Jean-Paul Lebet

Concrete cracking in composite bridges : tests, models and design proposals

Concrete cracking affects the durability and the mechanical behaviour of steel concrete composite bridges. The main results of an experimental and theoretical study that focused on the mechanical bahaviour of steel-concrete composite bridges under non-monotonic service loading are presented. Three 7.2 m long cracked composite beams were tested and a numerical model was developed (the Non-Linear Model). This model is used to evaluate the difference between the real behaviour of continuous composite bridges and the behaviour determined with a simple model that does not consider the influence of the cracked concrete. The tests and the Non-Linear Model demonstrate that tension stiffening of cracked concrete is counteracted, under non-monotonic service loading, by the plastic behaviour of the concrete-reinforcement bond. In addition, the coincidence of transverse reinforcement with the location of cracks as seen in tests means that the influence of the concrete between cracks on the crack widths is less than 10%. Finally, the design proposals based on this analysis that have been developed in order to be used by practising engineers are summarised.

Behaviour of composite bridges during construction

The behaviour of steel-concrete composite bridges is influenced by time-dependent effects in the concrete deck slab that can affect the durability of such structures. A detailed study of the causes...

Design Method for Connections by Adherence for Steel-Concrete Composite Bridges

This paper presents experimental and analytical research that was conducted on new connections “by adherence” for steel-concrete composite bridges. Their resistance is due to the frictional shear resistance of different interfaces positioned in a judicious manner. These connections make it possible to erect the structure quickly with full-depth precast concrete slabs, while the concreting works on site are limited as much as possible. Experimental results show that these connections exhibit a high resistance to horizontal shear forces and are very rigid compared to traditional connectors (headed studs). However, their ductility is limited. Based on the experimental results, a calculation model was developed which takes into account the deformation observed during the tests and the behavior laws for interfaces. This model was used in a parametric study. Some results are presented and discussed. A simplified method for determining the resistance of these connections, some design rules, and recommendations for construction are proposed.

Launching of the Vaux Viaduct

Environmental concerns played an important role in the planning of the last stretch of the A1 highway between Lausanne and Bern. Bridges and tunnels represent more than 72% of the length of this stretch of highway. One of the bridges is the Vaux Viaduct. This steel-concrete composite bridge, with launched main spans of 130 m, is another step of progress in composite bridge design and construction in Switzerland over the last three decades. The launching of the Vaux Viaduct required careful planning based on detailed calculations considering the patch-loading resistance and the complicated geometry of the bridges. These calculations allowed the most important parameters to be identified and subsequently monitored with view to keeping them within allowable limits. The monitoring of support reactions and adjustment of support levels during launching enabled the successful completion of the complex erection process.

Experimental and theoretical study of the behaviour of composite bridges during construction

Keywords: 380/ICOM Note: paper n.385 Reference ICOM-ARTICLE-1998-005doi:10.1016/S0143-974X(98)00093-5 Record created on 2008-01-24, modified on 2016-08-08

A new design method for continuous composite beams

Keywords: 303/ICOM Reference ICOM-ARTICLE-1996-001doi:10.2749/101686696780495798 Record created on 2008-01-24, modified on 2016-08-08

New steel-concrete shear connection for composite bridges

This paper presents experimental and analytical research that was conducted on new connections “by adherence” for steel-concrete composite bridges. Their resistance is achieved by the frictional shear resistance of different interfaces positioned in a judicious manner. These connections make it possible to erect the structure quickly with full-depth precast concrete slabs, while the concreting works on site are limited as much as possible. Experimental results show that these connections exhibit a high resistance to horizontal shear forces and are very rigid compared to traditional connectors (headed studs). However, their ductility is limited. Based on the experimental results, a calculation model was developed and was used in a parametric study. Some results of the parametric study are presented and discussed in this paper. A simplified method for determining the resistance of these connections, design rules and recommendations for construction are proposed.

Experimental and Theoretical Research on a New Partial Adherence Shear Connection

Keywords: 497/ICOM Reference ICOM-CONF-2004-003View record in Web of Science Record created on 2008-01-24, modified on 2016-08-08

Early Concrete Cracking of Composite Bridges during Construction

Keywords: 404/ICOM Reference ICOM-CONF-2000-002 Record created on 2008-01-24, modified on 2016-08-08

Steel-Concrete Connections by Adhesion, Interlocking, and Friction for Composite Bridges under Cyclic Loading

This paper deals with of a new type of steel-concrete connection for composite beams. The connection is an alternative solution for steel-concrete composite bridges suitable for prefabrication and fast erection. The composite action of the beam is established through an innovative shear connection using adhesion, interlocking, and friction. The resistance of the connection to longitudinal shear is based on the development of shear stresses in the confined interfaces that form the connection. The interfaces include a steel-cement grout interface and a rough concrete-cement grout interface. Confinement is provided by the reinforced concrete slab that encloses the connection. This study applies such a connection to composite bridges and investigates resistance to cyclic loadings using experimental tests. The paper presents the analysis of the test results and a design method to predict the connection fatigue resistance.