Design of Type C and Aashto Type IV Girder Bridges

IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN
SPECIFICATIONS ON THE DESIGN OF TYPE C AND AASHTO
TYPE IV GIRDER BRIDGES
A Thesis
by
SAFIUDDIN ADIL MOHAMMED
Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of

Texas A&M University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
December 2005
Major Subject: Civil Engineering

IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN
SPECIFICATIONS ON THE DESIGN OF TYPE C AND AASHTO
TYPE IV GIRDER BRIDGES
A Thesis
by
SAFIUDDIN ADIL MOHAMMED
Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of

Texas A&M University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Approved by:
Chair of Committee, Mary Beth D. Hueste

Committee Members, Peter B. Keating
Harry A. Hogan
Head of Department, David Rosowsky
December 2005
Major Subject: Civil Engineering

iii
ABSTRACT
Impact of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications on the Design of Type C and
AASHTO Type IV Girder Bridges. (December 2005)
Safiuddin Adil Mohammed, B.E., Osmania University
Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Mary Beth D. Hueste
This research study is aimed at assisting the Texas Department of Transportation

(TxDOT) in making a transition from the use of the AASHTO Standard Specifications
for Highway Bridges to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications for the design
of prestressed concrete bridges. It was identified that Type C and AASHTO Type IV are
among the most common girder types used by TxDOT for prestressed concrete bridges.
This study is specific to these two types of bridges. Guidelines are provided to tailor
TxDOT’s design practices to meet the requirements of the LRFD Specifications.
Detailed design examples for an AASHTO Type IV girder using both the
AASHTO Standard Specifications and AASHTO LRFD Specifications are developed
and compared. These examples will serve as a reference for TxDOT bridge design
engineers. A parametric study for AASHTO Type IV and Type C girders is conducted
using span length, girder spacing, and strand diameter as the major parameters that are
varied. Based on the results obtained from the parametric study, two critical areas are
identified where significant changes in design results are observed when comparing
Standard and LRFD designs. The critical areas are the transverse shear requirements and
interface shear requirements, and these are further investigated.
The interface shear reinforcement requirements are observed to increase
significantly when the LRFD Specifications are used for design. New provisions for
interface shear design that have been proposed to be included in the LRFD
Specifications in 2007 were evaluated. It was observed that the proposed interface shear
provisions will significantly reduce the difference between the interface shear
reinforcement requirements for corresponding Standard and LRFD designs.
iv
The transverse shear reinforcement requirements are found to be varying

marginally in some cases and significantly in most of the cases when comparing LRFD
designs to Standard designs. The variation in the transverse shear reinforcement
requirement is attributed to differences in the shear models used in the two
specifications. The LRFD Specifications use a variable truss analogy based on the
Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT). The Standard Specifications use a
constant 45-degree truss analogy method for its shear design provisions. The two
methodologies are compared and major differences are noted.
v
DEDICATION
To all the Civil Engineers who are striving to make this world a better place to live.
vi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank my committee chair, Dr. Mary Beth D. Hueste, for her
guidance, help and continued encouragement throughout the course of this research.
Without her guidance this research would have been impossible. I wish to thank my
committee members, Dr. Peter Keating and Dr. Harry Hogan, for their guidance and help
in this research. I am grateful to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for
supporting this research project and their helpful input.
Last but not the least, thanks are due to my family, especially my father, Dr.
Shaik Chand, and mother, Naseem Sultana, for their love, encouragement, and support.
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................. iii
DEDICATION ............................................................................................................. v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS............................................................................................ vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................. vii
LIST OF FIGURES...................................................................................................... x
LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... xii
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................ 1
1.1 Background and Problem Statement .............................................. 1

1.2 Objectives and Scope ..................................................................... 3
1.3 Research Plan ................................................................................. 3
1.4 Outline............................................................................................ 7
2. LITERATURE SURVEY ................................................................................ 8
2.1 General ........................................................................................... 8

2.2 Comparison of AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications ...... 8
2.3 Reliability of Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders ....................... 11
2.4 Load Models................................................................................... 12
2.5 Resistance Models.......................................................................... 21
2.6 Load Distribution Factors............................................................... 22
2.7 Impact of AASHTO LRFD Specifications on Shear Design ......... 30
2.8 Research Needs .............................................................................. 33
3. TXDOT BRIDGE DESIGN PRACTICES ...................................................... 34
3.1 Introduction .................................................................................... ...34

