formation of ductile plastic hinges, there are downsides relating to construction speed and quality, and post-earthquake repairability. This thesis explores two categories of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) connection types, which use precast concrete instead of cast-in-place concrete to offer advantages including increased construction speed and quality. High Damage (HD) ABC connection types emulate the seismic behaviour of cast-in-place construction through the formation of ductile plastic hinges. Controlled Damage (CD) ABC connection types use unbonded post-tensioned precast connections to offer additional advantages including reduced residual drifts, limited and controlled damage and simple repair options. Novel buckling-restrained, fused mild steel energy dissipators suitable for use in CD connections are also developed and tested. These designs utilise 'dry' fabrication to simplify the fabrication process and minimise cost. Half-scale experimental testing is carried out to demonstrate both the assembly processes and behaviour under reversed cyclic uniaxial and biaxial loading representing an earthquake event. Following benchmark testing, repair strategies are applied to the CD connection types and the columns are tested again, representing a subsequent earthquake event. Good results are obtained from all cases with relatively straightforward construction and repair processes. With further developments and testing, the connection types proposed can provide competitive alternatives to conventional bridge pier design with regard to seismic performance and life cycle costs, with the additional benefits associated with precast construction.

This master thesis is focused for design, respectively for creating counterproposal of existing structure of Motorway Bridge located at D1 motorway between Jánovce and Jablonov in district Levoča in Slovakia. This bridge is over a local road. The main aim of this thesis is design, analysis and assessment of bearing elements of bridge deck. For purposes of this thesis was created three variants of bridge deck. Detailed analysis was performed on bearing construction from post-tensioned precast beam with monolithing concrete slab. Two mathematic models were used for analysis of chosen variant. First model was spatial 3D shell construction. The purpose of this model was determinate cross spreading line of other constant load and live load. Second, flat 2D model, was for determination creep and shrinkage appeared from long-term load. These effects were observed in at advanced defined time nodes. Outcomes from upper mentioned model were used from design and assessment of bearing elements of bridge deck, design prestressed reinforcement cables and concrete reinforcement rods.

The subject of Diploma’s thesis is the design of a road bridge on the R1 expressway, at km 1,293 above the road III/51311. The main content is static calculation of supporting structure consisting of four spans. Four studies were processed and the first variant of double-girder monolithic structure was chosen. The range of spans is ranging from 25 m - 30 m. Double-girder consists of two post-tensioned concrete beams and reinforced concrete slab. Static models and load effects are solved in Scia Engineer. Bridge is located in the horizontal curvature, however, compromise was elected (because of small curvature), assessing the upright design. Calculation is made without effects of temperature, wind loads and horizontal forces causing by traffic.

This diploma thesis deals with the development of constructive technology project od local road in Žďár nad Sázavou. Specifically, there is a solution prestressed reinforced concrete construction of the bridge over the Sázava river according to the extent of the diploma work.

The final thesis is focused on design a bridge construction. across the valley near Dobruška. The existing bridge is convenient and it will be replaced by a new bridge construction. The bridge is situated on motorway I/14 and it is used to transfer across the valley and Brtevsky brook.The bridge construction is designed in three alternatives. The chosen variant is a post-tensioned two-beam concrete construction with a lenght of 88,5 metres and a width of 14,0 metres. The calculation of load is solved in Scia Engineer 2014. The construction is designed in accordance with valid standards and it is made a drawing documentation.

The topic of the thesis is the design and assessment of roadway bridge structure, which is curved in the horizontal plan with a very small radius. Bridges is part of the flyover crossing in Brno. There are designed two variations of which are further developed the variant of the two-chamber cross-section. Calculations and assessments are conducted in according to the valid European standards (Eurocodes). The static calculation is supplemented with a clear technical drawings and visualizations.

My thesis is focused on a design and comparism of the highway bridge across Dolansky creek. The bridge is built by balanced cantilever method. The common span length is 110metres. The bridge is post-tensioned concrete structure.The static model is made of beams.The static analysis during lifespan of bridge is made by Time discretization analysis . The design of reinforcement is made for longitudinal section and cross section.

