Effects of superstructure flexibility on strength of reinforced concrete bridge decks

This research studies the impact of the relative rigidity between the concrete bridge deck and the remaining structural components of the bridge superstructure on the behavior of the concrete deck. The study uses non-linear 3-D FEM models, which are developed using ANSYS 5.7 software package. Experimental data from one-span non-composite bridge superstructure are used to validate and calibrate the proposed FEM models. A series of parametric studies is conducted with respect to three parameters: (a) composite action, (b) slenderness ratio, and (c) presence of diaphragms. The analysis results are discussed in detail and conclusions on the behavior of the bridge deck are presented.