Christian Menn

Prestressed
Concrete
Bridges
Translated and edited by Paul Gauvreau

Birkhauser Verlag
Basel . Boston . Berlin
Originally published in 1986 under the title "Stahlbetonbriicken" by Springer-
Verlag, Wien.
© 1986 by Springer-Verlag, Wien.

Author's address:
Christian Menn
Professor of Civil Engineering
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
Zurich (Switzerland)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Menn, Christian, 1927-
[Stahlbetonbriicken. English)
Prestressed concrete bridges / Christian Menn ; translation into
English and edited by Paul Gauvreau.
p. ern.
Translation of: Stahlbetonbriicken.
Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.
ISBN-I3: 978-3-0348-9920-8
(U.S.).
1. Bridges, Concrete-Design and construction. 2. Reinforced concrete construction.
I. Gauvreau, Paul. II. Title.
TG340.M4613 1990
624' .257 -dc20

Deutsche Bibliothek Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Menn, Christian:
Prestressed concrete bridges / Christian Menn. Transl. into
Engl. and ed. by Paul Gauvreau. - Basel ; Boston ; Berlin :
Birkhauser, 1990
Einheitssacht.: Stahlbetonbriicken (engl.)
ISBN-13:978-3-0348-9920-8 e- ISBN-13:978-3-0348-9131-8
DOl: 10.10071978+0348-9131-8

This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved, whether the whole.or part of the material is concerned,
specifically those of reprinting, re-use of illustrations, broadcasting, reproduction by photocopying machine or
similar means, and storage in data banks. Under § 54 of the German Copyright Law where copies are made for
other than private use a fee is payable to "Verwertungsgesellschaft Wort", Munich.

© 1990 Birkhiiuser Verlag AG Basel

Softcover reprint of the hardcover 1st edition 1990

ISBN-13:978-3-0348-9920-8
Preface

This book was written to make the material presented in my book,

Stahlbetonbrucken, accessible to a larger number of engineers throughout the
world. A work in English, the logical choice for this task, had been contemplated
as Stahlbetonbrucken was still in its earliest stages of preparation. The early
success of Stahlbetonbrucken provided significant impetus for the writing of
Prestressed Concrete Bridges, which began soon after the publication of its
predecessor.

The present work is more than a mere translation of Stahlbetonbrucken. Errors in

Stahlbetonbrucken that were detected after publication have been corrected. New
material on the relation between cracking in concrete and corrosion of reinforce-
ment, prestressing with unbonded tendons, skew-girder bridges, and cable-stayed
bridges has been added. Most importantly, however, the presentation of the
material has been extensively reworked to improve clarity and consistency.
Prestressed Concrete Bridges can thus be regarded as a thoroughly new and
improved edition of its predecessor.

This book is guided by the same philosophy as its German-language counterpart:

quality in the design and construction of bridges is achieved through the
application of a small number of fundamental principles. In the last decade, the
issue of durability in bridges has grown in importance, giving new urgency to the
need for quality. The deterioration of bridges is often due to deficiencies in design,
building materials, detailing, or construction. An awareness of quality and how it is
achieved is thus crucial to preventing a repetition of past mistakes in the
rehabilitation of existing structures and the design of new ones. Analytical
refinement for its own sake continues to be the primary obstacle to quality in
design. The preference found throughout Stahlbetonbrucken for clear, simple,
case-specific calculations over more general analyses of greater complexity has
therefore been maintained in the present work.

Stahlbetonbrucken was largely based on direct experience gained from the design
and construction of bridges in Switzerland over the past thirty years. As a result,
much of the material discussed in the present work appears in a decidedly Swiss
context. The main differences between this book and practise in other countries
can be summarized as follows:
VI Preface

1. Loadings, assumptions of material behaviour, and rules for checking safety and
serviceability have been taken directly from Swiss SIA Standards 160 and 162.
No attempt has been made to adapt these aspects of the book to the standards
or local practise of other countries, since, armed with an understanding of the
fundamental principles of bridge design, the reader should have little difficulty
in doing so for himself.

