Design of three span continious segmental concrete bridge with external tendons

Abstract

Bridge construction today has achieved a worldwide level of importance. Bridges are the key elements in any road network. The application of box girder is gaining popularity in bridge engineering fraternity because of its better stability, serviceability, economy, aesthetic appearance and structural efficiency. The structural behavior of box girder is complicated, which is difficult to analyze in its actual conditions by conventional methods. 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 constructions, a segmental bridge consists of precast elements stressed together by external tendons. 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. Design and construction of segmental prestressed concrete box bridge with external tendons will be mentioned in this paper. This thesis investigates the feasibility and possible savings that can be realized for a single cell box girder bridge with thin concrete sections post-tensioned exclusively with external unbonded tendons in the longitudinal direction.