Structural Evaluation of Precast Concrete Channel Beams in Bridge Superstructures

Abstract

During the period from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s a large number of bridges were constructed throughout Arkansas using a 5.79-m (19-ft) long, precast, non-prestressed, concrete channel beam that was then standard. A survey of highway departments has identified 12 states that have used a similar bridge element in the past. It has been determined that nearly 400 of these bridges remain in use in Arkansas alone. Recently, the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department discovered that a number of these sections are exhibiting potentially serious deterioration. The deterioration appears to have been initiated by corrosion of the flexural reinforcement in the beam stems. An additional issue is that these beams were fabricated without any shear reinforcement. Moreover, some sections are showing signs of concrete degradation. The need to determine the in-place load capacity, serviceability, and durability of these sections has reached a critical level. To date, 20 beams have been removed from existing structures and tested for their flexural load capacity and the material properties of the concrete and longitudinal reinforcement. Results have varied depending on the extent of deterioration. However, in nearly every case shear failure has controlled the load capacity of a section. Based on this research, a draft field guide, intended for use by inspection crews, is being prepared. This guide will aid inspectors in prioritizing sections for repair, rehabilitation, and removal.

Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Shear Strengthening of Short-Span, Precast Channel Beams in Bridge Superstructures

“…The loading resulted in end segments with a linearly varying moment and constant shear, and a midsegment with constant moment and zero shear. A description of the testing procedure is provided by Durham et al (1). Beams in various degrees of deterioration were selected from four sites in Arkansas: Jenkins' Ferry Bridge (3 beams in poor condition and 3 repaired), Little Osage Creek Bridge (8 beams in poor condition), State Highway 13 in Carlisle (12 beams in average condition), and the Gentry Maintenance Yard (7 beams in good condition).…”

Cost Optimization of Prestressed U-Shaped Simply Supported Girder Using Box Complex Method

“…From the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s, a large number of bridges were constructed with non-prestressed channel beams as the superstructure of the bridge to resist both shear and flexure [10]. The U-shaped viaduct concept was initially proposed by SYSTRA in 1992-93 for Santiago Chile [11].…”

Low-Water Crossings: An Overview of Designs Implemented along Rural, Low-Volume Roads

“…The beams are positioned and tied together, which also acts as the superstructure of the bridge. In these bridges, the stems of the channel resist flexural as well as shear forces, and the flange acts as bridge deck [38]. The asphalt wearing surface is an optional element for LWCs.…”