Bridges joints are designed to accommodate structure movement, such as to ensure the structural functionality which could be engaged by traffic loads and thermal and seismic stresses, maintaining the road surface continuity. Buried joints are widely used in viaducts characterized by an isostatic structure. They represent a suitable solution for the management of these infrastructures because of their inexpensiveness and ease of installation. Since their performance depends on mechanical behaviour of the asphalt concrete placed as filling in of the area around the joint, an evaluation of stress-strain state affecting the asphalt concrete during the service life is needed. On the basis of criteria of construction science, the Authors introduce a methodology of calculation, which allow to predict with excellent approximation the stress-strain state affecting the above-mentioned joints, furnishing a simple but powerful tool for the definition of the performance needed degree of the asphalt concrete making up the joint, in order to avoid a premature failure. Thermic stresses, seismic forces, traffic loads and braking action were taken into account. A FEM analysis by the implementation of SAP2000 software was performed in order to evaluate the validity and the accuracy of the proposed methodology. Results show that the introduced calculation methodology allows to attain a greater durability of the structure, obtaining economic advantages due to the reduction of the maintenance works during its service life.
The evaluation of stress-strain state of asphalt bridge joints for high structural durability
CIAMPA, DONATO;OLITA, Saverio
2007-01-01
Abstract
Bridges joints are designed to accommodate structure movement, such as to ensure the structural functionality which could be engaged by traffic loads and thermal and seismic stresses, maintaining the road surface continuity. Buried joints are widely used in viaducts characterized by an isostatic structure. They represent a suitable solution for the management of these infrastructures because of their inexpensiveness and ease of installation. Since their performance depends on mechanical behaviour of the asphalt concrete placed as filling in of the area around the joint, an evaluation of stress-strain state affecting the asphalt concrete during the service life is needed. On the basis of criteria of construction science, the Authors introduce a methodology of calculation, which allow to predict with excellent approximation the stress-strain state affecting the above-mentioned joints, furnishing a simple but powerful tool for the definition of the performance needed degree of the asphalt concrete making up the joint, in order to avoid a premature failure. Thermic stresses, seismic forces, traffic loads and braking action were taken into account. A FEM analysis by the implementation of SAP2000 software was performed in order to evaluate the validity and the accuracy of the proposed methodology. Results show that the introduced calculation methodology allows to attain a greater durability of the structure, obtaining economic advantages due to the reduction of the maintenance works during its service life.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
