Structural behaviour of precast segmental concrete bridges with external prestressing and dry joints. Part 2: Test modelling

Abstract

This work presents a FEM study on the behaviour of some segmental concrete beams with external prestressing, focussing on the response under combined flexure and shear, in the service and ultimate limit states. Two models have been used for simulating the transmission of shear along joints between match-cast segments. In one of the approaches, the geometry of the joints (and the shear keys) is represented with interface elements with Coulomb frictional behaviour. In the other approach, the global behaviour of the key zone of the joint is represented by flat interface elements with cohesive frictional behaviour. These joint models have been calibrated using the results of the experiments. The results of the numerical analyses have led to significant conclusions regarding the modelling, reinforcement detailing in the segments and the global behaviour of segmental structures with dry castellated joints.