Dynamic finite element model updating of prestressed concrete continuous box-girder bridge

The dynamic finite element model （FEM） of a prestressed concrete continuous box-girder bridge, called the Tongyang Canal Bridge, is built and updated based on the results of ambient vibration testing （AVT） using a real-coded accelerating genetic algorithm （RAGA）. The objective functions are defined based on natural frequency and modal assurance criterion （MAC） metrics to evaluate the updated FEM. Two objective functions are defined to fully account for the relative errors and standard deviations of the natural frequencies and MAC between the AVT results and the updated FEM predictions. The dynamically updated FEM of the bridge can better represent its structural dynamics and serve as a baseline in long-term health monitoring, condition assessment and damage identification over the service life of the bridge .

Seismic Analysis for Rigid-Framed Prestressed Reinforced Concrete Bridge in Tianjin Light Railway

The seismic analysis of a rigid-framed prestressed concrete bridge in Tianjin Light Railway is performed. A 3-D dynamic finite element model of the bridge is established considering the weakening effect caused by the soft soil foundation. After the dynamic characteristics are calculated in terms of natural frequencies and modes, the seismic analysis is carried out using the modal response spectrum method and the time-history method, respectively. Based on the calculated results, the reasonable design values are finally suggested as the basis of the seismic design of the bridge, and meanwhile the problems encountered were also analyzed. Finally, some conclusions are drawn as: 1) Despite the superiority of rigid-framed prestressed concrete bridge, the upper and lower ends of the piers of the bridge are proved to be the crucial parts of the bridge, which are easily destroyed under designed earthquake excitations and should be carefully analyzed and designed; 2) The soft soil foundation can possibly result in rather weakening of the lateral rigidity of the rigid-framed bridge, and should be paid considerable attention; 3) The modal response spectrum method, combined with time-history method, is suggested for the seismic analysis in engineering design of the rigid-framed prestressed concrete bridge.

Degradation process assessment of prestressed concrete continuous bridges in life-cycle

To accurately evaluate the degradation process of prestressed concrete continuous bridges exposed to aggressive environments in life-cycle,a finite element-based approach with respect to the lifetime performance assessment of concrete bridges was proposed.The existing assessment methods were firstly introduced and compared.Some essential mechanics problems involved in the degradation process,such as the deterioration of materials properties,the reduction of sectional areas and the variation of overall structural performance caused by the first two problems,were investigated and solved.A computer program named CBDAS(Concrete Bridge Durability Analysis System) was written to perform the above-metioned approach.Finally,the degradation process of a prestressed concrete continuous bridge under chloride penetration was discussed.The results show that the concrete normal stress for serviceability limit state exceeds the threshold value after 60 a,but the various performance indicators at ultimate limit state are consistently in the allowable level during service life.Therefore,in the case of prestressed concrete bridges,the serviceability limit state is more possible to have durability problems in life-cycle;however,the performance indicators at ultimate limit state can satisfy the requirements.

Evaluation method research on prestressed concrete bridges

Considering the construction features of prestressed concrete bridge, the comprehensive evaluation method about the bridge damage conditions are studied. Particular attentions are paid on establishing a muhilevel evaluation model for damaged prestressed concrete bridge, and the evaluation indices of the model as well as the rating standards are defined in the model. A normal relative function about the evaluation indices of each element is developed to calculate the relative degree, and for each element which is no sub-level elements. When evaluating the elements in sub-item level or index level of the model, the weights of elements that are pertained to one element are adopted, taking account of their deterioration degree. At the same time, the dam- age conditions of bridge are characterized by relative degree, element evaluation scale and structural technology mark of bridge, so it agrees with Code for Maintenance of Highway Bridges and Culvers.

Lifetime Reliability Analysis of Flexural Cracking for Prestressed Concrete Bridge

Time-dependant reliability is analyzed for the flexural cracking of prestressed concrete bridges under service limit state. The limit state function and random variables are derived from Chinese highway bridge design specifications. For deterioration of structural performances, chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion is emphasized. Through integrating first order reliability method （FORM） and time discretized approach, the time-variant reliability is evaluated. For illustrative propose, the reliability of a typical simply supported prestressed concrete beam is exemplified.

