ANALYTICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON EXPLOITING PREFABRICATION IN PIER CONSTRUCTION OF PRECAST BRIDGES

Abstract eng:
In the present study, the potential of expanding the use of prefabrication on bridge piers construction is investigated, as so far its use is limited on a portion of the bridge deck, namely the prefabricated girders and the deck panels. Stimuli for this study are the advantages of prefabrication, such as rapidity and convenience in construction and economy as well. The investigation regards any side effects of the suggested construction method concerning safety, serviceability and durability aspects of the final product. Safety concerns flexural and shear resistance, which should particularly be controlled in the construction joints. The critical section of a partially prefabricated pier is undoubtedly located at the bottom of the pier. The response of this section was investigated experimentally. In order to study the response of this type of piers, two specimens were prepared, one representing a conventionally constructed pier and another pier constructed with the suggested method. An analytical investigation of a prefabricated bridge on the main Greek North-South Highway (P.A.Th.E.) was conducted. Specifically, the bridge was studied in two configurations, one with piers constructed with the conventional method and one with piers constructed as suggested. Useful results were obtained by the comparison of the two configurations. Undoubtedly, the conclusions can be regarded as encouraging.

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