ADOT Strut-and-Tie Modeling Design Guidance

The design of reinforced concrete beams for bridge structures using traditional methods may result in conservative designs, i.e., bridges tend to be designed for worst-case scenarios. The advent of strut-and-tie modeling offers an alternative bridge design that can be used in certain situations to more closely address the actual conditions a bridge will experience while in service. Cost savings may potentially result from efficiently placing reinforcing steel in the locations of the beam that need it, rather than the more uniform spacing across the concrete beam called for with more traditional designs. The placement of the steel within the concrete beam may also result in more durable concrete with fewer and less severe cracks after the bridge has been put under load; this means the safe and effective service life of the bridge is extended. Using strut-and-tie procedures offers potential advantages, many of which are general in nature and give designers significant flexibility. Often, multiple design alternatives can be developed, and each is acceptable. Thus, the Bridge Group seeks to research and develop the guidance criteria needed to ascertain which—and when—structures would most benefit from the use of strut-and-tie modeling and incorporate those criteria into the ADOT Bridge Design Guidelines.

    Language

    • English

    Project

    Subject/Index Terms

    Filing Info

    • Accession Number: 01831508
    • Record Type: Research project
    • Source Agency: Arizona Department of Transportation
    • Contract Numbers: SPR-782
    • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
    • Created Date: Dec 22 2021 7:19PM