3.2 Modular Ratio Between Slab and Girder Concrete........................ ...34
4. PARAMETRIC STUDY OUTLINE ............................................................... 47
4.1 General ........................................................................................... 47

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Page
4.2 Girder Sections ............................................................................... 48

4.3 Design Program Outline................................................................. 50
4.4 Design Assumptions and Procedure............................................... 52
4.5 Design Parameters.......................................................................... 143
4.6 Results and Sample Output ............................................................ 144
4.7 Detailed Design Examples ............................................................. 145
5. RESULTS FOR AASHTO TYPE IV GIRDERS ............................................ 147
5.1 Introduction .................................................................................... 147

5.2 Impact of AASHTO LRFD Specifications .................................... 148
5.3 Impact of LRFD Specifications on Live Load Moments and
Shears ............................................................................................. 148
5.4 Impact of AASHTO LRFD Specifications on Service Load
Design............................................................................................. 164
5.5 Impact of AASHTO LRFD Specifications on Flexural Strength
Limit State ...................................................................................... 185
5.6 Impact of LRFD Specifications on Camber ................................... 194
5.7 Impact of AASHTO LRFD on Shear Design................................. 195
6. RESULTS FOR TYPE C GIRDERS ............................................................... 197
6.1 Introduction .................................................................................... .197

6.2 Impact of AASHTO LRFD Specifications .................................... .198
6.3 Impact of LRFD Specifications on Live Load Moments
and Shears ...................................................................................... .198
6.4 Impact of AASHTO LRFD Specifications on Service Load
Design............................................................................................. .214
6.5 Impact of AASHTO LRFD Specifications on Flexural Strength
Limit State ...................................................................................... .224
6.6 Impact of LRFD Specifications on Camber ................................... .228
6.7 Impact of AASHTO LRFD on Shear Design................................. .229
7. SHEAR DESIGN ............................................................................................. 230
7.1 Introduction .................................................................................... .230

7.2 Impact of LRFD Specifications on Transverse Shear Design........ .230
7.3 Impact of LRFD Specifications on Interface Shear Design ........... .234
8. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................... 241
8.1 Summary ........................................................................................ .241

ix
Page
8.2 Conclusions .................................................................................... .242

8.3 Recommendations for Future Research ......................................... .245
REFERENCES............................................................................................................. 246
APPENDIX A DETAILED DESIGN EXAMPLES FOR INTERIOR AASHTO

TYPE IV PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE GIRDER ................... 253
VITA .......................................................................................................................... 458

