Prof. Dr.-Ing. G.

Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 1 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

Precast segmental box girder bridges with external prestressing - design and construction Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University, Hamburg-Harburg, Germany

Summary
Segmental box girder bridges externally post-tensioned are one of the major new developments in bridge engineering in the last years. In contrast to classical monolithic constructions a segmental bridge consists of small precast elements stressed together by external tendons (fig. 1). The many advantages of this type of structure like fast and versatile construction, no disruption at ground level, high controlled quality and cost savings have made them the preferred solution for many long elevated highways, especially in South East Asia (see [1], [2]), and bridges. Design and construction of precast segmental hollow box girder bridges will be mentioned in this paper.

Introduction

The greatest segmental bridges had been build in South East Asia resp. Bangkok. This region of the world suffers under a big lack of sufficient infrastructure e.g. roads. In the big cities like e.g. Bangkok the traffic nearly collapsed. There is a great need to change this bad situation rapidly. A Master Plan had been developed for the Bangkok region which lead to many big train and highway projects (table 1). Table 1 Projects in Bangkok Name of Project Hopewell (SRT-CT, BERTS SST Ramindra Atrnarong Expressway Second Stage Expressway System Bang Na Expressway Sector C+ System 7 train tracks + 4-lane elevated highway Segmental Constr. 4-lane elevated highway 6-lane elevated highway I-beams 6-lane elevated highway Segmental Constr. 6-lane elevated highway Segmental Constr. 4-lane elevated highway Segmental Constr. Total length Constr. Cost Bill. EUR 2,4 0,08 0,32

60 km 13 km 18,7 km

39 km

0,85

54 km +

0,7

Fig. 1

Segmental bridge under construction

appr. 30 km

0,4

Table 2 Restraints Conditions no space at grade traffic jams flooding bad soil condition short construction time transportation problems cost flexible system Solution ==> elevated highway ==> precast system ==> segmental hollow box girder

Table 3 Second Stage Expressway System Part I, Sector B

INSA-segmart 19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 2 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

total length of bridge: total area of bridge deck: number of spans: number of segments: number of bored piles: number of driven piles: number of ramps: at grade roads: office buildings: length of electric cables: construction time: total cost:

2 x 10 km 370 000 m
2

806 (716 segmental ; 90 I beams) appr. 9000 2360 10400 41 6000 m 8 appr. 54 km 29 months appr. 325 Mio EUR
2

2 Structural elements of segmental bridges

Segmental bridges are mainly built as single span structures to avoid coupling of post tensioning cables. Furthermore in single spans the greatest shear force is not located in the same section as the greatest bending moment. Though the joint between the segment is always closed. A typical span is shown in fig. 2.

45,25m

7,0-15,60m 2,40m

3,40m

Figure 2 Standard span A standard span has a length of appr. 45m. It consists of 14 segments. Dry joints are used in this project (no epoxy glue). No continuous reinforcement is provided across the match cast joints between the segments. Due to the external post tensioning (fig. 3) 3 different segments are needed (fig. 4): Pier segment: Deviator segment: Standard segment: heavy end diaphgram required to stiffen the box section and for anchorage of p.t. cables required to deviate tendons thin webs (35cm)

INSA-segmart

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

172.5 50 1022.5 1020

Segmental Bridges

Page: 3 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

1360

1022.5

No. 3 No. 1,2 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6

No. 8 No. 7

4525cm (12 segments 340cm + 2 segments 172.5cm )

top view

No.3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 2 No. 1 No. 6

No. 7

No. 8

symmetry line

Figure 3 Tendon layout

INSA-segmart

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 4 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

D3 : 1090 - 1560cm D2 : 700-1190cm

Pier Segment

Nr. 1

Nr. 2 Nr. 3

240

Nr. 4 Nr. 5 Nr. 6

30 80 130 180
Nr. 1 Nr. 5 Nr. 4 Nr. 6 Nr. 2 Nr. 8 Nr. 7 Nr. 3 Nr. Nr. Nr. Nr.

