Performance Evaluation of Prestressed Concrete Bridges using Field Test Data and FE Analysis

Testing results of six existing prestressed concrete bridges are used to evaluate analytical methodology. These bridges cover different span lengths, number of lanes, and skew angles. Strains, load distribution factors, and ratings predicted by finite element analyses and AASHTO code specifications were compared with those from measurements. The comparison revealed a significant difference between numerically simulated and measured results due to the effects of many field factors. Factors that exist in reality but whose effects on bridge performance cannot easily be quantified are defined as field factors. Due to thses field factors, existing bridges are different from idealized models and are thus defined as fields bridges. To examine this difference and to quantify their effects, some field factors were modeled in a more refined finite element analysis. It is found that field factors have a larger effect on the maximum strain than on the load distribution factor. Parametric studies of the effects of diaphragms, bearing stiffness, and shew angles on the load distribution and maximum strain were conducted.