Title: Precast concrete deck-to-girder mechanical connection for accelerated bridge construction
Date Published: May - June 2020
Volume: 65
Issue: 3
Page Numbers: 37 - 52
Authors: George Morcous and Raed Tawadrous
https://doi.org/10.15554/pcij65.3-01

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Abstract

Full-depth precast concrete deck panels are commonly used for accelerated bridge construction and for their production quality and durability. Full-depth precast concrete deck panels are often made composite with the supporting girders by designing deck-to-girder connections to resist horizontal shear between the two components. Grouted open channels or shear pockets in deck panels around the shear connectors of the girders is the current practice. The structural performance of these connections is highly dependent on grout quality and strength, and their constructibility is restricted by production and erection tolerances. This paper presents a new mechanical deck-to-girder connection that minimizes these drawbacks as it connects the precast concrete deck panels to concrete girders mechanically. The performance of the new connection is less dependent on grout quality and strength while allowing relatively high production/construction tolerances. An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the constructibility and structural performance of the mechanical connection and compare them with those of conventional connections. Test results indicated that the interface shear resistance of the mechanical connection was 25% higher than that of conventional connections, in addition to its enhanced constructibility.