DESIGN OF PRECAST PRESTRESSED BRIDGE GIRDERS MADE CONTINUOUS

This report documents and presents results of a study to determine time-dependent behavior and relevant design criteria for simple-span precast, prestressed bridge girders made continuous. A questionnaire was used to determine current practice. Creep and shrinkage tests of steam-cured concrete loaded at an early age were made. Computer simulations were used to investigate the effects of time-dependent material behavior and variation in design parameters on the effective continuity for live load plus impact. The findings suggest that positive moment connections in the diaphragms at the piers are not required and provide no structural advantages. The findings also suggest that effective continuity for live load plus impact can vary from 0 to 100% dependent on the design parameters and timing of construction. Computer analyses were also used to determine an upper limit for the amount of negative moment reinforcement over the supports to insure full moment redistribution and attainment of maximum bridge strength. New computer programs were developed for simplified analysis to determine time-dependent effects and service moments. Recommendations for design procedures were presented and design examples given.