Simplified analysis of shrinkage and casting sequence effects in composite bridge decks

ABSTRACT This paper presents a simplified procedure to account for shrinkage and casting sequence effects in the time-dependent analysis of steel-concrete composite continuous decks. Main features related to modelling of early-age concrete behaviour and tensile creep are discussed. The proposed simplified method is applied to evaluate the service response of a realistic three-span composite bridge deck by considering different slab casting sequences. The comparison between the obtained results and those given by the step-by-step procedures shows the accuracy of the simplified method, which can be considered a useful tool for practical applications. The numerical simulations highlight how the various casting sequences affect the development of tensile stresses in the slab.