Deviator Segment

2 3 7 8

72.5 100

34 40

28.5

35 28.5

52

20 40 35

Standard Segment
Detail B Detail A 20 D2 : 18 D3 : 20

<150

variable

75

D2 : 370cm D3 : 550cm

Shear Keys

Figure 4 Type of segments

INSA-segmart

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 5 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

Figure 5 Substructure

3 Construction
3.1 Making of precast segments: No free space between the segments is allowed. Therefore the segments are poured in line. Two different methods are used to make the segments: - Long line match casting method - Short line match casting method The short line match method is more flexible and needs less construction space.

Figure 6: Short line match casting 3.2 Assembling of Segments

INSA-segmart 19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 6 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

standard scafforlding

free cantilever

overslung truss

underslung truss

Figure 7: Assembling of segments

88,10 10,0 Laufkatze Hilfsgleitstuhl 49,45
28,65

Hinterer Sttzrahmen Hintere Horizontalabsttzung Hintere Absttzung 48,65

Hauptgleitstuhl Hilfssttze

Figure 8: Overslung Truss

INSA-segmart

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 7 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Segmental Bridges

Table 4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Segmental Bridges Disadvantages safety (e.g. in case of fire) extra cost (more prestressing required, single spans, truss) high construction loading (overslung truss) new construction method technology (e.g. geometry control of segments, design) short construction time (segments are prefabricated while the substructure is being built) no interruption of traffic precast mass production - cost efficient - good, controlled quality - shapes weather independent construction (dry joints) small light segments hollow box section reduced dead load cost (reduced reinforcement) recycling

Advantages

Table 5: Advantages and disadvantages of external prestressing Disadvantages additional mild reinforcement required (Dsp) additional Cost for ducts, anchorage, etc. only straight tendon layout diffusion of post-tensioning forces replacement of tendons possible inspection of tendons possible easier Installation of longitudinal tendons good corrosion protection of p.t. cables less dead load (thin webs) pouring is facilitated (no p.t. ducts) less friction (no wobble losses) prestress forces can be modified after construction (spare ducts) greater permissible p.t. stresses

Advantages

INSA-segmart

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 8 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

5 Design
5.1 Longitudinal Design General Requirements The design of a segmental bridge has to be done for the serviceability and the ultimate limit state with the following distinctions to monolithic structures: Serviceability Limit State - Full prestressing min. compressive stress 1 MPa - Shear transfer in the joints Ultimate Limit State - Opening of the joints has to be considered - Load transfer in the joints Under service condition the concrete compression in the dry joints has to be greater than 1,0 1,4 MPa. Therefore the whole structure is under compression during normal loading. As there is no tension within the concrete, forces and moments can be calculated based on a linear elastic behaviour of the structure. In addition to monolithic bridges, all joints have to be designed for shear loads (ULS). The shear force is carried by shear keys and by friction between the joint surfaces. Under ultimate loads the joints between the segments will open. The resulting decrease of the structural stiffness has to be considered in the design. This can be done by analytical (moment-curvature relationship) or numerical methods (finite element methods). Critical sections midth of span first joint after support diaphragms deviators greatest bending moment greatest shear force but prestress force not uniformly distributed in cross-section high concentrated loads due to anchorage of tendons high concentrated loads due to tendons.

Numerical investigations The load deformation characteristic of a segmental construction is different from a monolithic one due to the dry unreinforced joints between the precast elements. Examinations of the behaviour of a segmental bridge and the forces in the joints finite element calculations had been conducted taking into account the nonlinear behaviour due to the opening of the dry joints under tension. In contrast to known numerical investigations, the fine indentation of the joints had been modelled which is of great importance regarding torsion effects (fig. 9).