Bridge Falsework in Staged Construction of a Prestressed Concrete Beam Bridge

The formwork and falsework in the construction of twin ribbed slab decks on a multi-span ecological bridge for a dual carriageway are presented. The bridge is situated in a valley plain which is crossed by small rivers and was designed principally with the environment in mind. The bridge length is over 356 m, and the width of the decks is 11.5 m. For the bridge works, a simple conventional falsework system was chosen with steel frames for the supports and steel rolled beams for the decks. The formwork was constructed in solid timber and plywood as multiple-use panels. The falsework was designed in order to build the two 10-span bridge decks in stages. The decks are continuous cast-in-situ prestressed concrete twin rib with spans of 30 m, 34 m and 45 m. An individual falsework system was designed, which was easy to move transversally following completion of each stage for one deck. After finishing each stage, for the second deck, the falsework was dismantled and used again in the next construction fronts. An individual arrangement for the falsework along with timber pilings was used to cross the biggest river. The formwork timber panels were used several times in the multistage bridge construction. The adopted falsework system is very simple, but it allowed the speedy construction of the two decks where there were severe time constraints.

Weakening effect of vertical prestress ducts on web sections in prestressed concrete box girder bridges

Based on experimental study result of two simply supported beams,which were prestressed by vertical tendons,the research on the weakening effect of vertical prestress ducts on web sections of prestressed concrete box girder was carried out. The test result shows that in the condition without grouting into the ducts,the cracking load is evidently lower than that with full grouting,and stirrup stress and principal tension stress at the surface of concrete will increase obviously. Meanwhile,the finite element analysis has been done to the test beams. The research is consistent with the analysis of finite element. The research tells that strengthening the detection and management for the vertical prestress grouting quality have an important meaning to prevent cracking of the prestressed concrete box girder bridge and provide one theoretical and testing basis for analyzing the cracking reason of such bridges.

Development of Optimal Structural System for Hybrid Cable-Stayed Bridges Using Ultra High Performance Concrete

This study developed an optimal structural system for the hybrid cable-stayed bridge expected to have a durable lifetime of 200 years and of which major structural members are made of ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) with 200 MPa-class compressive strength. This innovative cable-stayed bridge system makes it possible to reduce each of the construction and maintenance costs by 20% compared to the conventional concrete cable-stayed bridge by improving significantly the weight and durability of the bridge. Therefore, detail design is carried out considering a real 800 m cable-stayed bridge and the optimal structure of the hybrid cable-stayed bridge is proposed and verified.

Health Monitoring-Based Assessment of Reinforcement with Prestressed Steel Strand for Cable-Stayed Bridge

This paper presents the method of reinforcing main girder of reinforced concrete cable-stayed bridge with prestressed steel strands.To verify the effectiveness of external prestressed strand reinforcement method.Static load tests and health monitoring-based assessment were carried out before and after reinforcement.Field load test shows that the deflection and stress values of the main girder are reduced by 10%~20%after reinforcement,and the flexural strength and stiffness of the strengthened beam are improved.The deflection and strain data of health monitoring of the specified section are collected.The deflection of the second span is 4 mm~10 mm,the strain range of the upper edge of the second span is-10με~-40με,and the strain range of the lower edge is 30με~75με.These values show the deflection and strain values fluctuate within a prescribed range,verifying the safety of the bridge.The reinforcement method of prestressed steel strand is feasible and effective.It can provide reference basis for the application of external prestressed strand reinforcement technology in similar projects.

Strut-and-Tie Method as a Basis for Optimization of Hoop Prestressed Tendons in Abnormally Shaped Anchorage Zone of Cable-Stayed Bridge Pylon

Based on full-scale segment model tests of the abnormally shaped anchorage zone of the Maling River cable-stayed bridge pylon and FEM analysis, its mechanical and deformation properties were obtained, and the validity of FEM analysis was verified. An optimal layout of prestressed tendons in the anchorage zone was obtained by using the strut-and-tie method （STM）. The comparison FEM analysis between the full-scale segment model and the optimal prestressed tendons model show that： the optimal model not only saves prestressed tendons, but also achieves the same cracking resistance; STM method is reliable and accurate in the analysis of the abnormally shaped anchorage zone of cable-stayed bridge pylon.

Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Arch Bridges in China

In the past 20 years, great progress has been achieved in China in the construction of concrete-filled steel tube （CFST） arch bridges and concrete arch bridges with a CFST skeleton. The span of these bridges has been increasing rapidly, which is rare in the history of bridge development. The large-scale construction of expressways and high-speed railways demands the development of long-span arch bridges, and advances in design and construction techniques have made it possible to construct such bridges. In the present study, the current status, development, and major innovative technologies of CFST arch bridges and concrete arch bridges with a CFST skeleton in China are elaborated. This paper covers the key con- struction technologies of CFST arch bridges, such as the design, manufacture, and installation of steel tube arch trusses, the preparation and pouring of in-tube concrete, and the construction of the world＇s longest CFST arch bridge-the First Hejiang Yangtze River Bridge. The main construction technologies of rein- forced concrete arch bridges are also presented, which include cable-stayed fastening-hanging cantilever assembly, adjusting the load by means of stay cables, surrounding the concrete for arch rib pouring, and so forth. In addition, the construction of two CFST skeleton concrete arch bridges-the Guangxi Yongning Yong River Bridge and the Yunnan-Guangxi Railway Nanpan River Bridge--is discussed. CFST arch bridges in China have already gained a world-leading position; with the continuous innovation of key technologies, China will become the new leader in promoting the development of arch bridges.

Conceptual Design of Hybrid Cable-Stayed Bridge with Central Span of 1000 m Using UHPC

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is featured by a compressive strength 5 times higher than that of ordinary concrete and by a high durability owing to the control of the chloride penetration speed by its dense structure. The high strength characteristics of UHPC offer numerous advantages like the reduction of the quantities of cables and foundations by the design of a lightweight superstructure in the case of the long-span bridge preserving its structural performance through axial forces and structures governed by compression. This study conducted the conceptual design of a hybrid cable-stayed bridge with central span of 1000 m and exploiting 200 MPa-class UHPC. The economic efficiency of the conceptual design results of the hybrid cable-stayed bridge with central span of 1000 m and of Sutong Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, was analyzed.

Unified analogue method of effective prestress for post-prestressed tendon

In order to obtain the present effective prestress and its longitudinal distribution of prestressed tendon during the process of inspection and evaluation, a unified analogue method was put forward. Based on the theory for calculating instantaneous prestress loss of the tendons with complicated geometry, a universal numerical model was established. Therefore, the distribution of effective prestress could be simulated after recognizing the nominal coefficients of prestress loss with the obtained stress data of objective steel tendon. The numerical simulation results of a full-length tendon of a three-span continuous beam bridge show that the relative errors between the calculated value and the value in the code are within 5%, which meets the requirement for engineering application.

PSC Bridge Subjected to Combined Post Tension and Post Compression—A Case Study

Starting from the ideas of Conventional Post Tensioning we present a heuristic argument of advantages of combined actions of post compression along with post tensioned technique for a PSC member through a Design Example. Our aim was to assess the characterization of a pre stressed member if it was?to be under the Load effects of post compressing a bar with post tensioned method through hydraulic jacks as the reinforcements in the tensioned zone of conventional PSC bridge were to be compressed in order to induce internal tensile stress similar to internal compressive stresses developed due to conventional post tensioned design. The results ultimately concluded that post compressing a Slender bar by a pre stressing force in the compression zone by a value equal to 0.1?-?0.7 times the pre stressing force in the tension zone would eventually lead to cancelling out of tensile and compressive stresses, thereby forming the desired section which is comparatively smaller in size but can account for sustainability. The anchorage at the top end was?provided by special slender steel rods to eliminate the compressive stresses. All the dead loads?were?counteracted by the action of prestress and the bridge section was able to carry only live load which is deduced through examples in the article.