x
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
Figure 2.1 Cost vs. Reliability Index and Optimum Safety Level............................ 12
Figure 2.2 Distribution Factors Proposed by Zokaie................................................ 26
Figure 4.1 Configuration and Dimensions of the AASHTO Type IV Girder
Section ..................................................................................................... 48
Figure 4.2 Configuration and Dimensions of the Type C Girder Section ................ 49
Figure 4.3 Girder End Details................................................................................... 55
Figure 4.4 HS 20-44 Lane Loading .......................................................................... 58
Figure 4.5 HS 20-44 Truck Configuration ............................................................... 59
Figure 4.6 Rectangular Section Behavior – Standard Notation................................ 97
Figure 4.7 Rectangular Stress Block lies in the Girder Flange................................. 99
Figure 4.8 Rectangular Stress Block in the Girder Web .......................................... 101
Figure 4.9 Neutral Axis lies in the Girder Flange and the Stress Block is in
the Slab .................................................................................................... 106
Figure 4.10 Neutral Axis Depth using ACI Approach and Proposed AASHTO
LRFD Approach ...................................................................................... 107
Figure 4.11 Rectangular Section Behavior – LRFD Notation.................................... 109
Figure 4.12 Neutral Axis lies in the Girder Flange .................................................... 110
Figure 4.13 Neutral Axis lies in the Fillet Portion of the Girder ................................ 112
Figure 4.14 Neutral Axis lies in the Web Portion of the Girder................................. 114
Figure 4.15 Values of and - AASHTO LRFD Specifications .............................. 131
Figure 4.16 Bridge Cross Section ............................................................................... 146
Figure 5.1 Impact Factors for AASHTO Standard vs. AASHTO LRFD
Specifications .......................................................................................... 155
Figure 5.2 Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs by Skew Angle........................ 157
Figure 5.3 Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs by Girder Spacing ................... 158
Figure 5.4 Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs...................................................... 160
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Page
Figure 5.5 Comparison of Initial Prestress Loss (%) for AASHTO Standard and
LRFD Specifications ............................................................................... 170
Figure 5.6 Comparison of Total Prestress Loss (%) for AASHTO Standard and
Figure 5.7 Comparison of Required Number of Strands for AASHTO Standard and
Figure 5.8 Comparison of Required Number of Strands for AASHTO Standard and
Figure 5.9 Comparison of depth of equivalent stress block (in.) for AASHTO
Standard and LRFD Specifications ......................................................... 189
Figure 5.10 Comparison of depth of Neutral Axis (in.) for AASHTO Standard
and LRFD Specifications ........................................................................ 190
Figure 5.11 Comparison of Mu/Mr ratio for Standard and LRFD Specifications....... 193
Figure 6.1 Impact Factors for AASHTO Standard vs. AASHTO LRFD
Specifications for Type C Girder ............................................................ 205
Figure 6.2 Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs by Girder Spacing for
Type C Girder.......................................................................................... 208
Figure 6.3 Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs for Type C Girder........................ 210
Figure 6.4. Comparison of Required Number of Strands for AASHTO
Standard and LRFD Specifications for Type C Girder ........................... 220
xii
LIST OF TABLES
Page
Table 2.1 Statistical Parameters for Dead Load ...................................................... 13

Table 3.1 Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs ................................................. 36
Table 3.2 Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs...................................................... 37
Table 3.3 Comparison of Distributed Live Load Moments .................................... 38
Table 3.4 Comparison of Distributed Live Load Shears......................................... 39
Table 3.5 Comparison of Required Number of Strands .......................................... 40
Table 3.6 Comparison of Required Concrete Strength at Release .......................... 41
Table 3.7 Comparison of Required Concrete Strength at Service .......................... 42
Table 3.8 Comparison of Flexural Moment Resistance, Mr.................................... 43
Table 3.9 Comparison of Transverse Shear Reinforcement Area, Av..................... 44
Table 3.10 Comparison of Transverse Interface Reinforcement Area, Avh .............. 45
Table 3.11 Comparison of Camber ........................................................................... 46
Table 4.1 Sample Input for Design Program “mainprog.m”................................... 50
Table 4.2 Design Variables for AASHTO Standard and LRFD Designs. .............. 51
Table 4.3 Non-Composite Section Properties. ........................................................ 52
Table 4.4 Allowable Stress Limits Specified by AASHTO Standard and LRFD
Specifications. ......................................................................................... 88
Table 4.5 Stress Limits for Low-Relaxation Prestressing Strands Specified by the
AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications........................................ 89
Table 4.6 Significant Differences between Design Provisions for I-Shaped
Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders....................................................... 90
Table 4.7 Design Parameters................................................................................... 143
Table 4.8 Sample Output from Design Program ..................................................... 145
Table 5.1 Design Parameters................................................................................... 147
Table 5.2 Governing Live Load Moments at Midspan and Shears at Critical
Section for Standard Specifications ........................................................ 150
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Page
Section for LRFD Specifications ............................................................ 151
Table 5.4 Comparison of Undistributed Midspan Live Load Moments and
Shears at Critical Section (Skew = 0°, Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.) ......... 153
Table 5.5 Comparison of Live Load Impact Factors............................................... 154
Table 5.6 Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs (DFM) ..................................... 156
Table 5.7 Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs (DFV) .......................................... 159
Table 5.8 Comparison of Distributed Midspan Live Load Moments (LL Mom.)
for AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications .................................. 162
Table 5.9 Comparison of Distributed Live Load Shear at Critical Section for
Table 5.10 Comparison of Prestress Loss Due to Elastic Shortening (ES) for
Table 5.11 Comparison of Prestress Loss due to Initial Steel Relaxation for
Table 5.12 Comparison of Prestress Loss due to Initial Steel Relaxation for
Table 5.13 Comparison of Initial Prestress Loss (%) for AASHTO Standard
and LRFD Specifications ........................................................................ 169
Table 5.14 Comparison of Total Relaxation Loss (CRS) for AASHTO
Table 5.15 Comparison of Prestress Loss due to Creep of Concrete (CRC) for
Table 5.16 Comparison of Total Prestress Loss Percent for AASHTO
Table 5.17 Comparison of Required Number of Strands for AASHTO
Table 5.18 Comparison of Required Number of Strands for AASHTO
Table 5.19 Comparison of Concrete Strength at Release (f’ci) for
Table 5.20 Comparison of Concrete Strength at Service (f’c) for
xiv
Page
Table 5.21 Comparison of Maximum Span Lengths for AASHTO

