Barrier Effect on Transverse Load Distribution for Prestressed Concrete Segmental Box Girder Bridges

AbstractBarriers are purposely omitted from the structural analysis for bridge design or load rating. They are not considered as primary structural members because, after a forceful collision, they may sustain some structural damage and would no longer strengthen the bridge deck. However, when completely intact, these secondary structural members do affect the distribution of applied loads, which is of interest to permitting agencies, such as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). For a prestressed concrete segmental box girder bridge, both design and load rating (for oversized load permits) are determined by longitudinal and transverse analyses without considering the influence of the barriers. For the transverse analysis, the maximum moment generated from the live load is traditionally calculated from Homberg charts. These influence surfaces are based on plate behavior and idealized support conditions and are generally conservative. This moment estimation and the lack of consideration for the ...