Frame Concrete Bridges 9

I =
bt3

^2
(see Fig. 4).

In final analyses, one-half of the total reinforcement may be assumed at

each face of the section; the formula then becomes

bt3 A'' + A"

1 =
12
+ (nJ) X 4
X s* <see FiS- 4).

For ribbed rigid frames it is sufficiently accurate to take the moment of

inertia of the full transformed area of the cross-section including the width
of flange to the center lines between adjacent girders.
/
The final values of that satisfy the stress requirements may not check
the assumed values of /. Minor discrepancies are not serious and may
be disregarded ; large discrepancies may call for a new analysis based upon
revised values of I. Designers experienced in analyzing continuous struc
tures are often able to allow for discrepancies by adjusting the moments
from the first analysis according to the following rule applying to con
tinuous frames: An increase of the moment of inertia, I, of a section tends
to increase the moment in the section, and the moment decreases with
decreasing values of /.

Fig- 4 Fig. 5

SECTION V—FORCES ACTING ON RIGID FRAMES

Rigid frames should be designed to withstand two groups of influences,
(1) the forces characteristic of continuous structures; and (2) the dead
and live loads, tractive forces and earth pressure.
The loads of group (2) are identical with those acting on ordinary
simple-span bridges with the exception of the earth pressure on the end
walls. Earth pressure on abutments for simple-span bridges is usually
active pressure, produced by the backfill moving toward the abutment.
In rigid frame bridges it is possible — at least theoretically — to develop
some passive earth pressure by a movement of the end wall against the
backfill. Tests are recorded which indicate that little passive earth pres
sure is developed; it may ordinarily be disregarded.