Span-to-depth ratio is an important bridge design parameter that affects structural behaviour, construction costs and aesthetics. A study of 86 constant-depth girders indicates that conventional ratios have not changed significantly since 1958. These conventional ratios are now questionable, because recently developed high-strength concrete has enhanced mechanical properties that allow for slenderer sections.
Based on material consumption, cost, and aesthetics comparisons, the thesis determines optimal ratios of an 8-span highway viaduct constructed with high-strength concrete. Three bridge types are investigated: cast-in-place on falsework box-girder and solid slabs, and precast segmental span-by-span box-girder. Results demonstrate that total construction cost is relatively insensitive to span-to-depth ratio over the following ranges of ratios: 10-35, 30-45, and 15-25 for the three bridge types respectively. This finding leads to greater freedom for aesthetic expressions because, compared to conventional values (i.e. 18-23, 22-39, and 16-19), higher ranges of ratios can now be selected without significant cost premiums.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/18974 |
| Date | 16 February 2010 |
| Creators | Poon, Sandy Shuk-Yan |
| Contributors | Gauvreau, Douglas Paul |
| Source Sets | University of Toronto |
| Language | en_ca |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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