Numerical Analysis on Changing Regularity of Transverse Load Distributions with Different Crack Lengthens of Plate-Girder Hinge Joint

Abstract

The finite element software ABAQUS is used to analyze the influence of hinge joint crack on transverse load distribution of prefabricated concrete hollow core slab bridge, including single-side crack and two-side crack. The relationship between hinge joint crack length and load transverse distribution was built by using the Regression Analysis. Equivalent Area Method was adopted to bring out the critical crack length. The paper introduced a correlative method to illustrate single plate phenomenon and suggested the critical hinge joint crack lengthens for prefabricated concrete hollow slab bridge, which provided a technical basis for the quantitative assessment of single plate phenomenon in the technical inspection practice of bridges. In the end, critical crack lengths of hinge joint were determined based on a criterion of the “Single Plate Load Effect”, that is, the critical crack length of single-side crack is 100% of the total span length of the bridge, while that of the two-side cracks is 67%. This result will lead to further research on the failure mechanics of prefabricated hollow core concrete slab beam bridges and their retrofit techniques.