Simulation and Design Considerations on Transverse Connection of Prestressed Concrete T-girder Bridge

In this paper, the structural performance of the prestressed concrete T-girder bridge with a newly proposed diaphragm transverse connections (DTCs) have been investigated. The DTCs are composed of diagonal braces and horizontal brace, and the braces are structural steel with square cross section. A series of simulations have been carried out to study the effectiveness of the proposed DTCs on enhancing the transverse connection of the prestressed concrete T-girder bridge. Load Model 1 in accordance with Eurocode 1 is considered in the simulations, which consists of tandem system and uniformly distributed loads (UDL system). The Von Mises stress of the DTCs has been checked and corresponding steel grade has been given. The force on the surface between the T-girder bridge and the proposed DTCs has been studied and detailed connection design has been given for both new bridge construction and existing bridge retrofitting. The simulation results show that the maximum deflection arises when the deck is fully loaded with the UDL system and with lane 1 centrally located on exterior girder, and the tandem systems are applied at midspan simultaneously. It is revealed that with the proposed DTCs installed at midspan, the maximum deflection of the prestressed concrete T-girder bridge reduces 12.8% in the most unfavorable load case. In all the discussed load cases, the Von Mises stress of the proposed DTCs is within the reasonable range and can be borne by normal steel material. Additionally, connection methods have been given for the DTCs’ application to new bridge and existing bridge. For the use of chemical anchor in existing bridge, the concrete and prestress tendons should be checked in case of any additional damage during the installing of the DTCs.