LONG-TERM STRESSES AND DEFORMATION OF SEGMENTAL BRIDGES

A step-by-step computer method is presented for predicting the deflections and stress distribution due to creep and shrinkage of concrete and relaxation of prestressed steel. Reference is made to an available computer program which can be used for this prupose. The flow chart presented summarizes the analytical steps. The computer program accounts for the presence of the non-prestressed steel, the difference in ages of the concrete segments, the multiple stages in which the external loads and prestressing are applied, and the changes in geometry and support conditions as the construction progresses. The proposed method is applied to a three-span continuous highway bridge with the results presented to indicate the significance of the time-dependent effects.