Examining the presence of arching action in edge-stiffened cantilever slab overhangs subjected to a static and fatigue wheel load

• Main Author: Klowak, Chad Steven
• Other Authors: Mufti, Aftab (Civil Engineering) Bakht, Baidar (Civil Engineering)
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Cantilver Slab Overhang; Arching Action; Static Wheel Load; Fatigue Wheel Load
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/30859

Engineers proposed the idea that arching action present may be present in bridge deck cantilever slab overhangs, stiffened along their longitudinal free edge via a traffic barrier, subjected to a wheel load. The experimental research program consisted of the design, construction, and static as well as fatigue destructive testing of a full-scale innovative bridge deck slab complete with two traffic barrier walls. The observed experimental data provided extremely interesting findings that indicated a very strong presence of arching action in edge-stiffened cantilever slab overhangs subjected to static and fatigue wheel loads. Deflection profiles indicated curvatures that contradict classical flexural behavior. Large tensile strain magnitudes on the bottom reinforcing mat in all cantilever test locations as well as cracking patterns dictate behavior typical to arching action. Top transverse strains measured did not agree with flexural theory and patterns confirmed earlier research finding that the quantity of top transverse reinforcement may be reduced. Compressive strains measured on the top surface of the cantilever contradicted flexural theory and confirmed the presence of arching action. Punching shear modes of failure observed in all test locations also strengthened the argument for the presence of arching action. Theoretical and analytical modeling techniques were able to validate and confirm the experimental test results. Based on experimental research findings and analytical modeling researchers were able to confirm a major presence of arching action in edge-stiffened cantilever slab overhangs subjected to static and fatigue wheel loads. Recommendations include a proposed reduction in top transverse reinforcement provided in the adjacent internal panel due to the presence arching action that could contribute to a significant initial capital cost savings. Based on the research findings, the report also suggests potential provisions to design codes that take into account the presence of arching action. Further research and theoretical modeling is still required to better understand the presence of arching action in edge-stiffened cantilever slab overhangs. Additional testing and a demonstration project complete with civionics and structural health monitoring will aid engineers in the implementation of the break-through findings highlighted in this study. === February 2016