Title: Section shapes for precast short-span ultra-high-performance-concrete bridges
Date Published: September - October 2026
Volume: 71
Issue: 5
Page Numbers: 24 - 36
Authors: David B. Garber, Rafic G. Helou, and Benjamin Graybeal
https://doi.org/10.15554/pcij71.5-01

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Abstract

Short-span bridge superstructures are commonly made of conventional precast concrete components. The emergence of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and the publication of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Guide Specification for Structural Design with Ultra-High Performance Concrete create new possibilities for the redesign of short-span bridge superstructures. Several section shapes optimized for use with UHPC are introduced based on existing short-span section shape types along with practical span ranges shown for each section type. Sample design aids for modified UHPC box beams are presented to show possible span lengths and their necessary strand areas. Hypothetical case studies are discussed, showcasing many of the advantages of UHPC primary structural components over conventional concrete alternatives.