Shaymaa Obayes, Monique Head

Abstract: Shiplap hinge joints (SHJs) can alter the intended load paths and affect the structural performance of various bridge components, including the deck and piers. This issue is especially significant for older bridges with SHJs designed using traditional methods, which may not meet the minimum reinforcing, anchorage, and development length requirements specified in the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. The detailed finite element (FE) models are employed to examine load paths, mechanical contributions, and effective stress along rebar. It aims to compare the ultimate capacity and associated failure mechanisms of beam ledges with SHJs as predicted by both empirical and strut-and-tie methods. The analyses, conducted according to current AASHTO LRFD standards, illustrate the consequences of older bridge designs and their associated failure mechanisms when assessing beam ledges with SHJs. Additionally, the study offers insights into applying strut-and-tie methods for evaluating existing bridges with in-span hinge connections and properly accounting for development lengths using the strut-and-tie method compared to the empirical method.

Keywords: Shiplap hinge joints (SHJ), Strut-and-tie method, Empirical method

Date Published: August 8, 2024
DOI: 10.11159/ijci.2024.012

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