Abstract: Multi simple-span bridges form a majority of crossings used in the highway system. A typical span has a reinforced concrete deck over precast I-girders. Span lengths range from 15 to 35 meters. Expansion joints are introduced between each two adjacent spans to allow deck movements induced by temperature variation, creep and shrinkage. However, having expansion joints between adjacent spans develops costly maintenance problems.
The main issues that generate the need for maintenance are:
Another disadvantage of the expansion joints is the noise emission. Residents next to highway and bridges suffer from noise caused by flow of traffic. Expansion joints placed across traffic direction can be subjected to constant intolerable impact between wheels of vehicles and steel parts of the joints, which creates noise.
Therefore, elimination of expansion joints between adjacent spans would eliminate the noise emission, and can also more significantly reduce the cost for construction and maintenance of the bridges.
Keywords: Multi simple-span bridges, highway system, Link Slabs, maintenance problems.
Title: Seismic Performance of Multi-Simple Span Bridges with Link Slabs
Author: Nagi F. Hanna, Ahmed A. Rashed, Magdy M. Genedy, Ahmed M. Bohout
International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research
ISSN 2348-7607 (Online)
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