Recent Construction Technology Innovations and Practices for Large-Span Arch Bridges in China

Arch bridges provide significant technical and economic benefits under suitable conditions.In particular,concrete-filled steel tubular(CFST)arch bridges and steel-reinforced concrete(SRC)arch bridges are two types of arch bridges that have gained great economic competitiveness and span growth potential due to advancements in construction technology,engineering materials,and construction equipment over the past 30 years.Under the leadership of the author,two record-breaking arch bridges—that is,the Pingnan Third Bridge(a CFST arch bridge),with a span of 560 m,and the Tian’e Longtan Bridge(an SRC arch bridge),with a span of 600 m—have been built in the past five years,embodying great technological breakthroughs in the construction of these two types of arch bridges.This paper takes these two arch bridges as examples to systematically summarize the latest technological innovations and practices in the construction of CFST arch bridges and SRC arch bridges in China.The technological innovations of CFST arch bridges include cable-stayed fastening-hanging cantilevered assembly methods,new in-tube concrete materials,in-tube concrete pouring techniques,a novel thrust abutment foundation for nonrocky terrain,and measures to reduce the quantity of temporary facilities.The technological innovations of SRC arch bridges involve arch skeleton stiffness selection,the development of encasing concrete materials,encasing concrete pouring,arch rib stress mitigation,and longitudinal reinforcement optimization.To conclude,future research focuses and development directions for these two types of arch bridges are proposed.

简支变结构连续小箱梁桥负弯矩区UHPC-NC组合桥面板抗裂性研究

针对当前简支变结构连续小箱梁桥负弯矩区钢束易堵孔、运营中桥面开裂病害等问题,提出一种无负弯矩钢束的UHPC-NC组合桥面板结构。以一座3×30 m简支变结构连续小箱梁桥为研究对象,以正常使用极限状态梁体不开裂为控制准则确定UHPC合理构造尺寸,对所提出的负弯矩组合桥面板结构进行1∶2的缩尺模型试验。试验显示:裂缝首先出现于UHPC-NC交界面处的普通混凝土部分,随后逐渐向UHPC层沿伸,且C50混凝土开裂、梁体破坏对应的截面弯矩分别为3 520,9 152 kN·m(考虑1∶8弯矩缩尺比),大于正常使用极限状态、承载能力极限状态梁体截面弯矩3 300,5 838 kN·m,即该组合桥面板结构满足小箱梁的抗裂与承载能力要求。基于试验结果建立精细化有限元模型,采用参数分析法研究UHPC厚度对梁体开裂荷载、极限承载力等方面的影响。结果表明:梁体开裂弯矩主要由UHPC上覆层厚度决定,相较于普通钢筋混凝土梁,5 cm厚的UHPC上覆层可将梁体开裂弯矩提高28.9%,7.5 cm厚的UHPC上覆层可将梁体开裂弯矩提高41.6%;在配筋率不变的情况下,增大UHPC层厚度对梁体承载力无显著提升。综合考虑梁体受力性能以及施工便利性,建议背景工程UHPC厚度取10 cm。

PPC斜拉桥主梁多状态疲劳及疲劳后静力性能试验研究

为研究大跨径部分预应力混凝土(PPC)斜拉桥主梁的抗疲劳性能,进一步探究混凝土斜拉桥主梁采用部分预应力设计的可行性及合理性,制作了斜拉桥缩尺节段模型,并对主梁采用部分预应力设计,开展4轮共4×250万次主梁具有不同初始损伤及带裂缝工作状态下的疲劳试验;疲劳试验结束后,以4种不同主梁裂缝宽度(0.1mm、0.2mm、0.3mm和0.5mm)为控制工序,反复加载一定倍数的等效活载至主梁裂缝宽度逐步达到0.5mm,以全面研究PPC斜拉桥主梁多状态疲劳后的受力性能。试验结果表明:在等效设计疲劳荷载作用下,主梁无初始损伤时,体系刚度基本无退化,主梁最大裂缝宽度预损伤分别为0.1mm、0.2mm时,跨中截面体系刚度下降量仅为3.35%、4.44%,且未发现裂缝张开;主梁带裂缝工作状态下,跨中截面体系刚度平缓下降7.46%,上峰值静载下,裂缝数量及高度略有增加,但卸载后裂缝均闭合,说明PPC斜拉桥具有良好的抗疲劳性能;疲劳后主梁大损伤静载试验中,主梁裂缝平稳发展,各工序反复加载过程中,主梁挠度、裂缝状态及斜拉索索力均具有较好的恢复能力,当主梁最大裂缝宽度为0.5mm时,荷载达到了7.49倍活载,斜拉桥体系仍然具有较大的剩余承载力。该文试验研究结果表明混凝土斜拉桥主梁采用部分预应力设计具有工程应用的可行性。

