Title: Prediction of Thermal Movements in Highway Bridges and Their Influence on the Design of Joints and Bearings

Author(s): Enrique Mirambell and Jordi Costa

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 164

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 81-96

Keywords: Bearings; bridge decks; bridges (structures); joints (junctions); structural design; thermal properties

DOI: 10.14359/10056

Date: 11/1/1996

Abstract:
A suitable design of deck joints and bearings in highway bridges should take into account the environmental conditions existing in the location of the bridge. Several authors state that the influence of the thermal effects should never be un derestimated in the design of joints and bearing systems and point out the existence of damages-in bridges due to environmental thermal effects. This paper presents a general method for the prediction of thermal movements in highway bridges located in Spain. It provides design recommendations which allow accurate prediction of thermal movements, depending on the location of the bridge, the longitudinal type of the bridge deck, the cross section type and other factors which significantly affect the thermal response of the bridge. Lastly, the influence of the temperature of settlement of the deck joints is also considered, in order to determine precisely the thermal movements in highway bridges. Such method can be developed and applied to other countries.