DETERMINING TRANSVERSE DESIGN FORCES FOR A NEXT-D BRIDGE USING 3D FINITE ELEMENT MODELING

Author

Robert Funcik, Clemson UniversityFollow

Date of Award

12-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Legacy Department

Civil Engineering

Committee Chair/Advisor

Schiff, Scott D

Committee Member

Nielson , Bryant G

Committee Member

Pang , WeiChiang

Abstract

This thesis looks into the use of 3D Finite Element Modeling to determine the transverse design forces for short-span bridges built using the Northeast Extreme Tee with integral deck (NEXT-D) beam. Models were built using either solid elements or shell elements to represent the bridge deck, and the results were compared. The stiffness of the shear keys were taken into account during the modeling process. Results were compared to the AASHTO strip width method for design bridge decks, and the results showed that the strip width method would not be adequate for the design of NEXT-D bridges, so specific live and dead load demands were recommended for the design of short-span NEXT-D bridges.

Recommended Citation

Funcik, Robert, "DETERMINING TRANSVERSE DESIGN FORCES FOR A NEXT-D BRIDGE USING 3D FINITE ELEMENT MODELING" (2011). All Theses. 1280.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/1280