The final thesis is focused on design of valley bridging on I/38 road at the Havlickuv Brod bypass. The thesis contains study of the bridging area. For detailed assessment was chosen, from three variants, a two-beam cross-section girder of 4 spans. Load-bearing structure is designed as cast-in-place, post-tensioned, concreted at fixed falsework without phased construction. The serviceability limit state and the ultimate limit state were assessed. The thesis contains, apart from structural design, drawings and visualizations of the bridge.

During recent years more and more emphasis has been put on saving and ecological aspects of the civil engineering industry. As the total volume of concrete being produced on our planet is immense (ca 1010 tons per year), the possibility of decreasing it by even a small percentage can bring large savings in material costs, transport and other costs and reduction of CO2 production and other pollution. Therefore, optimal analysis of design variables of concrete structures appears to be of high importance. Optimization is finding the best solution to a given problem. Many disciplines define different optimization problems and it is typically the minimum or maximum value of the objective function that is searched. It is known that mathematical procedures and algorithms to find an optimal structural design are used in practice in mechanical engineering, but the use of these tools in civil engineering is rather exceptional. Generally, scientific works deal with the optimal design of structures only. Finding of an optimal shape and dimensions is usually a question of the engineer’s experience and good “guess”, which is then verified by calculation. There are many reasons explaining why optimization in common practise is used only occasionally. One of them is the absence of proper user friendly software tools which could help within relatively short time available for structural design. Another reason is the complexity of optimization tasks as well as a lot of constraints in civil engineering design codes. Last but not least, the change of design variables of buildings, bridges and structures of special types do not express regular response. This issue is discussed in the submitted work.

The aim of this diploma thesis was the design of three possible variants, how to span the wide and deep valley with a bridge. After an evaluation, situation of the highway on the only wide load-bearing structure which is constituted by a box girder with transverse cantilevers supported by prefabricated bar braces, was chosen as an optimal solving. The load- bearing structure made of post- tensioned concrete is going to be incrementally launched and be supported by one-column pillars along an axis of the motorway. The work is composed of a detailed design of this preferred variant, which is processed according to the ultimate and serviceability limit state including the construction stage analysis of the bridge by the construction technology by an incremental launching method.

The subject of my diploma thesis is a detailed static calculation of the post-tensioned concrete road bridge across Bystrica creek near Banska Bystrica in Slovakia. The bridge is element of turning ramp a motorway R1. The spatial curvature continuous bridge has 9 fields. It was made a spatial curvature computational model of the bridge for a structural analysis. The model was comparison with a straight computational model of the bridge. It is made comparison effect of the construction bridge in stages on the size of the internal forces too. The load-bearing structure was checked according to CSN EN 1992-1-1, CSN EN 1992-2 and CSN 73 6214.

The Diploma thesis deals with the reconstruction design of a footbridge in the city of Kroměříž, Czech Republic. The footbridge would serve as safe transport for pedestrians over the Morava river. The main objective of the thesis is to conceive two or three reconstruction designs. The most suitable one will be opted for and elaborated in more detail. Eventually, strengthening of the bridge by means of additional prestressing using mono-strand post-tensioning systems is picked as the best solution of the planned reconstruction. The monostrand post-tensioning system is led under the deck, the cross section being outside. External cables are anchored in concrete blocks built around existing supports. Load-generated internal forces are calculated on a spatial bar model with non-linear first-order analysis. The calculation is executed using the finite element method in the midas Civil programme. The chosen reconstruction design is then assessed against load capacity limit states, and functionality. Also, the designed reconstruction is assed for dynamic effects. Results are compared with existing structure, and verified against the real-time tensometric measurement-obtained data. Dimensions, assessment of load-bearing structure, and structural details are all made according to valid Eurocodes.

The diploma thesis is focused on solving road bridge situated between Roudno and Razová village over the water basin Slezská Harta. Before the design itself 3 studies were created and compared together. The selected variant is a continuous box girder with inclined walls, post-tensioned by bonded cables. The girder of a total lenght 148,0 m and width 13,6 m is divided into three spans. Height of the girder is 3,3 m. A detailed structural design, including construction limit state assessment, prestress design and time dependent analysis verification is processed. The design and the assessments of temporary and permanent situations are made according to valid standarts and regulations. Drawings and vizualizations are parts of the diploma thesis.

