Shear Key Performance in Multibeam Box Girder Bridges

Transverse post-tensioning design and detailing of precast, prestressed concrete adjacent-box-girder bridges

“…The development of these longitudinal cracks over the shear keys jeopardizes the durability and structural behavior of adjacent-box-girder bridges. 2,3 In most cases, the cracking leads to leakage, which allows chloride-laden water to penetrate the sides and bottoms of the girders, causing corrosion of the steel reinforcement. In addition, the load distribution among the girders is adversely affected because the loaded girders are required to carry more load than the design load.…”

“…In addition, the load distribution among the girders is adversely affected because the loaded girders are required to carry more load than the design load. 3 These deficiencies have led to severe deterioration and premature replacement of several bridges. On December 27, 2005, the east-side fascia girder of the Lakeview Drive Bridge over Interstate 70 in Washington, Pa., failed near midspan and fell to the highway below.…”

“…Huckelbridge et al 3 conducted a total of six field tests on three bridges with noncomposite topping and two field tests with composite cast-in-place concrete decks. One of the bridges was tested before and after repairing a severely deteriorated joint.…”

Transverse diaphragms and unbonded CFRP post-tensioning in box-beam bridges

“…2 Furthermore, the longitudinal cracks, combined with the excessive relative vertical displacements between the adjacent box beams, lead to failure of the shear key. 3 The longitudinal cracks may compromise the waterproofing action of the deck and allow water and chemicals to penetrate through the concrete, causing steel corrosion and eventually reducing the serviceability and longevity of the bridge. 4 Corroded steel may cause additional cracking and can lead to spalling of the concrete in the surrounding area.…”

Research on the calculation model of shear key of adjacent precast concrete box beam bridge

“…For the internal diseases of the shear key concrete, such as internal crack of the concrete, compaction degree of the grout, etc., cannot forecast, so the lateral shearing performance of the shear key cannot be accurately evaluated [4] . The spatial calculation analysis of the lateral shearing performance of the shear key is basically relied on the commercial finite element software, such as ANSYS and MIDAS [5][6] . Although, the geometry of the box-beam and the shear key are quite different, the fabricated box-beam is regarded as an integral slab with finite strip meshing.…”