Reinforcing Transverse Glulam Deck Panels with Through-bolted Glulam Stiffener Beams: Theoretical Analysis

Abstract

Two design criteria, allowable stress design (ASD) and load and resistance factor design (LRFD), are presented for calculating glued-laminated (glulam) stiffener beam depth and number of dome head through bolts used in deck-to-deck connections for longitudinal stringer, transverse deck glulam bridges. Design examples for six deck panel spans (762–3,658 mm) and an applied 89 kN wheel load are also presented. The connection configurations (stiffener beam depth and number of dome head bolts) for both ASD and LRFD differ only in the stiffener beam depth (maximum 15% difference). Both ASD and LRFD criteria performed very well when compared to experimental observation and results of loaded stiffener beam connected deck panels.