Date of Award

8-2010

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering

Department

Civil and Construction Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Upul Attanayake

Second Advisor

Dr. Haluk Aktan

Third Advisor

Dr. Osama Abuddayyeh

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Campus Only

Abstract

This study investigates the behavior of link-slab bridges under various angles of skew, boundary conditions, and loadings through the development of 60 threedimensional, finite element bridge models. Models are generated for angles of skew of 0°, 20°, 30°, and 45°. In addition, the models are analyzed under three different boundary conditions. Loads are then applied to the models: positive and negative temperature gradients and three live load patterns, representative of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officers (AASHTO) HL-93 loading. The models are analyzed in Abaqus. Accuracy of the analysis models are confirmed with equilibrium, element quality checks, and other visual checks using the pre/post-processor HyperMesh. Trends are then developed as to how forces and moments within the link slab change based on the angle of skew and boundary conditions. Finally, a skew link slab design procedure is proposed.

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