Service Load Test of 1:3 Scale Shell Bridge Model

Abstract

Due to lack of maintenance, increase in legal loads, and increased traffic volumes, several thousands of deficient bridges in the surface transportation system needed to be rehabilitated or replaced. One potential solution to several of today's bridge problems is the shell bridge. This system consists of integrated shell-deck concrete segments that are posttensioned together to form a bridge. A 1:3 shell-bridge model was fabricated and service-load tested to determine its behavior when subjected to various load patterns. The model was tested under the effect of single concentrated loads as well as simulated American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) HS20-44 truck loading. The model was analyzed using the ANSYS finite element program. The buckling potential due to the posttensioning forces was also investigated with ANSYS. Fabrication and construction of the 1:3 model verified the feasibility of constructing segmental shell bridges. The integrated shell-deck section exhibited high stiffness and yet is lighter than conventional systems.