2. A unified theory of concrete design, which is now well established in Swiss

practise, underlies this book. This theory provides one consistent set of rules for
design, valid for structures in plain, reinforced, or prestressed concrete. One of
the most important consequences of this approach is partial prestressing, by
which the engineer is freed from arbitrary restrictions on tensile stresses in
concrete at service load levels. Prestressing can thus be chosen to achieve certain
specific objectives under service conditions, while contributing fully to re-
sistance at ultimate limit state. These objectives are referred to in this book as
prestressing concepts, a powerful tool which makes possible a rational use of
prestressing. Engineers in countries where only full prestressing is allowed may
find some of the material in this book somewhat frustrating, since many of the
solutions presented are not workable without partial prestressing. It is hoped
that a wider recognition of the value of partial prestressing will facilitate the
adoption of the unified theory of concrete design throughout the world.

3. Loads, prestressing, and restrained or imposed deformations are treated

identically in design in many parts of the world. Consistent with current design
standards in Switzerland, this book makes a clear distinction between the three,
which are denoted collectively as actions. An awareness of the differences
among the three types of actions is essential to a proper understanding of
structural behaviour.

Thanks are due to Guido Goseli for relettering the figures into English and
drawing the new figures, and to Heinrich Schnetzer for assistance with coordi-
nation during the final stages of production. The support and advice provided by
the staff of Birkhauser Verlag is also greatly appreciated.

Finally, I would like to pay special tribute to my collaborator Paul Gauvreau, who
transformed Stahlbetonbrucken into the present work. He brought to the task his
skill as a translator, his good judgement as an editor, and his insight as a practising
engineer. This rare combination of talents was instrumental in producing a book
that is a significant improvement over its predecessor. His dedication, curiosity,
and patience made possible the most cordial of professional collaborations, which
was not only rewarding in itself, but is also reflected in the quality of this work.

Christian Menn
Zurich 1989
Preface to the German Edition
"Everything should be made as
simple as possible, but not simpler."

Albert Einstein

This book provides engineers with a comprehensive overview of the fundamental

principles governing the design and construction of concrete bridges. Experience
has shown that safety and quality are the direct result of the consistent and
rational application of these principles. Refinement and volume of calculations,
on the other hand, have no significant influence on quality or economy.

The book has its origins in lectures on the design of concrete bridges given to
undergraduate and graduate students at the Department of Civil Engineering of
the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich. Its eight chapters cover the
fundamentals of conceptual design, analysis, and detailed design of bridge
superstructures and substructures.

Conceptual design is of primary importance to quality and economy_ The

principles and objectives of conceptual design are therefore thoroughly discussed
in the first chapters. In accordance with modern design standards, the concepts of
safety and serviceability are clearly distinguished in discussions of analysis and
detailed design. The proposed analytical models and methods of calculation are
simple, clear, practical; and sufficiently accurate for design.

Truss models are used extensively throughout the book to establish the flow of
forces in structural components. This method, known for decades yet "redis-
covered" in recent years, was used consistently in my former design office and has
proven itself in the analysis of many complex problems. Truss models are often
more reliable than finite-element calculations, which are usually based on the
assumption of isotropic, elastic material behaviour.

Reserves of structural resistance are considered in the verification of safety at

ultimate limit state, in accordance with the theory of plasticity. It is recommended
as a general rule, however, that designs be based on sectional forces obtained from
the elastic solution. The greater the deviation of the design sectional forces from
the elastic solution, the more important it becomes to ensure that the structure is
capable of sufficient plastic deformations. Behaviour under service conditions and
fatigue must also be given greater consideration as the difference between the
design sectional forces and the elastic solution increases.
VIII Preface to the German Edition

Experience has shown that quality and durability of concrete structures cannot be
achieved with careful analysis and design alone. The arrangement of reinforce-
ment and detailing of individual structural components playa decisive role in this
regard. For this reason, recommended details are presented and discussed
throughout the book.

The most important diagrams for the calculation of slender compression members
have been collected in the Appendix. The interaction diagrams can be used to
calculate ultimate resistance of cross-sections and flexural stiffness at ultimate
limit state. The latter is necessary for the calculation of second-order effects. A
small number of important reference works has been listed, giving additional
information and guidance for in-depth treatment of special problems.

Engineers today are faced with an explosion of technical information. Although

this information will have beneficial effects on future developments, it has largely
distracted engineers from the most fundamental principles. It is the purpose of this
book to make engineers aware of these principles once again.

