Analysis and Optimal Design of Segmental Precast Concrete Bridges with Balanced Cantilever Construction (Case Study: Esteghlal Bridge in Isfahan)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Civil Engineering group, Pardis College, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran

2 Department of Civil Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran

Abstract

The construction of segmental precast concrete bridges is an increase due to its superior performance and economic advantages. This type of bridge is appropriate for spans within 50 to 250 m, known as mega-projects and the design optimization would lead to considerable economic benefits. In this study, a box-girder cross section of bridge superstructure with balanced cantilever construction method is assessed. The depth of cross section, thickness of top and bottom flange, thickness of webs and the count of strands of pre-stressed steel are considered as design variables. The optimum design is characterized by geometry, serviceability, ductility, and ultimate limit states specified by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standard and AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) specifications. Genetic algorithm (GA) is applied for cost and weight optimization. To validate functionality of this algorithm, a real bridge constructed in the city of Isfahan, Iran (Esteghlal Bridge, completed in 2017) is optimized as a case study. The total of a 13% reduction in cost and weight of the bridge superstructure is observed. The cost optimization algorithm is run by considering different spans and relation between superstructure cost and span length is assessed. The efficiency of applying the GA in optimization of this kind of bridges is proved.

Keywords

Main Subjects


[1] Xu, D., Lei, J., & Zhao, Y. (2016). Prestressing optimization and local reinforcement design for a mixed externally and internally prestressed precast segmental bridge. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 21(7), 05016003.
[2] Torres, G. G. B., Brotchie, J., & Cornell, C. (1966). A program for optimum design of prestressed concrete highway bridges. Journal of  Prestressed Concrete Institute, 11(3), 63-71.
[3] Quiroga, A. S., & Arroyo, M. U. (1991). Optimization of prestressed concrete bridge decks. Computers & Structures, 41(3), 553-559.
[4] Sirca Jr, G. F., & Adeli, H. (2005). Cost optimization of prestressed concrete bridges. Journal of Structural Engineering, 131(3), 380-388.
[5] Aydın, Z., & Ayvaz, Y. (2010). Optimum topology and shape design of prestressed concrete bridge girders using a genetic algorithm. Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 41(1), 151-162.
[6] Aydın, Z., & Ayvaz, Y. (2013). Overall cost optimization of prestressed concrete bridge using genetic algorithm. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 17(4), 769-776.
[7] Alqedra, M., Arafa, M., & Ismail, M. (2011). Optimum cost of prestressed and reinforced concrete beams using genetic algorithms. Journal of Artificial Intelligence, 4(1), 76-88.
[8] Kaveh, A., Bakhshpouri T, Barkhori MA. (2014). Optimum design of multi-span composite box girder bridges using Cuckoo search algorithm. Steel Composit Struct, 17(5), 705-709.
[9] Li, H., Li, F. & Wang, X. (2015). Cantilever member optimal design using improved genetic algorithm. Journal of LNTU. Natural Science, 34(6), 725-729.
[10] Gaßner, G., Fuchs, K., & Kollegger, J. (2018). Comparison of balanced lift and balanced cantilever method for the San Leonardo viaduct. High Tech Concrete: Where Technology and Engineering Meet, Springer, 2581-2589.
[11] Chai, S., Guo, T., Chen, Z., & Yang, J. (2019). Monitoring and simulation of long-term performance of precast concrete segmental box girders with dry Joints. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 24(6), 04019043.
[12] Yepes, V., Pérez-López, E., García-Segura, T., & Alcalá, J. (2019). Optimization of high-performance concrete post-tensioned box-girder pedestrian bridges. International Journal of Computational Methods and Experimental Measurements, 7(2), 118-129.
[13] Holland, J. H. (1975). Adaptation in natural and artificial systems: an introductory analysis with applications to biology, control, and artificial intelligence: U Michigan Press.
[14] Isfahan-Municipality. (2017). Report on the Operation of the Bridge P6 of the Esteghlal Project. Retrieved from Isfahan, Iran.
[15] Duan, L., & Chen, W.F. (1999). Bridge engineering handbook: CRC press.
[16] Shushkewich, K. W. (2012). Eugène Freyssinet—Invention of Prestressed Co ncrete and Precast Segmental Construction. Structural Engineering International, 22(3), 415-420.
[17] Rohani, M., Shafabakhsh, G., Haddad, A., & Asnaashari, E. (2016). Operation Planning of Concrete Box Girder Bridge by 4D CAD Visualization Techniques. International Journal of Civil, Environmental, Structural, Construction and Architectural Engineering, 10(6), 790-796.
[18] Kumar, K., Varghese, K., Nathan, K. S., & Ananthanarayanan, K. (2008). Automated Geometry Control of Precast Segmental Bridges. In The 25th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (Vol. 26).
[19] AASHTO. (2017). AASHTO LRFD specifications for highway bridges (8 ed.). Washington, DC, USA.
[20] American Segmental Bridge Institute, ASBI, Growth of Concrete Segmental, 142 Cimarron Park Loop, Suite F. Buda, TX 78610-2837, www.asbi-assoc.org.
[21]  Pielstick, B. H. (2010). Florida DOT Procedures for Ensuring Durability of Segmental Bridges. Paper presented at the 2010 Structures Congress and the 19th Analysis and Computation Specialty Conference American Society of Civil Engineers Structural Engineering Institute.
[22] Cruzado, H. J. (1998). Assessment of a precast prestressed segmental concrete rail transit guideway design. Doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
[23] Menn, C. (2012). Prestressed concrete bridges: Birkhäuser Basel.
[24] Rajagopalan, N. (2006). Bridge superstructure. Alpha Science Int'l Ltd.
[25] P.C.I. (1978). Precast Segmental Box Girder Bridge Manual, Chicago, Illinois: Presstressed concrete institute.
[26] ACI-ASCE Committee 343. (1988). Analysis and design of reinforced concrete bridge structures. American Concrete Institute, Detroit.
[27] Freyermuth, C. L. (1997). AASHTO-PCI-ASBI Segmental Box Girder Standards: A new product for grade separations and interchange bridges. PCI JOURNAL, 42(5), 32-42.
[28] AASHTO. (2012). AASHTO LRFD specifications for highway bridges (sixth ed.). Washington, DC, USA.
[29] AASHTO. (2002). AASHTO Standard specifications for highway bridges (17 ed.). Washington, DC, USA.
[30]  Lacey, G., & Breen, J. (1975). The design and optimization of segmentally precast prestressed box girder bridges. Retrieved from University of  Texas
[31] Duan, L., & Chen, W.F. (2014). Bridge Engineering Handbook: Superstructure Design (second ed.). New York: Taylor & Francis.
[32] Ahsan, R., Rana, S., & Ghani, S. N. (2011). Cost optimum design of posttensioned I-girder bridge using global optimization algorithm. Journal of Structural Engineering, 138(2), 273-284.
[33] Heins, C. P., & Lawrie, R. A. (1984). Design of modern concrete highway bridges. New York: John Wiley & Sons.