Design Guidance Development for Continuous Prestressed CFCC Strand Beams

The analysis of continuous bridge beams is more complicated than that of simply-supported beams. In much the same way, construction of simply-supported beams is also much simpler than continuous prestressed beams. Yet, continuous beam spans can be the best option in unique bridge projects. One project type includes bridge superstructures replacement with limited clearance. The depth of the new bridge beam is limited by road clearance or high-water flood elevation. Continuous span design with a reduced beam depth may be the best design alternative as the continuous beam meets the loading requirements with a thinner cross section. Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) does not typically build continuous superstructures where beams are designed to perform continuously with regard to loads. Additionally, the length of beams is limited by shipping constraints, so deploying CFCC beams on short and medium span bridges seems more feasible. CFCC has not been utilized in Michigan in draped conditions required for continuous beams, so the configuration and design requirements need to be developed. This project will explore the possible application of new materials and new designs in a combined effort.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Michigan Department of Transportation

  Van Wagoner Building
  425 W. Ottawa Street
  Lansing, MI  United States  48909
• Performing Organizations:

  Lawrence Technological University

  Department of Civil Engineering
  21000 W. Ten Mile Rd
  Southfield, MI  United States  48075-1058
• Principal Investigators:

  Grace, Nabil

• Start Date: 20231001
• Expected Completion Date: 20260930
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Beams; Bridge design; Carbon fibers; Continuous structures; Prestressing; Superstructures
• Geographic Terms: Michigan
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01957451
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Michigan Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jun 6 2025 2:21PM