Influence of end Contsrains on the Global Behaviour of a Box Girder

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to presents the importance of end constrains, boundary conditions and position of the applied forces regarding the design of precast/prestressed concrete box girders. The study is based on a destructive test which was performed on a 37.1 m span single-cell prestressed concrete box girder. The scope of the test was to certify the usage of such girders for the new Transylvania motorway bridges. The test is numerically reproduced through a full 3D FEM model implemented in SAP2000. The influence of the end diaphragms is considered by analysing the beam’s behaviour to six loading conditions: one of which is replicating the loadings during the test, while the others are conceived as real vertical and horizontally loading scenarios. The results obtained for the girders with and without end constrains are compared. The performances of both design solutions in the presence of prestressing are highlighted where applicable. It is considered that the results of this study may provide very important data if considering that Romania has an urgent need to realize a modern and an adequate transport infrastructure.