Simplified method to analyse casting sequence of composite bridge slabs

This paper presents a simplified procedure to analyse the effects of construction sequences of slabs in steel-concrete composite bridge decks. The procedure allows accounting for shrinkage and casting sequence effects. The time-dependent behaviour of the concrete is also included to capture the stress relaxation that mitigates the effects of the fast thermal shrinkage. Main features related to modelling of early-age concrete behaviour and tensile creep are discussed. The proposed simplified method is applied to evaluate the stresses in the slab of a realistic three-span composite bridge deck by considering different casting sequences. The comparison between the results obtained with the proposed method and those given by a step-by-step procedure shows the accuracy of the simplified method that can be considered a useful tool for practical applications.