TEMPERATURE STUDIES FOR AN EXPERIMENTAL SEGMENTAL BRIDGE

The temperature studies for an experimental segmental bridge consisted of field observations of temperature, vertical deflection, and longitudinal movements as influenced by the thermal environment. The study first investigated the possibility of longitudinal temperature variation and concluded that such a variation did not exist. Next, the study was concerned with the possible transverse temperature distributions and resulting vertical deflections. The purpose of the transverse temperature study was to observe extreme values. The results of the study were the compilation of numerous observed temperature readings. In conjunction with these readings, a list of the seasonal deflection variations was developed. From this information, the observed extremes became apparent. Finally, the important concerns were enumerated and some proposed design approaches were compared. (FHWA)