Structural Concrete, Vol. 3, no. 3, December 2002
Influence of traffic loads on permanent deflections of prestressed concrete bridges
Z. Smerda Technical University Brno, VIAPONT Ltd, Brno, Czech Republic
J. Smerda VIAPONT Ltd, Brno, Czech Republic
The rising volume of traffic on concrete road bridges has caused designers to consider the problem of permanent deflections caused by repeated traffic loading. However, it should be stated that the correct method for calculating such deflections is currently unclear and consequently gives rise to unrealistic estimations. Moreover, a lack of knowledge regarding the full spectrum of traffic loads and the effects of repeated loads upon concrete deformation exacerbate the problem. This paper attempts to determine the permanent deflection of prestressed concrete bridges without cracks.
