Numerical analysis of precast concrete segmental bridge decks

Precast Concrete Segmental Bridges are nowadays a well-established alternative for bridge construction that presents significative advantages related to the construction process. Numerous bridges have been built using this technology in the past decades and extensive research has been conducted, including the development of different numerical models to study their behaviour. This paper proposes a new Finite Element model for Precast Concrete Segmental Bridge decks capable of reproducing the main characteristics of their behaviour at a reduced computational cost. The model proposed has shown very good agreement with experimental results existing in the literature. After calibration, the influence of different modelling choices has been analysed. The results point out to a high impact of the modelling strategy adopted for the joints in the compression areas, requiring an adequate estimation of the point of contact between the segments. Additionally, consideration of friction of external tendons at the deviators showed limited relevance in the global behaviour of the model but was important for the correct estimation of stress increments in the tendons. Finally, considering or not the presence of epoxy at the joints did not seem to influence significantly the behaviour of the models. The use of shell elements combined with the modelling strategy adopted for the joints offers better accuracy than existing models with a significantly lower computational time.