NCHRP Report 527: Integral Steel Box-Beam Pier Caps
| Principal Investigator: | Robert Abendroth |
|---|---|
| Co-Principal Investigator: | Sivalingam Sritharan, Lowell Greimann |
| Team Members: | Justin R. Vander Werff |
| Juli Redmond | |
| Sponsor(s): | NCHRP |
| Start Date: | 07/22/1999 |
| End Date: | 03/30/2003 |
| Report: | 11/01/2004, http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_527.pdf 1.4M (*pdf) |
| Keywords: | Large-scale testing of structures |
Project Description:
The superstructure and the substructure of conventional bridges are
usually designed as separate systems. The bridge girders are
typically supported on bearings that support the vertical reaction of
the girder on the piers and allow the girders to rotate relative to
the piers. Integral connections between the substructure and
superstructure provide some degree of continuity between the girders
and the piers and are attractive alternatives when clearance and
elevation at grade separations are significant design constraints.
Integral connections are also used to enhance seismic performance of
bridge structures.
The objective of this research is to develop recommended details,
design methodologies, and specifications for integral connections of
steel superstructures to concrete substructures. Project tasks
include:
(1) Conducting an extensive literature review and survey of current
practice
(2) Evaluating old and new concepts and recommend those for further
development
(3) Testing two 1/3 scale integral connection concepts and evaluate
performance under simulated service loading (at service load levels)
and seismic loading (reversed cyclic loading at increasing ductility
levels)
(4) Finalizing integral connection concepts based on test
results
(5) Developing recommended methodologies, specifications, commentary,
and design examples.