Experimental and numerical study on honeycomb T-beam bridge deck

The inefficiency in the construction of intermediate diaphragms for T-beam bridges (referred to as conventional T-beam), has long been a significant research concern. This study focuses on a novel bridge deck design (referred to as honeycomb T-beam), which effectively eliminates the need for intermediate diaphragms, thus enhancing construction efficiency. Segment models of both conventional T-beam and honeycomb T-beam were designed and fabricated, and their transverse mechanical performance was compared through transverse static tests. Additionally, numerical simulations using ABAQUS were conducted and validated with experimental data. Based on the numerical model of honeycomb T-beam, crack width calculation and reinforcement optimization were performed. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The design of honeycomb T-beam allows for less reinforcement, making it more economical while ensuring that the bearing capacity reaches the same level. (2) Honeycomb T-beam exhibits superior durability and bearing capacity, with a failure mode that is more ductile. (3) The results of numerical simulation highly coincide with experimental results. Besides, this paper proposes and validates a practical method for crack width calculation. (4) Parametric analysis show that increasing the reinforcement area at right inner hole of honeycomb T-beam by 10% can enhance the bearing capacity by 18%. Based on this, design suggestions are made for honeycomb T-beams and other perforated structures.