Weldable Shear Connector for Glulam Decks on Existing Bridge Girders. University-Based Research, Education, and Technology Transfer Program

摘要

This report presents the outcomes of research efforts to document selectedstructural performances of weldable shear stud epoxy grout connectors for attaching hardwood glulam bridge decks to steel bridge girders. Structural performances investigated include the residual strength of the connectors after 3.7 million cycles of fatigue level shear loading to approximately 2,000 lb and the degree of composite action generated between the hardwood glulam decks and steel bridge girders with two or three connectors per deck panel per girder. The results document that the connections retain more than 93 percent of the original shear strength after 3.7 million cycles of shear loading. The results also show that with three connectors per deck panel per girder, up to 65 percent of full theoretical composite action is developed by the connector system. The bridge system stiffness due to composite action is approximately 5 percent greater than the stiffness of the bare steel girders for a 30-ft span bridge. Addendum sheets for the shear stud epoxy grout shear connector detail have been prepared for inclusion in PENNDOT's BLC 560M Standard Plans for Hardwood Glulam Highway Bridges. Estimated construction costs of the new connector system are 21 to 26 percent of the costs of the offset shoe connection currently specified in the BLC560M documents.