Review and Practical Considerations for Precast Prestressed Concrete Adjacent Girder Bridges
摘要
Adjacent precast girders are a common choice for small and medium span bridges. Many states, provinces, rail operators, and jurisdictions have their own standard type girders for different spans that are suitable for their respective load conditions. Construction using adjacent precast girders can take several forms. For example, having a composite or non-composite topping or not having a topping at all. Girders can be connected transversely via steel rods, shear keys, post-tensioning or a combination of these or none at all. In this paper, we review some of the different configurations of adjacent girders used by jurisdictions and operators in North America discussing different considerations for the durability, constructability, analysis, and design. We will explore the effects of the different types of connections between the girders on their durability, constructability, and load transfer capability. Finally, we look at the analysis of adjacent girders with transverse post-tensioning and some considerations for design.