Excellent response, bridgebuster. I'd also like to add that you need to analyze the beam to make sure it can handle the different stress configurations that it will see when it is made continuous. Like you said, Quanski, there will be negative moment at the pier now, and that's something that...
We use Merlin Dash from the University of Maryland for our steel structures http://best.umd.edu/software/merlin-dash/ and use Bentley LEAP Conspan for precast boxes and voided slabs.
a2mfk - I designed my own deck last year. I basically just did calcs to confirm the building code span charts for the joists. I also had to design a fascia beam to span my driveway, since height limitations prevented a typical carrier beam configuration. I also oversized things a bit in case...
I had to design a moment slab to support a concrete barrier on top of an MSES wall, and I found a helpful NCHRP report (NCHRP 663, 20MB pdf) located here: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_663.pdf
That report gave an equivalent "static" load that you can use instead of the...
My firm has encountered some joint issues with County bridges not having approach slabs. One particular bridge had a concrete deck with no approach slab. They had a 1'-6" wide backwall that they brought up to the road grade in order to embed armoring angles for the joint. As the road settled...
I think a sketch would be helpful, as I'm not sure I completely understand what you're asking. Are you asking why the subbase/subgrade has to be shown at a 1:1? If so, it's because you can't properly compact fill with a vertical face on one side.
Yep, you're right Spartan. I forgot to add "seriously" to my post.
We have a bridge replacement project going on right now in Greene County, NY where the contractor gave us a lot of crap because we demanded more information and calculations in their demo plan before it could be approved. He...
http://www.kcci.com/r/27659704/detail.html
Did any of you guys see this story out of Iowa? It looks like they removed the center span out of the continuous three-span beams and then drove an excavator on what was left. Those beams weren't designed for that loading scenario, so it's no...
I know you said "assuming...girder strength is not an issue," but I just wanted to mention that making the beams continuous will cause the previously zero moment section of the beam to see moment. You'll likely need to add cover plates. I worked on a bridge a few years ago that was supposed to...