Figure 9 Finite element mesh of a segment A real existing single span segmental bridge with external post-tensioning, a standard span of the elevated highway Second Stage Expressway System in Bangkok [2] had been modelled (fig 2, 3, 9). This structure is used as data from a full-scale test [5] is available to verify the results of the complex numerical simulations. The opening of the dry joints is modelled by interface elements.

INSA-segmart

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 9 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

tendons

Figure 10: Finite element model of standard span

Figure 11: Finite element model stresses and open joints Fig. 12 shows the calculated moment-deflection curve which is typical for a single span segmental bridge with dry joints. At the beginning of loading the whole structure is under compression due to the high post-tension normal forces. Thus the structure behave like a monolithic one. The deflection increases linear with the load. At a midspan moment of M 37 MNm due to live load the first joint near midspan starts to open rapidly resulting in a great decrease of stiffness. The lever arm of the inner forces keeps nearly constant. Thus the moment deflection curve is again nearly linear. The structure fails due to crushing of the concrete in the top slab. Nevertheless a ductile behaviour of the segmental bridge can be seen.
0,40 deflection in midspan due to live loads [m]
q g

0,30 point

0,20

Finite Element experiment

0,10

opening of the joint up to 1/ 3h

2/ h 3

Stresses in mid-span before failure

60

20

38 40

46,9

bending moment in midspan due to live load [MNm]

Figure 12 Comparison between full-scale test and numerical results Only 3 of 13 joints are open under failure load. Thus a great part of the bridge keeps under full compression. Further shown in figure 12 are the results from a full-scale test carried out in Bangkok. A good agreement between the numerical results and the test data can be seen. This demonstrates that the finite element model is capable to model the real behaviour of a segmental bridge.

INSA-segmart

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 10 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

Several load combinations corresponding to bending, shear and torsion are examined to determine the stresses resp. the forces in the joint [6]. In a single span bridge the joints near the support are always closed due to the small bending moment. As the behaviour of an open joint is of main interest also a single span bridge restraint on one side with a modified tendon profile has been modelled. Fig 13 shows the resulting shear forces in the first joint close to the support in the webs and the slabs due to torsion with increasing load. The results from three different numerical models are presented. The first one is a monolithic girder which behaves always linear. Further the shear forces for a segmental bridge with smooth and keyed joints are shown. There are no differences between the models as long as all joints are closed. When the joint starts to open, the force in the top slab (tensile region) degreases. A great difference in the behaviour of a bridge with plain and keyed joints can be noticed. Smooth joints can only transfer forces when they are under compression whereas keyed joints can still transfer forces until a certain gap is reached. Even bigger differences can be seen in the webs. The plain joint reach the limit condition lim Fz = 0,7sn just after the joint opens whereas the force in the keyed joint still increases. The results emphazise that the shear keys have a significant influence on the behavior of a segmental bridge under torsion loads. Calculations with plain joints are insufficient when torsion effects become significant.
3,0
g+q

Horizontal force Fy [MN]

q DA

2,0

top slab
1,0 0 -1,0 -2,0 -3,0 bottom slab

joint no. 1

q g y z

Segmental bridge with shear keys monolithic girder Segmental bridge with plain joint 0 5 10 15 20 26 30 35 39

joint opening up to 1/3 h 0 5 10 15 20 26 30

joint opening up to 2/3 h 35 39

-1,0 Horizontal force Fz [MN]

Horizontal force Fz [MN]

-1,0 -2,0 -3,0 -4,0 -5,0

lim F = z 0,7s n

right web

-2,0 -3,0 -4,0 -5,0 -6,0 -7,0

lim F

left web

= 0,7s

Segmental bridge with shear keys monolithic girder Segmental bridge with plain joint

