BEHAVIOR OF LINK SLAB BRIDGE GIRDERS WITH JOINTLESS DECK

Abstract

This study's main objective is to investigate the link slab's behavior on concrete bridge girders. Finite Element models were specifically developed using the ANSYS software package. A parametric study was performed using two-span bridge models with a link slab; this study included more than 500 models to thoroughly understand the link slab behavior. The current study focused on the following parameters; link slab thickness, length, debond zone, material type, and support condition) under live load, thermal load, and effect of the combination of strength and service limit state. Results showed that the link slab is generally subjected to negative moments at all support conditions under symmetric live loads. They were also straining actions in the link slab decrease with the increase of L.dz. The ECC material for the link slab is the optimum choice with partial thickness.