Transverse cracking of composite bridge decks

Abstract

Early age cracking of concrete bridge deck is a frequent problem for bridges worldwide. This work provides a framework for a thermo-hygro-mechanical mathematical model for the analysis of early age transverse cracking of the bridge deck. The model includes the determination of the temperature and moisture gradients in the deck slab, and the prediction of the thermal and drying shrinkage strains. These strains were superimposed with the strains from creep and mechanical loads and applied to an elasto-plastic damage approach to quantify the damage and stresses in deck slab. The model was implemented in finite element computer software to accurately predict the cracking and damage evolution in concrete bridge decks. Accurate prediction of crack tendency is essential for durability design of bridge decks, thus more sustainable bridges with increased usable life span and low life-cycle costs. © 2011 WIT Press.