Aalto University

School of Engineering
Department of Structural Engineering and Building Technology
Rak-11.3001 Design of Bridges

10.10.2012

Slab Bridges
Teemu Ahonen
Martina Jurigova

Contents
1 Introduction

1.1 Present day definition

1.2 General definition

2 Classification

2.1 Main parts of the slab bridges

2.2 Types of slab bridges (material)

2.3 Types of slab bridges (structure)

2.4 Another method of classification

3 Cross sections

3.1 Different cross section

3.2 Different types of cross section

4 Structural behaviour

4.1 Design phases

4.2 Analysis

.6

4.3 Reinforcement concrete T-beam bridges

4.4 Construction

1 Introduction
Slab bridge is probably the most common bridge type. It is mainly used in
crossings and over waterways and also as an underpass for walkways. Slab bridge
has two fundamental features compared to other bridge types. First its superstructure
is substantially wide compared to the height of the slab. Secondly by reason of the
former, slab bridges can divide loading to a very broad area.
Slab bridges have usually a span length of 1020 meters and it would be
good to make the slab continuous over more than one support. Structurally it would
be economic if all middle span length proportions would be equal and edge spans
would be 80% of this length.
1.1 Present day definition
A bridge with a superstructure that is composed of a reinforced concrete slab
that is either singular, constructed in place, or a series of narrow, precast slabs.
This slab is parallel with the roadway alignment and spans the space between
the supporting abutments or other substructure parts.
1.2 General definition
A bridge with a superstructure that is composed of a slab that is either
singular, constructed in place, or a series of narrow, precast slabs.(The material often
used in early times are stones and timber)
A short- bridge consisting span of a reinforced-concrete slab resting on
abutments.

Fig 1. . tefnikv Bridge in Prague

2 Classification
2.1 Main parts of teh slab bridge

Fig 2. . Main parts

2.2 Types of slab bridges (material)

Timber slab bridges

Stone slab bridges
Steel slab bridges
Reinforcement concrete slab bridges

2.3 Types of slab bridges (structure)

Slab bridges: Structure comprises a slab, supported at it ends. Usually made

of concrete(with reinforced),also possible in laminated timber.

Beam-slab bridges(Slab girder bridges): Structure comprises one or more

beams. Commonly used for simple bridges with a span of up to 200 metres.
The beam height is roughly 1/20th of the span, made of steel concrete or
timber.

Fig 3. . General types

2.4 Another method of classification
Slab bridge is the most common form in small span structures, and also can
be divided into two types: overall structure and assembly structure (hollowcore slab
and solid slab).

Fig 4.

3 Cross sections
3.1 Different cross section
The height of the cross-section is determined by the longest span length. The
height can be calculated with the equation
h = 0,22 + 0,04lmax ,
where lmax is the length of the longest span.
The equation is very simple and of course the height depends also of the
width of the slab, the number of supports and the obliquity of the bridge.
3.2 Different types of cross section

Fig 5. Types of cross section

4 Structural behaviour
The structural analysis of a slab bridge is based on different computer
software and the software use mainly difference method or element method. A
loaded slab bends in longitudinal and in transverse direction. The calculation of
stresses caused by bending is a very complex mathematic problem and it is possible
only in simple cases.

Fig 6. Bending in a slab due to loading

4.1 Design phases

Design is a two-phase process:

The first phase involves determining the design loads and their effects in
terms of moment and shear forces

The second phase involves selecting members that have sufficient strength to
resist the effects of the intended loads on the bridge. Before considering the
design process complete, the failure modes (lateral buckling, excessive
deflection, end bearing, and so forth) as well as moment and shear must be
checked

4.2 Analysis
The analytical method only applies to slab bridges with the main reinforcement
running parallel to the direction of traffic. The slab acts as a one-way slab in the
direction of traffic .
Area above the neutral axis acts in compression
the reinforcing steel in the bottom of the slab carries all of the tension and the
concrete carries no tension
Only the moment capacity is determined for the slab since shear generally will not
control in thin, reinforced-concrete members
Only a one-foot-wide strip of slab at the midspan should be considered.
The longer the slab is in proportion to its width the more the slab is similar to a
beam. In long span slab bridges the slab can be calculated as a beam and only in
details the influence of the slab can be taken into account.

Fig 7.

4.3 Reinforcement concrete T-beam bridges

T-beams are used to obtain longer span lengths than those allowed by slab
bridges

Fig 8. Reinforcement

4.4 Construction
A slab bridge can be built as in-situ or prefabricated and the material in slab
bridges is in actual fact always reinforced concrete. In-situ process is usually used in
cantilevered slab bridges. Cantilevered slab bridges are typical bridges in
underpasses when span length is 810 meters and over waterways with a span
length of 1018 meters. The economy of a cantilevered slab bridge is based on that
the bridge type has no massive abutments.
A prefabricated reinforced slab bridge is used in crossings, underpasses and over
waterways with a span length of 410 meters. A prefabricated slab bridge is built up
by using foundation, abutment and superstructure elements.

Fig 8. Aleksanterinkatu Street bridge in Porvoo

Literature
[1]

Paavola, H. Loikkanen, P. Jutila, A. Sillanrakennustekniikan perusteet. First Edition.

Otakustantamo. 1979. ISBN 951-671-201-0

[2]

Hambly, E.C. Bridge Deck Behaviour. Second Edition. Taylor & Francis. 1998.

[3]

Suomen Rakennusinsinrien Liitto RIL ry. RIL 179 Sillat. Hangon Kirjapaino Oy. 1989.
ISBN 951-758-196-3

[4]

http://alk.tiehallinto.fi/sillat/suunnit2.htm#tuottajat