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MASTERS THESES MAY 2014-CURRENT (HTTP://SCHOLARWORKS.UMASS.EDU/MASTERS_THESES_2)

Title

Short and Long-term Performance of a Skewed Integral Abutment Prestressed Concrete Bridge (http://scholarworks.umass.edu
/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1091&context=masters_theses_2)

Authors

Rami Bahjat (http://scholarworks.umass.edu/do/search/?q=author_lname%3A%22Bahjat%22%20author_fname%3A%22Rami%22&start=0&context=179873) Follow

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Document Type

Campus-Only Access for One (1) Year

Degree Program

Civil Engineering

Degree Type

Master of Science (M.S.)

Year Degree Awarded

2014

Month Degree Awarded

September

Keywords

Integral Abutment Bridge, Skew, Precast/Prestressed

Advisor Name

Sergio

Advisor Middle Initial

Advisor Last Name

Breña

Co-advisor Name

Scott

Co-advisor Middle Initial

A.

Co-advisor Last Name

Civjan
Abstract

This study presents the behavior of a precast skewed integral abutment bridge (IAB) using the recently developed NEXT-F Beam section in
particular. In order to understand the bridge response, a 3-dimensional finite element model of a bridge (Brimfield Bridge) was developed
to examine the thermal effect on the response of the bridge structural components. Eighteen months of field monitoring including
abutments displacements, abutment rotations, deck strains, and beam strains was conducted utilizing 136 strain gauges, 6 crackmeters,
and 2 tiltmeters. The behavior of the NEXT beams during construction was examined by conducting hand calculation considering all
factors that could affect strain readings captured by strain gauges embedded in the 6 beams. Parametric analysis and model validation
were conducted considering the effect of soil conditions, distribution of thermal loads, and the coefficient of thermal expansion used for
the analyses. Using the validated model, the effect pile orientation was investigated. All the results and illustration plots are presented in
detail in this study. As a result of this study, the behavior of the NEXT beams during construction was explained. Long term behavior of the
bridge was also explained using field data and FE model. Furthermore, it was concluded that the coefficient of thermal expansion of
concrete and temperature variation along the bridge depth and transverse direction can have a significant effect on the strain readings
and calculated response, respectively. Lastly, it was found that orienting piles with their web perpendicular on the bridge centerline or
with their web perpendicular to the abutment centerline will result in small ratio of moment demand to moment capacity.

Recommended Citation

Bahjat, Rami, "Short and Long-term Performance of a Skewed Integral Abutment Prestressed Concrete Bridge" (2014). Masters Theses May
2014-current. Paper 70.
http://scholarworks.umass.edu/masters_theses_2/70

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