Force‐Displacement Behavior of Concrete Bridge

Abstract

The raising of a continuous span reinforced concrete (RC) bridge creates the potential for subjecting the bridge to loading deformations for which it was not designed. This, coupled with the inherent weakness of concrete in tension and the associated critical positioning of the rebars, makes the possibility of rupture or excessive cracking during raising very real. Experimental testing was conducted on a one‐lane test bridge to evaluate force‐deformation responses for both abutment and bent jacking. The bridge is a continuous threespan, haunched girder type concrete bridge of standard design. Bridge support reactions and displacements were the parameters measured in the experimental testing. Results of the experimental testing were used to test several popular analytical analysis response prediction models. Giving due consideration to accuracy, simplicity, and convenience, it is recommended that a continuous prismatic member model be used in predicting bridge responses to both abutment and bent jacking. Recommended bridge modefing and idealizations are also presented.