Title:
Residual Strength of Precast Steel-Free Panels
Author(s):
Rahman Edalatmanesh and John P. Newhook
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
110
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
715-722
Keywords:
bridge decks; crack width; damage accumulation; fatigue; punching shear; residual strength; structural health monitoring
DOI:
10.14359/51685825
Date:
9/1/2013
Abstract:
In this paper, the residual strength behavior of steel-free decks under truck wheel loads was studied. Steel-free decks are free of internal reinforcement; instead, they rely on arching action created by a series of external straps. Residual strength is defined as the remaining strength of the slabs after a limited number of fatigue cycles are applied. The change in residual strength with increasing fatigue cycles was experimentally investigated by testing five identical steel-free slabs. A varying number of fatigue cycles were applied to each slab and then ultimate static testing was conducted. During the testing, various physical parameters, including deflection, strain, and crack width, were monitored. It was determined that the residual strength begins to decrease as the fatigue damage enters the transition from stable crack growth to the final rapid crack propagation stage. A general residual strength relationship was proposed for use in field monitoring and management decisions.