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida State University, 2006.
Advisor: Kamal Tawfig and Primus Mtenga, co-advisors, Florida State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Sept. 15, 2006). Document formatted into pages; contains ix, 87 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

In post-tensioned (PT) bridges, prestressing steel tendons are the major load carrying components. These tendons consist of strands, ducts, and cementitious grout that fill the interstitial space between the strands and ducts. However, inspections on PT bridges have reported the presence of voids, moisture, and chlorides inside grouted ducts as the major cause of accelerated corrosion of strands. Corrosion of the strands has resulted in PT bridge failures in Europe and tendon failures in the United States. As most of the PT bridges have high importance measures and the consequences of failure are significant, it is important to maintain high levels of safety and serviceability for these bridges. To meet this goal, bridge management authorities are in dire need of tools to quantify the long-term performance of these bridges. Time-variant structural reliability models can be useful tools to quantify the long-term performance of PT bridges. This doctoral dissertation presents the following results obtained from a comprehensive experimental and analytical program on the performance of PT bridges. 1) Electrochemical characteristics of PT systems 2) Probabilistic models for tension capacity of PT strands and wires exposed to various void and environmental conditions 3) Time-variant structural reliability models (based on bending moment and stress limit states) for PT bridges 4) Time-variant strength and service reliabilities of a typical PT bridge experiencing HS20 and HL93 loading conditions and different exposure conditions for a period of 75 years The experimental program included exposure of strand specimens to wet-dry and continuous-atmospheric conditions. These strand specimens were fabricated to mimic void and/or grout-air-strand (GAS) conditions inside the tendons. It was found that the GAS interface plays a major role in strand corrosion. The GAS interfaces that are typically located in the anchorage zones of harped PT girders or vertical PT columns can cause aggressive strand corrosion. At these locations, if voids are present and the environment is relatively dry, then limited corrosion of the strands occurs. However, if the presence of high relative humidity or uncontaminated and chloride-contaminated water exists at these interfaces, then corrosion activity can be high. The strands were exposed for a period of 12, 16, and 21 months, after which the remaining tension capacity was determined. The analytical program included the development of probabilistic strand capacity models (based on the experimental data) and the structural reliability models. The timevariant tension capacity predicted using the developed probabilistic models were reasonably consistent with the tendon failures observed in PT bridges in Florida and Virginia. The strength reliability model was developed based on the moment capacity and demand at midspan. Service reliability model was developed based on the allowable and applied stresses at midspan. Using these models, the time-variant strength and service reliabilities of a typical PT bridge were determined based on a set of pre-defined constant and random parameters representing void, material, exposure, prestress, structural loading, and other conditions. The strength and service reliabilities of PT bridges exposed to aggressive environmental conditions can drop below the recommended values at relatively young ages. In addition, under similar conditions the service reliability drops at a faster rate than the strength reliability.

The introduction of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) to the field of civil engineering has led to numerous research efforts focusing on a wide range of applications where properties such as high strength, light weight or corrosion resistance are desirable. In particular, FRP materials have been especially attractive for use as internal reinforcement in reinforced concrete (RC) structures exposed to aggressive environments due to the rapidly deteriorating infrastructure resulting from corrosion of conventional steel reinforcement. While FRPs have been successfully implemented in a variety of structural applications, little research has been conducted on the use of FRP reinforcement for short span slab bridges. Furthermore, the behaviour of FRP-RC flexural members cast with self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is largely absent from the literature. The present study investigates the behaviour of an all-FRP reinforcement system for slab bridges which combines lower cost glass FRP (GFRP) reinforcing bars with high performance carbon FRP (CFRP) prestressed tendons in SCC to produce a structure which is both cost-efficient and characterized by excellent structural performance at the serviceability, ultimate and fatigue limit states. An extensive experimental program comprised of 57 large or full-scale slab strips was conducted to investigate the effects of reinforcement type, reinforcement ratio, prestressing level and shear reinforcement type on the flexural performance of slab bridges under both monotonic and fatigue loading. The proposed reinforcement system was found to display excellent serviceability characteristics and high load capacities as well as significant deformability to allow for sufficient warning prior to failure. Lastly, the use of post-tensioned CFRP tendons limited the stresses in the GFRP reinforcing bars leading to significantly longer fatigue lives and higher fatigue strengths compared to non-prestressed slabs. Analytical models were used to predict the behaviour of the slab bridge strips at service and at ultimate. Where these models failed to accurately represent the experimental findings, simple modifications were proposed. The results from ancillary tests were also used to modify existing analytical models to predict the effects of fatigue loading on the deflection, crack width, shear resistance and flexural capacity of each of the tested slabs.