10

15

20

26

30

35

39

Figure 13 Forces in the webs an the slabs due to torsion

Figure 14
INSA-segmart

Joint opening due to positive resp. negative bending moments

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 11 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

a f x

l/ 2

zp -

f
a

2.f. a Dl= 4.f . zp-x- 2 2 l l -4f

Figure 15 Analytical model 5.2 Design of segmental joints There is a great uncertainty regarding the design of the joints between the segments (see fig. 18). This is surprising as the behaviour of the joint is of critical importance for the safety of a segmental structure. The shear capacity of a keyed joint is a combination of the friction between the plain surfaces and the shear capacity of the keys. The latter one is neglected in the German regulations. 5.2.1 Existing design models The joints of many segmental bridges had been designed according to the AASHTO Recommendations [4]. Equation 1 is mainly based on tests with small specimens having usually one shear key only [7] similar to that shown in figure 16 [8].
V j = Akey 6, 792 10-3 fck (12 + 2, 466 s n ) + 0,6 Asm s n

(1)
Ak A sm

[m, MN, MPa ] where: sn Asm fck Akey average compressive stress across the joint area of contact between smooth surfaces in the failure plane characteristic concrete compressive strength min. area of the base of all keys in the failure plane
A sm

Ak

According to the German recommendations for design of segmental bridges [3] only the frictional forces should be considered in the design. The load bearing of the shear keys is neglected as only epoxy joints can be used. Please note the difference between eq. (1) and (2) regarding the frictional area Asm resp. AT.

V j = m s n AT
where: AT effective shear area

(2)

L L 3 L+H b(z) AT L/2 zi

The results of both models will be discussed together with the proposed design concept in section 5.2.3.

5.2.2 Tests and numerical verification To develop a design concept for the joints tests with specimens, similar to that described in [7] having one or multiple shear keys (fig. 16) were conducted to calibrate the finite element model. The study includes dry and glued joints. The dimensions of the shear keys are representative for segmental bridges. The non-linear material behaviour of the concrete like e.g. crushing and cracking and the interaction between the indented surfaces (bond, slippage, friction) has been considered in the numerical model.

INSA-segmart

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 12 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

115

35

150

[mm]

Figure 16 Test specimen The test specimens are first stressed normal to the joint and than loaded with a vertical force up to failure. Fig. 17 shows the experimental and calculated load-deformation curve. The behaviour of the joint and the ultimate load are well predicted. The highly complex concrete behaviour near the failure load has not been modelled as this region is not relevant for the load bearing capacity of a joint.
250
dry joint

250 198,5 kN 205,5 kN 200 shear force in kN

glued joint

200 shear force in kN

150

150

100

100

50 experiment Finite Element calc. 0,0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8

50 experiment Finite Element calc. 0,0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8

vertical deflections at top of the specimen in mm

vertical deflections at top of the specimen in mm

Figure 17

Test results versus numerical results for a dry and epoxy joint

5.2.3 New design model After the verification of the finite element model, a numerical parametric study had been conducted with various number and shapes of shear keys, concrete qualities etc. [6]. The results lead to a design model that differs from the existing concepts. The shear capacity of a keyed dry joint Vd,j is a combination of a frictional and a shear part. For the first one the total area of the joint Ajoint is used and not only the smooth parts (ASm) like in AASHTO recommendations. The load bearing capacity of the keys depends on the concrete tensile resp. compressive strength and the area of the failure plane Akey. for dry joints: V = 1 ( m s A + f f A ) d, j n jo int ck key gF where: m = 0,65 gF = 2,0 sn Ajoint fck b f = 0,14 Akey hne bn

(3)

Akey = min S hne.b n

right

80 20 50

100

150

min Shne = Sh ne,1-3 < Sh ne,1-4 minimal failure surface bn A joint = h.b hne,2 h ne,1
r

left

hne,1

b bn

INSA-segmart

hne,4

coefficient of friction safety coefficient average compressive stress across the joint area of the compression zone characteristic concrete compressive strength width of the web factor for the indentation of the joint min. area of the base of all keys in the failure plane height of keys, with hne 6bn width of the keys

h ne,3

h ne,3

h ne,2

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 13 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