重载铁路桥梁体外预应力筋加固性能研究

运营提载会导致重载铁路桥梁损伤累积和刚度退化加剧,对重载铁路预应力混凝土桥梁进行加固可以改善桥梁的受力状况,提高桥梁承载能力。为了研究重载铁路桥梁体外预应力筋加固的性能,分别制作重载铁路24 m超低高度预应力混凝土梁的未加固足尺试验模型与体外预应力筋加固足尺试验模型,并开展200万次疲劳试验与疲劳后静力试验。建立未加固预应力混凝土梁与体外预应力筋加固预应力混凝土梁的精细化有限元模型,通过试验与有限元分析,研究加固前后重载铁路预应力混凝土梁的静力与疲劳性能,揭示加固前后梁体挠度和应力变化规律,并分析不同轴重列车作用下加固预应力混凝土梁的力学性能。研究结果表明:重载铁路桥梁外加预应力筋的加固效果良好,疲劳试验中加固梁刚度退化幅度、跨中挠度、梁内预应力筋应力、梁底及下翼缘混凝土应力显著比未加固梁的小;在33 t轴重列车与1.2倍中等荷载(ZH)轴重作用下,外加预应力筋加固的24 m超低高度预应力混凝土梁的适应性良好,预应力混凝土梁挠度与应力响应均符合规范要求。研究结果可为重载铁路桥梁的设计、养护、维护与加固提供基础与参考。

斜拉桥非对称V形钢塔-混凝土基座结合部构造设计优化

某空间异型斜拉桥主塔钢柱与斜撑在底部形成非对称V形结构,钢构件轴线严重偏离下部混凝土基座顶面垂线,给结合部构造设计带来困难。目的 为了确定所采用构造方案中的众多参数,缓解塔柱到基座的刚度陡变,降低结合部各部件的应力最大值,方法 基于精细化非线性有限元模拟,通过改变参数取值,对多种典型工况下各部件的应力进行分析、对比、验算,对于锚杆设置这一参数的影响,还研究了承压板与混凝土基座之间的界面应力。结果 研究结果表明:张拉1~4号索的施工极端工况和平面内外弯矩绝对值相加最大的使用工况最为关键,基座混凝土主拉应力常起控制作用,塔根应力比较接近规范限值;加厚承压板、适当提高混凝土强度有利于控制锚箱钢板和基座混凝土应力;原方案锚箱中部纵横向钢板作用很小;锚杆布置位置合理远比数量重要,弯矩作用下受拉侧施加预应力能够起到有益作用。结论 最终优化方案大量减少了锚箱钢板块数和锚杆根数,预应力分布也更合理。研究结果兼顾安全、适用和经济,对相关工程具有借鉴意义。

体外预应力UHPC无腹筋梁抗剪性能试验研究

为研究体外预应力超高性能混凝土(Ultra-high Performance Concrete,UHPC)无腹筋梁的抗剪性能,设计了3片体外预应力UHPC无腹筋梁,剪跨比分别为1.44、2.56、3.67,采用四点加载的方式进行抗剪性能试验,获得了试验梁的荷载-位移关系、荷载-应变关系、破坏形态以及极限抗剪承载力。试验结果表明:体外预应力UHPC无腹筋梁的抗剪破坏方式均表现为脆性破坏,随着剪跨比的增大,试验梁破坏形态依次表现为斜压破坏、剪压破坏、剪拉破坏;剪跨比越大,斜裂缝的数量越少、倾角越小,试验梁的极限抗剪承载力越小,且减小趋势变缓。基于极限平衡法推导了体外预应力UHPC无腹筋梁的抗剪承载力计算公式,验算了14片无黏结预应力UHPC梁的抗剪承载力,该公式适用性良好。