Bridges

Design Optimization of Bridge Decks with Precast UHPC Waffle Panels

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Abstract

The first full-depth, precast, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) waffle panels have been designed and implemented in a bridge replacement project to utilize accelerated bridge construction (ABC) and increase bridge deck longevity. After satisfactory performance of bridge deck under moving loads, this paper examines the options to optimize the bridge deck design to minimize the UHPC volume and associated labor costs. Using the full-scale finite-element model of the bridge, an optimization of the waffle panels was undertaken by varying the number of ribs as well as spacing between the ribs. An optimized panel was achieved by reducing the interior ribs per panel from four to two, or zero, in the longitudinal direction and six to two in the transverse direction, without compromising the panel’s structural performance. Using the recommended optimized design, it was shown that the UHPC volume can be reduced by 13.4% compared to the design completed for the bridge, thereby significantly reducing the construction costs.

Keywords: precast, bridge deck, waffle panel, design, optimization, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC)

How to Cite:

Honarvar, E., Rouse, J. M., Sritharan, S. & Aaleti, S., (2016) “Design Optimization of Bridge Decks with Precast UHPC Waffle Panels”, International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete 1(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.21838/uhpc.2016.113