The failure plane Akey will have the least area of key breakage. A relatively high safety coefficient of gF = 2,0 should be used as the failure of the joint is brittle. For glued joints only the frictional part can be used (eq. 4). Experiments showed a relatively small increase in strength of appr. 20% between a glued and a dry joint. Furthermore a sufficient quality of the glue can not be guaranteed on site. for glued joints:
Vd , j = 1 m s n Ajo int gF

(4)

To compare the results of both models, the shear stress t = Vd,j / Ajoint is calculated for a standard segment of the segmental bridge in Bangkok [2]. The relevant joints are fully closed. The concrete compressive strength is fck = 40 MPa. Fig. 18 shows the load bearing capacity of a keyed joint according to various design models. The great differences between AASHTO and the German regulations can be seen. The first model can not be used for high compressive stresses, which may occur near the ultimate design load of a multispan segmental bridge. Furthermore it seems to overestimate the load bearing capacity of a joint.
510cm

20 Shear Stress [MPa] 15 10 5

an erm

22.5

AA SH TO

on nc sig de w Ne on ati fic ci spe

t cep
50 200

35

75

185cm

Shear Keys
fck = 40 MPa

10

15

20

25

30

35

Compressive Stress [MPa]

AASHTO [4]: DBV [3]:

t = 4,17 + 1, 06 s n

[MPa]

t = 0,7 s n

Figure 18 Comparison between different design models (standard segment [2])

INSA-segmart

240 cm

Detail A

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 14 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

5.3 Types of joints

Reinforcement Beton Reinforcement Mortar

Tendon

Spannkanal

s = 20-60cm Reinforcement Cement Mortar Reinforcement

s = 7-12cm Epoxy or Cement Mortar

Tendon

tendon

s = 2-5cm Reinforcement dry joint

s <3mm

Tendon

s=0

Figure 19 Types of Joints

2720 cm
260

25/35 20

20

729cm

520.5cm

45

475cm

Figure 18 Bang Na Bang Pli Bang Pakong Expressway

INSA-segmart

20

19.02.2002

Prof. Dr.-Ing. G. Rombach Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg

Segmental Bridges

Page: 15 INSA Rennes, Feb. 2002

REFERENCES [1] Brockmann, Ch., Shafer, G.: Design and Construction of the Bang Na-Bang Pli-Bang Pakong Expressway. in: Stoelhorst, D. et al: Challenges for Concrete in the Next Millenium, Vol. 1, pp. 275-280, Rotterdam 1998 Rombach, G.: Bangkok Expressway - Segmentbrckenbau contra Verkehrschaos, aus: Aus dem Massivbau und seinem Umfeld (Hilsdorf, Kobler ed.), Schriftenreihe des Institutes fr Massivbau und Baustofftechnologie, University of Karlsruhe 1995, pp. 645-656 Deutscher Beton-Verein: Empfehlungen fr Segmentfertigteilbrcken mit externen Spanngliedern, 1999 AASHTO 89 (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials): Guide Specifications for Design and Construction of Segmental Concrete Bridges, 1989, Interim Specifications 1990 1999 Takebayashi, T., Deeprasertwong, K., Leung, Y.: A Full-Scale Destructive Test of a Precast Segmental Box Girder Bridge with Dry Joints and External Tendons, Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, August 1994, pp. 297-315 Specker, A.: Der Einfluss der Fugen auf die Querkraft- und Torsionstragfhigkeit extern vorgespannter Segmentbrcken. Thesis, Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg, 2001 Buyukozturk, O., Bakhoum, M., Beattie, S.: Shear Behaviour of Joints in Precast Concrete Segmental Bridges, Journal of Structural Engineering, No. 12, December 1990, pp. 3380-3401 Roberts, C.L., Breen, J.E., Kreger, M.E.: Measurements Based Revisions for Segmental Bridge Design and Construction Criteria. Research Report 1234-3F, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin 1993

[2]

[3] [4]

[5]

[6] [7] [8]

INSA-segmart

19.02.2002