This thesis compares the consumption of primary superstructure material in a conventional single span CPCI system with those of double-T alternatives. The CPCI system is currently the preferred bridge type for short and medium spans in Canada, despite its relatively inefficient use of materials due to imperfect live load sharing among multiple parallel girders. The double-T alternatives utilize slender double-T cross-sections, fully precast segments, and post-tensioning in both longitudinal and transverse direction. The economy of the CPCI and double-T systems is compared within the framework of four sample designs. The results indicate that the double-T systems are in general more efficient than the CPCI system and have the potential to achieve better economy.

碩士
國立交通大學
土木工程系所
107
As the post-tensioned precast concrete segmental girder bridges are increasingly used in the current construction technology. Under the loading test, the opening and closing of the joints, the displacement of the bridge, the stress and strain of the prestressed tendon and the concrete stress seems important. In this paper, the assumptions and the analysis methods of the bridge model will be explained step by step. The analysis results are compared with the experimental results of T. Takebayashi et al.（1994） and other scholars, and compared with the model of Edvis Sejkati（2016）, Jens Tandler（2001）, which are simplified section models, and the results are summarized in the end of the dissertation. This paper also introduces the post-tensioned precast segmental girder bridges, including its history and its advantages, as well as its construction method. There also has a brief introduction for the modelling software, ABAQUS, and it’s application of making this paper easier to understand by the reader. The analysis process involves linear and nonlinear analysis, and the loading will reach to the structure failure, and the results contain analytical data and the data comparisons.

This thesis examines the development of a superstructure for a slab-on-girder wood-concrete composite highway bridge. Wood-concrete composite bridges have existed since the 1930's. Historically, they have been limited to spans of less than 10 m. Renewed research interest over the past two decades has shown great potential for longer span capabilities. Through composite action and suitable detailing, improvements in strength, stiffness, and durability can be achieved versus conventional wood bridges. The bridge makes use of a slender ultra-high performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) deck made partially-composite in longitudinal bending with glued-laminated wood girders. Longitudinal external unbonded post-tensioning is utilized to increase span capabilities. Prefabrication using double-T modules minimizes the need for cast-in-place concrete on-site. Durability is realized through the highly impermeable deck slab that protects the girders from moisture. Results show that the system can span up to 30 m while achieving span-to-depth ratios equivalent or better than competing slab-on-girder bridges.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--State University of New York at Buffalo, 2007.
Title from PDF title page (viewed on Nov. 16, 2007) Available through UMI ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Thesis adviser: Lee, George C. Includes bibliographical references.

