Indications about Thermal Gradient Magnitudes from Field Studies of Concrete Box211 Girder Bridges

摘要

Three years of continuous thermal data from three concrete box girder bridges and211u001eone concrete box girder pier are compiled into a single study. The data is used 211u001eto draw conclusions about trends in thermal gradient magnitudes and shapes. The 211u001emaximum gradients from the data are compared to AASHTO recommended design 211u001egradients. Statistically appropriate design gradient magnitudes are then selected 211u001efrom the data. Conclusions concerning the effects on thermal gradient magnitudes 211u001efrom cross-section shape, asphalt topping, and motor traffic are presented.