Analysis of the Thermal Effects on the Performance and Reliability of Post‐Tensioned Integral Abutment Bridges

Abstract There are cases where the common approaches used to assess temperature loading effects may not be sufficient, especially in case of integral abutment bridges (IABs). In IABs, incorrect choice design result an unwanted tensional state bridge decks and additional loads on abutments. For post‐tensioned bridges, combined excessive loss tension cables due time‐dependent phenomena like relaxation steel shrink‐age creep concrete lead probabilities exceedance serviceability (or ultimate) limit states that exceed code specifications and/or desired levels safety, cascading negative operation road infrastructure. This research aims at assessing sensitivity IABs long‐term and, a second step, quantifying probability relevant states.