For large composite bridges, cross-sections with transverse cantilever beams and longitudinally spanning, non-prestressed concrete deck plates are frequently used (see Fig. 1). The use of semi-prefabricated concrete slabs allows a short construction time. The concrete slab spans in the longi-tudinal direction of the bridge, resulting in tensile stresses in the concrete slab above the support. This leads to cracked concrete cross-sections. Transversal loads resulting from traffic need to be transmitted through this cracked concrete. Currently, in design the crack width is limited to 0.15 mm. In the context of the research project, on one hand the load transfer of the transverse loads over the cracked concrete should be clarified, on the other hand the joint of the cantilever to the steel web should be experimentally investigated with regard to fatigue. In addition, a monitoring system on three bridges should provide information about the actual stresses in the concrete slab and the joint of the cantilever beam. The research project is carried out in collaboration with the consulting office of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrike Kuhlmann, TU Berlin (Prof. Dr.-Ing Karsten Geißler), GMG Ingenieurgesellschaft, Dresden and TU Munich (Prof. Dr.-Ing Oliver Fischer).
Participating Research Centers
- University of Stuttgart, Institute of structural design (Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrike Kuhlmann, Lena Stempniewski)
- consulting office of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrike Kuhlmann
- TU Berlin (Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karsten Geißler)
- GMG Ingenieurgesellschaft, Dresden
- TU Munich (Prof. Dr.-Ing. Oliver Fischer)
Research funding
Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure
Duration
May 2019 – September 2021