This project sought to increase the seismic safety of the state’s bridges by improving the connections among bridge components. A typical Washington state concrete bridge bent consists of cast-in-place piers, precast, pre-stressed girders, and a cap beam. Successful interaction among all three components must be achieved to transfer induced loads effectively and provide adequate resistance to seismic shaking. The cap beam comprises a precast crossbeam and a cast-in-place diaphragm, flush with the girders. To create the tension connection between the bottom girder flange and the cap beam, it is common to extend some of the bottom steel strands into the cast-in-place diaphragm, where they are anchored with strand vices and bearing plates. The goal of this project was to create a reliable, effective, and practically applicable way of anchoring strands extended from the girder into the cap beam.
... Read More