2013 Session: 498

• Cracking Analysis of Precast Concrete Segmental Box Girder Bridge
  Abstract: The Hathaway Bridge, an eastbound and westbound bridge pair, is located in Panama City, Florida, USA. Each of the pair consists of a single box precast concrete segmental girder with a deck width of 24.4 m (80 ft). The lengths of the eastbound and westbound bridges are 1031.43 m (3384 ft) and 1162.93 m (3815 ft) respectively. To date, these are the largest single-cell precast segments without internal struts fabricated in the USA. During construction many web cracks developed in the external anchorage areas. The purpose of this investigation is to identify the main causes of the cracks and to provide some design recommendations for large precast concrete segmental box girders. First, a brief description of the bridge is given. Then, analytical models for the bridge, post-tensioning forces, and construction forces are presented. The analytical results show that the external longitudinal post-tensioning forces can cause significant high tensile stresses in the interior face of the web around the anchorages. The information presented in this paper can assist bridge engineers in the design of concrete segmental box girder bridges.
  Authors: Huang, Dongzhou
  Authors: Huang, Dongzhou
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Bridges and Other Structures; Design
  Session: 498
  Paper Number: 13-0452
• Improving Durability and Constructability of Connections for Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems: Recommendations and Special Provisions
  Abstract: Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems (PBES) is an integral part of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) projects. The prefabricated components are required to be in good quality that is verified by strict quality control during manufacture and acceptance. In ABC, components are assembled and connected through field-cast joints. Construction of durable bridges not only requires good quality prefabricated components, but also durable connections. However, durability performance records of the field-cast connections are not encouraging. The majority of the durability problems are associated with the connection details, grout material properties, workmanship, application procedures, and quality assurance and quality control practices. Further, post-construction reports have documented challenges in selecting the grout material with properties compatible to those listed in the construction documents. Identifying the appropriate grout material depends on many parameters such as (a) site specific exposure conditions, (b) grout pocket dimensions, (c) application procedures and limitations, (d) curing and protection requirements and also (e) grout properties such as compressive strength, volume stability, initial setting time or working time, and application temperature range. This article describes (1) a grout property database, (2) specification of grout and special mix properties early in a project for connection detail design to assure constructability, and (3) a special provision template for material selection, leveraging contractor experience, and enhancing durability and constructability of PBES connections.
  Authors: Mohamed Ibralebbe, Mohamed Rusthi; Attanayake, Upul Bandara; Aktan, Haluk M.
  Authors: Mohamed Ibralebbe, Mohamed Rusthi; Attanayake, Upul Bandara; Aktan, Haluk M.
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Bridges and Other Structures; Design
  Session: 498
  Paper Number: 13-4497
• Improving Durability and Constructability of Connections for Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems: Recommendations and Special Provisions
  Authors: Attanayake, Upul
  Authors: Attanayake, Upul
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Bridges and Other Structures; Design
  Session: 498
  Paper Number: 13-4497