Non-linear analysis of RC bridge slab on prestressed beams in transverse direction

Abstract

Construction of bridge decks in Malaysia for typical spans of 10m-40m is mostly made of reinforced concrete slab on wide prestressed T-beam. The function of slab is mainly distribute wheel load to the beams. It is well known that the slab designed by consultants is assumed as continuous beams and they are always conservative. The purpose of this study is to determine the ultimate load capacity of the minimum reinforced concrete bridge slab supported by a wide flange T-section girder by conducting a nonlinear finite element analysis. The analysis results are compared with experiment using traffic loading at notional lane 1 of Load Model 1 (LM1) stipulated in EN 1991-2: 2004. Besides, this study is also meant to confirm the minimum transverse reinforcement as proposed by a previous researcher in accordance to clause 6.2.4. of EN 1992-1-1: 2004. Two beam models were analysed which are TBeam without slab (flange only) and T-Beam with 200mm thick slab on top of the beam flange. The analysis results were validated against experiment results conducted by previous researcher. The findings of the study confirms that the slab supported by wide flange T-beam with minimum reinforcement is sufficient to support Eurocode traffic load. This study warrants further research for construction of concrete slab on T-Beam girders with minimum reinforcement.