Analysis and design of link slabs in jointless ramp viaduct

Abstract

Due to the internal and external movement of the bridge deck, it is necessary to provide expansion gaps between multi span bridge decks. However the water leaking and debris trapped in the expansion joints will cause high maintenance cost. Therefore an alternative to eliminate expansion joints is vital. This paper contains comparison between the 3D, 2D model and a manual analysis of a link slab in a curved ramp bridge. This link slab is modelled as Finite Element Model using SAP 2000 software as a global model with the superstructure model for the calculation of the global effect from temperature, shrinkage, and creep with live HA, HB loads and superimposed dead loads and the most unfavourable conditions are identified.