| An extensive analytical investigation was undertaken to study the effect of loading and geometric parameters on transverse moment distribution in simply supported prestressed concrete slab-girder bridges in the entire range of loading up to failure. The load distribution for critical loading cases or geometry were determined and compared with the relevant predictions of the CHBD (1999), and the AASHTO (1994) bridge codes in addition to those of some available methods in the literature.; The analytical tool employed was the finite element program NONLACS and only material nonlinearities were considered. The program was modified so it can handle the nonlinear analysis of prestressed structures built in stages. Subsequently, the results of NONLACS were verified and compared with available experimental results.; The parameters studied included longitudinal truck position, transverse truck location, bridge width, span/width ratio, girder spacing (number of girders), and slab/girder stiffness ratio. This study revealed that although at the ultimate limit state (ULS) all the preceding parameters affect the transverse distribution of bridges, they do not have equal effect. Finally, it was determined that due to inelastic transverse redistribution such bridges could be subjected to a load 15% greater than their design capacity based on existing code methods without affecting their safety. |
