Investigation of the Effects of Transverse Bending in a Composite Inverted T-Slab Bridge System

摘要

The composite inverted T-slab bridge system provides an accelerated bridge construction alternative for short- to medium-span bridges with spans ranging from 6.1 to 20 m. The system consists of adjacent precast inverted T-slabs with a cast-in-place (CIP) concrete topping. Such a composite bridge system offers a shallow superstructure depth ideal for sites with stringent vertical clearance requirements. When concentrated loads are applied to a bridge of this type, the bridge deforms as a two-way flat plate. This paper presents an analytical and experimental investigation to study the relationship between transverse bending and reflective cracking. Transverse bending moment demands were quantified using a finite-element model and compared with tested transverse bending moment capacities provided by several subassemblage specimens, which feature two precast cross-sectional shapes and three transverse connections. It was concluded that all tested specimens performed well at service load levels. The detail that features a precast inverted T-slab with tapered webs and no mechanical connection between the adjacent inverted T-slabs and CIP topping is the simplest and most economical.