PCI eLearning Course T210: Introduction on Full-Depth Panel Precast Concrete Deck System and its Advantages-Behavior of Full Depth Panels in Bridge Deck Reconstruction

Behavior of Full Depth Panels in Bridge Deck Reconstruction

Pdf Summary

Full-depth precast concrete panels are being used to replace bridge decks due to their speed of construction, durability, and ability to achieve full composite action with precast concrete girders. To achieve composite action, threaded steel bolts are used as shear connectors between the panels and girders. Thirteen push-out specimens with shear pockets in the slabs were tested to determine the ultimate strength and mode of failure of the shear connection system. The test results showed that the threaded steel bolts allowed the panels and girders to achieve full composite action. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) load and resistance factor design guidelines were found to conservatively estimate the design strength of the shear connection. The study also compared the test results with the ACI 318-02 code, AASHTO standard specifications, and AASHTO LRFD specifications, and found good agreement. The length and configuration of the bolts had minimal impact on the horizontal shear strength. The number of bolts, however, had a proportional effect on the shear strength. Overall, the study concluded that threaded steel bolts can be successfully used as shear connectors in full-depth precast concrete bridge systems.

Keywords

full-depth precast concrete panels

bridge decks

speed of construction

durability

full composite action

shear connectors

threaded steel bolts

ultimate strength

shear connection system

AASHTO load and resistance factor design guidelines