碩士
國立交通大學
土木工程系所
97
This study presents experimental and analytical results of post-tensioned precast concrete segmental bridge columns using energy-dissipating (ED) bars. Three ungrouted post-tensioned, prescast concrete-filled tube segmental bridge column specimens were designed and tested. All specimens were composed of a load stub, a footing, and four circular segments post-tensioned with internal unbonded high-strength strands. Moreover, Specimen 2 had four ED bars anchored between the first segment and footing, and Specimen 3 had four ED bars anchored between the second segment and footing. The effects of different anchoring position on segment opening and energy dissipation could be examined. In all specimens, the ratio of ED bar area to cross-sectional area of the segment, ��, was 0.66%. A correlation study was conducted on the test specimens using the computer program PISA 3D. The objective of the analysis was to perform a parametric study on 24 post-tensioned bridge columns, verifying the effects of the ED bar area, initial strand force, and column height-width ratio on the cyclic behavior. The test results showed that (1) the ED bar could increase energy dissipation in the hysteresis response, and Specimens 1-3 had the equivalent viscous damping ratio of 6.5-8.8%, and (2) plastic hinge length in the first or second segments varied with anchoring position of ED bars and lateral displacement. The parametric study showed that when the bridge column had ��=1.2%, the equivalent viscous damping ratio was increased to 12% with zero residual drift. When the bridge column had ��=2.4%, the equivalent viscous damping ratio was 14.8%, and the bridge column showed residual drift of 3.12% after reaching 6% peak drift. A design procedure was proposed based on the experimental and analytical studies.

博士
國立臺灣大學
土木工程學研究所
99
Precast concrete bridge construction has been proved to be an efficient solution in accelerating bridge construction and minimizing traffic disruption. However, due to concerns with the seismic performance of such type of construction, its application in seismic regions is limited. Therefore, many experimental and analytical studies were conducted. From their results, the seismic behavior of precast segmental bridge column possessed excellent ductility capacity that was adequate for use in regions of high seismicity. In order to improve the serviceability and constructability, a new material named high performance (HP) steel reinforcing bar was applied into the joint of precast segmental bridge column as energy dissipation bar and the cyclic behavior of precast segmental concrete bridge columns with high performance (HP) steel reinforcing bars as energy dissipation (ED) bars were investigated. The HP steel reinforcing bars are characterized by higher strength, greater ductility, and superior corrosion resistance compared with the conventional steel reinforcing bars. Three large-scale columns were tested. One was designed with the HP ED bars and two with the conventional ED bars. The HP ED bars were fully bonded to the concrete. The conventional ED bars were fully bonded to the concrete for one column, whereas unbonded for a length to delay fracture of the bars and to increase ED for the other column. Test results showed that the column with the HP ED bars had greater drift capacity, higher lateral strength, and larger ED than that with fully bonded conventional ED bars. The column with unbonded conventional ED bars achieved the same drift capacity and similar ED capacity as that with the HP ED bars. All the three columns showed good self-centering capability with residual drifts not greater than 0.4% drift. An analytical model referred to as joint bar-slip rotation method for pushover analysis of segmental columns with ED bars is proposed. The model calculates joint rotation from the slip of the ED bars from two sides of the joint. Good agreement was found between analytical predictions and the envelope responses of the three columns In addition, in order to reduce the seismic demand of precast segmental bridge column, seismic isolation system was applied to precast segmental bridge column and a large scale experimental study was conducted. The test results showed that isolated precast segmental bridge column system can reduce the acceleration of superstructure effectively. Therefore, reducing the shear demand and avoiding the damage of substructure. The benefit of using isolated precast segmental bridge column is that even isolation displacement demand is more than its capacity, precast segmental bridge column can deform more than 3% drift without sever damage. In other words, isolated precast segmental bridge column system has a capacity of large deformation and self-centering. The energy dissipation capacity of precast segmental bridge column is smaller than that of traditional bridge column. Under the same earthquake excitation, the strength reduction factor for precast segmental bridge column should be smaller than that for traditional one to achieve the same ductility demand. In this study, nonlinear dynamic SDOF analysis was involved, and 36 different ground motions were used in this analysis to investigate the proper strength reduction factor for precast segmental bridge column. In the analysis, bilinear plastic (BP) hysteretic model and stiffness degrading self-centering (SDSC) hysteretic model were used to present the behavior of traditional bridge column and precast segmental one, respectively. According to the result, it was proved that the strength reduction factor of precast segmental bridge column is smaller than that for traditional one. The ratio of strength reduction factor for SDSC model with different energy dissipation capacity and different ductility demand to that for traditional one was meshed up to modify the strength reduction factor formula provided in current seismic design code. Finally, a rational design method was proposed and verified.