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Title	Rapid Preliminary Design of Prestressed Bulb-Tee Sections in Bridge Superstructures
Accession No	01036170
Authors	Heiple, Rhett A
Conference Title	HPC: Build Fast, Build to Last. The 2006 Concrete Bridge Conference
Corp. Authors / Publisher	National Concrete Bridge Council
Publication Date	20060000
Description	17p; Figures(9); References(6); Tables(5)
Media Type	CD-ROM
Languages	English
Abstract	During the preliminary design phase of bridge superstructures, engineers are tasked with determining and providing the owner with the most economical and feasible solution. While complete designs for various beam sections are highly desirable at the preliminary stage, they are seldom performed in practice due to the lengthy time required. Therefore, a quick and reasonably accurate estimate of the number of prestressing strands and required concrete release strength is important when determining the required beam depth. This paper will provide design engineers with a rational method for predicting the number of strands and concrete strength based on a given span length and bridge width (or beam spacing). The predictor equations in double-power form were developed using the AASHTO/PENNDOT LRFD criteria for each of the 36 prestressed bulb-tee beams recently introduced in the state of Pennsylvania. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the coefficients and exponents. Based on a comparison of the exact results with the predictor equation results, the coefficient of determination was found to always be greater than 0.98 with an average relative prediction error typically less than 3%. Similar predictor equations can be developed for different prestressed beam sections and owner/state specific requirements.
TRT Terms	Beams ; Bridge design ; Bridge engineering ; Bridge superstructures ; Linear regression analysis ; Precast concrete pavements ; Prestressing
Identifier Terms	AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications; Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Other Terms	Bridge spans; Bulb tee girders; Concrete strength
Subject Areas	H32 CEMENT AND CONCRETE; H25 STRUCTURES DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE; I32 Concrete; I24 Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls
Availability	National Concrete Bridge Council
TRIS Files	HRIS
Database	TRIS Online

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