Transverse panel-to-panel connections for full-depth precast concrete bridge deck panels on continuous steel girder bridges: Part 2, time-dependent analysis

Precast, posttensioned concrete deck panels can be used for rapid replacement of bridge decks; however, the appropriate initial stress to avoid cracking and leaking in bridge deck panels remains a question. This paper uses the age-adjusted effective modulus method to account for creep, shrinkage, and stress redistribution in the composite system. A parametric study was conducted on simple-and continuous-span bridge configurations with steel girders using the maximum tensile stress limit from the companion paper (maximum tensile stress of 3.0 root f(c)' psi [0.25 root f(c)' MPa]). For simple-span bridges, an initial precompression of 200 to 300 psi (1.38 to 2.07 MPa) was adequate. In continuous three-span bridges, the recommended stress was typically achieved with 200 to 750 psi (5.17 MPa) of initial prestress. Two-span systems were most critical; some bridges required close to 1000 psi (6.90 MPa) of initial prestress. For continuous-span bridges, the initial compressive stress required increased substantially for accelerated construction schedules.