Suitable effective strip width of continuous bridge deck slabs system over flexible steel I-girders

Applying existing design standard provisions or analytical solutions is typically acceptable for the evaluation of slab negative moments subjected to moving traffic loads. As a breakthrough in computer technology, the finite element-based approach has become a notably versatile tool used for bridge deck analysis. In this study, a reliable finite element modeling technique is employed to discretize the models of a continuous bridge deck slab over steel I-girder system. The continuity between the girders and bridge slab has been carefully treated to ensure the overall structural action of the bridge deck. The key parameters affecting the deck slab moment such as slab system rigidity, girder spacing, patterns of moving loads and number of loaded traffic lanes are carefully considered in this study. The effective strip width concept has been used so as to take into account the evaluation of the slab negative moment. Based on the present numerical results, a set of reliable empirical formulas is proposed to determine the effective strip widths used for the direct assessment of the negative moment in a bridge deck slab. The application of these formulas is then compared with other provisions. Based on the suggested formulas, the slab reinforcement can be moderated for a common range of bridge deck proportions.