Damage mechanism of conventional joints and proposal of a novel joint for hollow-core slab bridges

Abstract

The prefabricated hollow-core slab bridge is a common bridge. In prefabricated hollow-core slab bridges, joints play an important role in connecting prefabricated slabs and ensuring the integrity of the bridge. However, as the service time of the bridge increases, conventional joints have a large number of typical diseases that affect the safety and durability of bridges. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of the entire construction phase is established to investigate the development difference of shrinkage and creep between joints and hollow-core slabs. The effects of vehicle load and temperature gradient on joints were analysed, the failure mechanism of joints was explored, and a novel joint was proposed. The results of a nonlinear analysis showed that the novel joint can effectively improve the mechanical performance of joints and cracks can be effectively controlled. Moreover, the novel joint solves the problem in that the conventional novel joint cannot be vibrated effectively.

Keywords

• a novel joint
• failure mechanism
• joint
• prefabricated hollow-core slab
• shrinkage and creep
• vehicle load and temperature gradient