An Investigation of Precast and Prestressed Concrete Bulb Tee Multi-Beam Bridges.

摘要

Multi-beam bridges,constructed from precast and prestressed concrete bulb tee sections,were evaluated through field observations and analyzed using the finite element method. Approximately 50bridges were inspected in the states of Washington and Idaho,and data for over 100bulb tee systems was obtained for evaluation. Personnel interviewed from agencies constructing these bridges were very accepting of the bulb tee bridge system. Their reasons for this acceptance included the ease of erection,low installation costs,and low maintenance costs. The field observations of existing bridges revealed some problems. Most of these problems have been eliminated in later designs by careful follow up work carried out by the producers and most agencies. Cost data on 81bridges showed that the average cost per square foot of deck has been reduced by about 50percent since 1963.