Acknowledgements
The extensive preparatory work for this book was supported financially by the
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, the Swiss Federal Department of
Transportation and Energy (Highway Research), Berne, and the Foundation for
Scientific, Systematic Research in Concrete and Reinforced Concrete (Stiftungfor
wissenschaftliche, systematische Forschung auf dem Gebiet des Beton- und Eisen-
betonbaus), Zurich. Their support is gratefully acknowledged.

I would like to express my gratitude to members of the Institute of Structural

Engineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and my personal
collaborators, in particular Bruno Zimmerli for coordinating the work, Martin
Kiiser, Thomas Keller, Christoph Kiinzli, Susanna Schenkel, Silvio Toscano, and
Michael Wagner for their assistance in preparation of calculations, examples, and
sketches, Guido Goseli for drafting the figures, and Sybille Burki and Rita Feusi
for typing the manuscript. I am especially grateful to Springer-Verlag in Vienna
for their excellent and understanding cooperation.

Christian Menn
Zurich, November 1986
Contents

Preface v
Preface to the German Edition VII

1 Historical Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 Economy and Aesthetics 49

2.1 Design Objectives 49

2.2 Economy 50
2.2.1 Life-Cycle Costs . 50
2.2.2 Construction Costs 52
2.2.3 Preliminary Estimates of Superstructure Costs 56

2.3 Aesthetics 58

Reference 64

3 Materials and Actions 65

3.1 Materials 65
3.1.1 Concrete 65
3.1.2 Reinforcing Steel . 77
3.1.3 Prestressing Steel . 80
3.2 Actions 83
3.2.1 Loads 83
3.2.2 Prestressing 89
3.2.3 Restrained Deformations 90

References 91
X Contents

4 Fundamentals of Analysis and Design 93

4.1 Design for Safety and Serviceability 93
4.1.1 Safety 93
4.1.2 Serviceability 95

4.2 Calculation of Sectional Forces 96

4.2.1 Fundamentals. 96
4.2.2 Sectional Forces Due to Loads, Prestressing, and Restrained
Deformations . 97
4.3 Calculation of the Resistance of the Cross-Section 103
4.3.1 Fundamentals . 103
4.3.2 Flexure and Axial Force 106
4.3.3 Shear. 108
4.3.4 Torsion . 111
4.3.5 Bending Resistance of Slabs and Tensile Resistance of Panels. 112

4.4 Safety of Beams, Slabs, and Panels 114

4.4.1 Beams 114
4.4.2 Slabs. 114
4.4.3 Panels 117

4.5 Detailing of Reinforcement 117

4.5.1 Anchorage and Splicing of Reinforcement 118
4.5.2 Detailing of Reinforcement at Joints of Rigid Frames 119
4.5.3 Flow of Forces in Panels 123
4.5.4 Flow of Forces in Box Girders and T-Girders 125

4.6 Prestressing 126

4.6.1 The Purpose of Prestressing 126
4.6.2 Methods of Prestressing 127
4.6.3 Post-Tensioning Systems 128
4.6.4 Detailing 131
4.6.5 Analysis of Prestressed Cross-Sections 135
4.6.6 Steel Stresses for Typical Loading States . 139
4.6.7 Prestressing with Unbonded Tendons 145
4.6.8 Loss of Prestress . 147
4.6.9 Prestressing Concepts 151

4.7 Long-Term Effects 152

4.7.1 Fundamentals . 152
4.7.2 Calculation of Deformations Due to Permanent Load 157
4.7.3 Redistribution of Sectional Forces Due to Change of
Structural System 157
4.7.4 Redistribution of Stress Due to Restrained Deformations
or Self-Equilibrating States of Stress 161
Contents XI

4.8 Serviceability 167

4.8.1 Durability . 167
4.8.2 Function 171
4.8.3 Appearance 172
4.8.4 Cracking 174
4.8.5 Deformations 192
4.8.6 Vibrations 195

References 210

5 Analysis and Design of Bridge Superstructures 211

5.1 Structural Models and Load Distribution 211

5.1.1 General Ideas. . . . . . . . . . 211
5.1.2 Torsion and Introduction of Loads in Single-Cell Box Girders 216
5.1.3 Torsion and Eccentric Loads in Double-T Girders 231
5.1.4 Structural Models for Bridge Superstructures . . 238

