Time-Dependent and Cracking Analysis of Prestressed Concrete Curved Bridges Constructed in Stages

Abstract

Concrete structures are ubiquitous. Serviceability analysis of structures has become critical. Engineers need simple tools that follow structural codes and facilitate manipulation of design parameters. Literature is available for structural response, including cracking and time-dependent effects, of segmentally constructed straight elements. This thesis takes that work and extends it to include biaxial bending and torsion. Using existing curved element formulation, a model is developed for uniaxial elements with varying cross section, prestressing, and external loading. Verification against existing problems in two and three dimensions is performed. Demonstration of the model’s capability is included, showing problems from the literature and a real world highway bridge in Calgary, Alberta. A parametric study to examine the effects of changing the prestressing to meet design code criteria for fatigue analysis is included. Real design code loading requirements are used, and the designer can see how the structure responds to changing parameters.