Environmental Impact Optimization of Reinforced Concrete Slab Frame Bridges

The main objective of this research is to integrate environmental impact optimization in the structural design of reinforced concrete slab frame bridges in order to determine the most environment-friendly design. The case study bridge used in this work was also investigated in a previous paper focusing on the optimization of the investment cost, while the present study focuses on environmental impact optimization and comparing the results of both these studies. Optimization technique based on the pattern search method was implemented. Moreover, a comprehensive LCA （life cycle assessment） methodology of ReCiPe and two monetary weighting systems were used to convert environmental impacts into monetary costs. The analysis showed that both monetary weighting systems led to the same results. Furthermore, optimization based on environmental impact generated models with thinner construction elements yet of a higher concrete class, while cost optimization by considering extra constructability factors provided thicker sections and easier to construct. This dissimilarity in the results highlights the importance of combining environmental impact （and its associated environmental cost） and investment cost to find more material-efficient, economical, sustainable and time-effective bridge solutions.

Structural Optimization of Concrete Slab Frame Bridges Considering Investment Cost

The present study investigates computer-antomated design and structural optimization of concrete slab frame bridges considering investment cost based on a complete 3D model. Thus, a computer code with several modules has been developed to produce parametric models of slab frame bridges. Design loads and load combinations are based on the Eurocode design standard and the Swedish design standard for bridges. The necessary reinforcement diagrams to satisfy the ultimate and serviceability limit states, including fatigue checks for the whole bridge, are calculated according to the aforementioned standards. Optimization techniques based on the genetic algorithm and the pattern search method are applied. A case study is presented to highlight the efficiency of the applied optimization algorithms. This methodology has been applied in the design process for the time-effective, material-efficient, and optimal design of concrete slab frame bridges.

Experimental Evaluation of Flexural Behavior of Stress Laminated Timber Decks

Stress laminated timber(SLT)deck is assembled using timber(umber or glulam)components placed side by side and stressed together,which has the advantages of easy prefabrication and good cost performance.This work pre-sented an experimental investigation of bending tests per formed on SLT slabs.Several parameters,including pre-stress levels,distance of pre-stressing bars,and the existence of self tapping screw(STS)reinforcement,were taken into consideration.To reinforce the compressive property of timber perpendicular to the grain,the STSs were placed under the anchor plate of the pre-stressed bars.The experimental results were analyzed and discussed in terms of failure modes,ultimate bearing capacity,ultimate strain,and bending sifness.It was found that the SLT slab showed satisfactory composite action as well as resid ual bearing capacity.The pre stress levels showed an obvious effect on the load bearing capacity and relatively slight effect on the bending stiffness.