Finite element analysis of prestressed bridge decks using ultra high performance concrete

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive numerical investigation using finite element analysis to assess the load carrying capacity of prestressed skewed bridges using Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) subjected to Australian bridge load configurations. A preliminary study is performed on different types of prestressing modelling techniques to find a suitable mechanism for accurately representing the prestressing force in the bridge structure models. To ensure the accuracy of the modelling methods, the results obtained from this analysis are validated with experimental results. A parametric study is also carried out to investigate the effect of skew angle, UHPFRC strength and the ratio of span width to normal length. It is concluded that UHPFRC material can be fully or partially incorporated into a bridge structure resulting in slender sections thus saving in the concrete quantity, reinforcement and achieving longer spans that are not feasible using the normal concrete.