01340759

Component

In the current U.S. practice, the road pavement (mostly Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement) is terminated at bridge approach slabs. The seamless pavement concept is a bridge deck enhancement that eliminates transverse joints through the entire bridge and a transition zone beyond the bridge limits. The transition zone is a specially detailedreinforced concrete ( R)C pavement that extends the bridge life by eliminating the transverse joints, improves the ride quality, and reduces maintenance costs. The system was developed for use with continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), and modifications must be made to implement it into U.S. practice, which typically uses jointed concrete pavement (JCP). The key factor in this development is establishing an effective longitudinal force transfer mechanism from the transition zone to the base in a reasonably short length to have limited end movements, predictable and controlled crack pattern, and controlled axial forces in the system. The transition zone’s tensile behavior is an important factor in the behavior of the seamless bridge system since the crack pattern plays a major role in the design life and maintenance costs. Preliminary Finite Element studies revealed that friction will not supply enough resistance against thermal movements. In this paper promising force transfer mechanisms for the seamless bridge are recommended. Finite Element analyses were carried out to predict the movements and force development in the system as a result of temperature change. A method of cracked section analysis is utilized to design the system for the tensile loads and control the cracking in a desired pattern.

The DVD lists the title of this paper as: Implementation of the Concept of the Seamless Bridge Deck and Pavement in U.S. Practice.

01329018

11-1979

English

17p

2011

Transportation Research Board 90th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures (17) ; References (7)

Bridge decks; Continuously reinforced concrete pavements; Finite element method; Reinforced concrete pavements; Ride quality; Service life; Structures; Transverse joints

Jointed plain concrete pavements; Maintenance costs; Seamless pavement; Transition zones

Bridges and other structures; Highways; Pavements; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2011 Paper #11-1979

TRIS, TRB

Feb 17 2011 6:00PM