Effect of Differential Temperature on a Curved Post-Tensioned Concrete Bridge

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental and analytical study of a continuous three-span curved post-tensioned concrete bridge. This bridge is being studied in a long-term project that involves the placement of continuous monitoring systems on a number of bridges that are critical to the bridge infrastructure in the State of Connecticut. The bridge has been monitored using tiltmeters, thermocouples and accelerometers. The experimental data has been used to develop a three-dimensional finite element analysis model to describe the overall behavior. The model has been used to explore the effect of the differential temperatures on the overall behavior.