5.2 Structural Function of Cross-Section Components 242

5.3 Analysis and Design of Cross-Section Components 245

5.3.1 Deck Slab . 245
5.3.2 Webs . . . 256
5.3.3 Bottom Slab 264
5.3.4 Diaphragms 266

References 275

6 Accessories . 277

6.1 Bearings. . 277

6.1.1 General Remarks 277
6.1.2 Structural Function of Bearings . 279
6.1.3 Superstructure Displacements 280
6.1.4 Bearing Layout . 284

6.2 Expansion Joints. 285

6.3 Drainage and Anchorage of Guardrails 288

6.3.1 Drainage . . . . . 288
6.3.2 Anchorage of Guardrails . . . . 289
6.4 Waterproofing and Wearing Surfaces 289
Reference 292
XII Contents

7 Design and Construction of Special Bridge Types 293

7.1 Overview 293

7.2 Conventional Cast-in-Place Girder Bridges 295

7.2.1 Conceptual Design . . . 295
7.2.2 Design of the Cross-Section 296
7.2.3 Prestressing Concepts 301
7.2.4 Preliminary Design 301
7.2.5 Tendon Layouts . 302
7.2.6 Incrementally Launched Bridges 310
7.3 Girder Bridges with Precast Elements . 313
7.3.1 Conceptual Design . . . 313
7.3.2 Design of the Cross-Section 317
7.3.3 Prestressing Concepts 317
7.3.4 Preliminary Design 319

7.4 Cantilever-Constructed Girder Bridges 323

7.4.1 Conceptual Design . . . 323
7.4.2 Design of the Cross-Section 325
7.4.3 Prestressing Concept 330
7.4.4 Tendon Layout 332
7.4.5 Preliminary Design and Special Design Considerations 334
7.4.6 Calculation of Camber and Casting Elevations. 337

7.5 Skew Girder Bridges 341

7.5.1 Conceptual Design 341
7.5.2 Calculation of the Sectional Forces 347
7.5.3 Prestressing Concepts and Tendon Layouts. 361
7.6 Curved Girder Bridges . 365
7.6.1 Conceptual Design 365
7.6.2 Analysis. 368
7.6.3 Transformation of Torque into Torsional Sectional Forces 372
7.6.4 Prestressing. 376
7.6.5 Prestressing Concept and Tendon Layout 379

7.7 Arch Bridges 382

7.7.1 Conceptual Design 382
7.7.2 Design of the Cross-Section 385
7.7.3 Prestressing Concept and Tendon Layout 386
7.7.4 Preliminary Design 387

7.8 Frame Bridges 394

7.8.1 Conceptual Design 394
7.8.2 Prestressing Concepts and Tendon Layouts. 399
Contents XIII

7.9 Slab Bridges . . . . . 401

7.9.1 Conceptual Design . . . 401
7.9.2 Design of the Cross-Section 404
7.9.3 Prestressing Concept 405
7.9.4 Design . . . . . 405
7.9.5 Reinforcement Layout 410

7.10 Cable-Stayed Bridges 413

7.10.1 Conceptual Design . 413
7.10.2 Cables and Anchorages 421
7.10.3 Analysis and Design. 426
7.10.4 Stability. . . . . 428
7.10.5 Dynamic Behaviour . 432
7.10.6 Construction 435

References 438

8 Analysis and Design of Bridge Substructures . 439

8.1 Piers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439

8.1.1 General Ideas. . . . . . . . . . . 439
8.1.2 Second-Order Analysis of Slender Reinforced Concrete Columns 440
8.1.3 Calculation of Ultimate Resistance for Flexure and Axial Force 456
8.1.4 Flexural Stiffness of Reinforced Concrete Sections 462
8.1.5 Imposed Deformations. . . 469
8.1.6 Design at Ultimate Limit State 472
8.1.7 Use of Design Aids 474
8.1.8 Special Cases . 479
8.1.9 Flexible Systems 482

8.2 Foundations . 494

8.2.1 General Remarks. 494
8.2.2 Spread Footings . 494
8.2.3 Shaft Foundations 496
8.2.4 Cofferdams. . . 502
8.2.5 Pile Foundations. 504

References 506

Appendix: Diagrams for the Design of Slender Columns 507

A1 Use of Diagrams. 507

A2 Notation 509
XIV Contents

A3 Buckling Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510

A4 mR - nR Interaction Diagrams . . . . . . . . . 512
A5 k", Diagrams for the Reduction of Stiffness Due to Creep 524

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525