(2015) Improving the Accuracy of Camber Predictions for Precast Pretensioned Concrete Beams, TR-625, 2015. Transportation, Department of
Abstract
The discrepancies between the designed and measured camber of precast pretensioned concrete beams (PPCBs) observed by the Iowa DOT have created challenges in the field during bridge construction, causing construction delays and additional costs. This study was undertaken to systematically identify the potential sources of discrepancies between the designed and measured camber from release to time of erection and improve the accuracy of camber estimations in order to minimize the associated problems in the field. To successfully accomplish the project objectives, engineering properties, including creep and shrinkage, of three normal concrete and four high-performance concrete mix designs were characterized. In parallel, another task focused on identifying the instantaneous camber and the variables affecting the instantaneous camber and evaluated the corresponding impact of this factor using more than 100 PPCBs. Using a combination of finite element analyses and the time-step method, the long-term camber was estimated for 66 PPCBs, with due consideration given to creep and shrinkage of concrete, changes in support location and prestress force, and the thermal effects. Utilizing the outcomes of the project, suitable long-term camber multipliers were developed that account for the time-dependent behavior, including the thermal effects. It is shown that by using the recommended practice for the camber measurements together with the proposed multipliers, the accuracy of camber prediction will be greatly improved. Consequently, it is expected that future bridge projects in Iowa can minimize construction challenges resulting from large discrepancies between the designed and actual camber of PPCBs during construction.
| Item Type: | Departmental Report |
|---|---|
| Note: | This record contains 3 files: the 267 page final report, the 4-page Tech Transfer Summary, and the 196-page Appendices. The Tech Transfer Summary and Appendices are not deposited separately in this repository. |
| Keywords: | Bridge decks; Concrete bridges; Curvature; Girder bridges; Girders; Prestressed concrete bridges; Pretensioning; Quality control, creep; finite element analysis; instantaneous camber; long-term camber; modulus of elasticity; multipliers; precast pretensioned concrete beams; shrinkage; thermal effects; time-step method |
| Subjects: | Transportation Transportation > Materials Transportation > Bridges and tunnels Transportation > Research > Concrete Transportation > Design and Construction |
| ID Code: | 20447 |
| Deposited By: | Leighton Christiansen |
| Deposited On: | 29 Sep 2015 12:10 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Sep 2015 12:10 |
| URI: | https://publications.iowa.gov/id/eprint/20447 |