Download or read book Destructive Testing and Ultimate Capacity of Skewed Simple-span Bridges written by Andrew J. Bechtel and published by ProQuest. This book was released on 2008 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Due to advances in computing in the late 20 th century, it is now possible to create three-dimension nonlinear analytical models of structures. These models provide the capability of modeling the system as a whole and can lead to more accurate predictions of the system's ultimate capacity. Before these three-dimensional modeling techniques can become common place design tools, the accuracy of the models must be verified by comparing their modeling results to data from full-scale experiments in which structural systems are loaded to failure. To add to the engineering community's knowledge of the ultimate capacity of bridges, the University of Delaware and the Delaware River Bridge Authority have plans to perform destructive testing of a single span simply-supported skewed bridge (Bridge 7R). In preparations for the destructive test, three-dimensional non-linear finite element (FE) models were created to predict the ultimate capacity of the bridge (Ross, 2007). In order to evaluate the performance of existing FE models, a 1/5-scale model bridge was constructed and tested to its ultimate capacity. The results of the test showed that the assumption of a linear elastic concrete deck gave the FE model a greater stiffness and ultimate capacity. In order to predict the ultimate capacity, an advanced concrete model that allows for deterioration must be implemented. A unique aspect of Bridge 7R is that its supports are skewed in excess of 60 degrees. This provides a unique opportunity to observe how skew effects influence the ultimate capacity of the structure. To investigate the effects of skew on bridge performance, a parametric study using FE models was also performed. The results of the study showed that the ultimate capacity of a bridge increases as skew increases. Also, the reaction forces at the obtuse corners increase with increased skew. These phenomena occur due to the difference in stiffness across the width of the bridge at the supports.