Partial Continuity in Bridge Girders with Jointless Decks

Abstract

Many bridges are constructed in groups of simple spans. This construction system requires the use of deck (expansion) joints over piers, leading to numerous problems that are costly to maintain or repair. The use of jointless bridge decks is one of the alternatives gaining popularity among bridge engineers and officials. The construction of new bridges without expansion joints, or the elimination of expansion joints in existing bridges, reduces a great portion of the direct and indirect costs associated with the use of expansion joints. In this paper, a method is proposed for the flexural analysis of bridges with jointless decks. Partial continuity resulting from the link slab is investigated, and results obtained from the proposed method are verified using experimental data found in the literature and a detailed finite element model. The proposed method is utilized in a parametric study to investigate the effects of span length ratios, link slab stiffness, and girder axial stiffness on the behavior of a two-span jointless bridge. Two types of widely used support configurations are considered and expressions for the tension force in link slabs are derived. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are drawn.