• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.82 no.1
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• pp.69-79
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• 2022

This paper discusses the field testing of two single-span double-tee girder (DTG) bridges in South Dakota to determine live load distribution factors (LLDFs) and the dynamic load allowance (IM). One bridge had seven girders and another had eight girders. The longitudinal girder-to-girder joints of both bridges were deteriorated in a way that water could penetrate and the joint steel members were corroded. A truck traveled across each of the two bridges at five transverse paths. The paths were tested twice with a crawl speed load test and twice with a dynamic load. The LLDFs and IM were determined using strain data measured during the field tests. These results were compared with those determined according to the AASHTO Standard and the AASHTO LRFD specifications. Nearly all the measured LLDFs were below the AASHTO LRFD design LLDFs, with the exception of two instances: 1) An exterior DTG on the seven-girder bridge and 2) An interior DTG on the eight-girder bridge. The LLDFs specified in the AASHTO Standard were conservative compared with the measured LLDFs. It was also found that both AASHTO LRFD and AASHTO Standard specifications were conservative when estimating IM, compared to the field test results for both bridges.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.161-168
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• 2022

Bridges using double-tee (DT) girders from 12 m to 15 m are one of the good choices to improve accessibility in rural areas of the Mekong River Delta. In this study, nonlinear finite element method (FEM) analysis was conducted with different constitutive laws of materials. The FEM analysis results were compared to experimental results to confirm the applicability of the constitutive laws of materials for DT girders. A parametric study through FEM analysis was then conducted to investigate the effect of span lengths, top flange depths, and a number of prestressing tendons on the capacity of DT girders in order that propose DT girders for rural bridges. Parametric results showed that the top flange depth of a DT girder for rural bridges could be 120 mm. The DT girder with a span length of 12 m or 13 m could be used 16 tendons, while the DT girder with a span length of 14 m or 15 m could be set up with 20 tendons. The prestressed concrete DT girders based on FEM results can be suggested for the construction of rural bridges.