Analytical and field investigation of horizontally curved girder bridges

................................................................................................................................... xi Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. xii Chapter 1 General Introduction ................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Industry Problem ................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Objectives and Scope of the Research ................................................................................ 1 1.3 Organization of the Document ............................................................................................ 2 Chapter 2 Literature Review ..................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Mechanics and Behavior of Horizontally Curved Girders ................................................. 4 2.2 Comparing Levels of Analysis for Horizontally Curved Bridges ...................................... 6 2.3 History of the Design Specifications for Horizontally Curved Bridges ............................. 9 2.4 Load Distributions for Horizontally Curved Bridges ....................................................... 10 2.5 Framing and Erection of Horizontally Curved Girders .................................................... 12 2.6 Integral Abutments and Horizontally Curved Girders ...................................................... 13 Chapter 3 Short Term Instrumentation and Data Collection Protocol .................................... 14 3.1 Strain Transducer Information .......................................................................................... 14 3.2 Live Load Testing ............................................................................................................. 19 3.2.1 Test Vehicle ............................................................................................................. 19 3.2.2 Load Paths ................................................................................................................ 20