Table 5.22 Comparison of Factored Ultimate Moment (Mu) for
Table 5.23 Section Behavior for AASHTO Standard and LRFD
Specifications .......................................................................................... 188
Table 5.24 Comparison of Moment Resistance (Mr) for AASHTO
Table 5.25 Comparison of Mu/Mr ratio for AASHTO Standard and
Table 5.26 Comparison of Camber ........................................................................... 195
Table 6.1 Design Parameters for Type C Girder..................................................... 197
Section for Standard Specifications for Type C Girder .......................... 200
Section for LRFD Specifications for Type C Girder .............................. 201
Table 6.4 Comparison of Undistributed Midspan Live Load Moments and Shears
at Critical Section for Type C Girder ...................................................... 203
Table 6.5 Comparison of Live Load Impact Factors for Type C Girder................. 204
Table 6.6 Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs (DFM) for Type C Girder ....... 206
Table 6.7 Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs (DFV) for Type C Girder ............ 209
Table 6.8 Comparison of Distributed Midspan Live Load Moments (LL Mom.)
for Standard and LRFD Specifications for Type C Girder ..................... 212
Table 6.9 Comparison of Distributed Live Load Shear at Critical Section for
Table 6.10 Comparison of Initial Prestress Loss (%) for AASHTO Standard and
LRFD Specifications for Type C Girder ................................................. 215
Table 6.11 Comparison of Total Prestress Loss Percent for AASHTO Standard and
Table 6.12 Comparison of Required Number of Strands for AASHTO Standard and
Table 6.13 Comparison of Required Number of Strands for AASHTO Standard and
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Page
Table 6.14 Comparison of Concrete Strength at Release (f’ci) for AASHTO

Table 6.15 Comparison of Concrete Strength at Service (f’c) for AASHTO
Table 6.16 Comparison of Maximum Span Lengths for AASHTO Standard
and LRFD Specifications for Type C Girder .......................................... 224
Table 6.17 Comparison of Factored Ultimate Moment (Mu) for AASHTO
Table 6.18 Comparison of Moment Resistance (Mr) for AASHTO Standard
and LRFD Specifications for Type C Girder .......................................... 227
Table 6.19 Comparison of Camber for Type C Girder ............................................. 229
Table 7.1 Comparison of Transverse Shear Reinforcement Area (Av) ................... 232
Table 7.2 Comparison of Transverse Shear Reinforcement Area (Av) for Type C
Girder ...................................................................................................... 233
Table 7.3 Comparison of Interface Shear Reinforcement Area (Avh) with
Roughened Interface ............................................................................... 235
Table 7.4 Comparison of Interface Shear Reinforcement Area (Avh) without
Roughened Interface ............................................................................... 236
Table 7.5 Comparison of Interface Shear Reinforcement Area (Avh) for Type C
Girder with Roughened Interface ............................................................ 237
Girder without Roughened Interface....................................................... 238
Table 7.7 Comparison of Interface Shear Reinforcement Area (Avh) for Proposed
Provisions ................................................................................................ 239
Girder for Proposed Provisions ............................................................... 240
1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND AND PROBLEM STATEMENT

Bridge structures constructed across the nation not only require the desired safety
reserve, but also consistency and uniformity in the level of safety. This uniformity is
made possible using improved design techniques based on probabilistic theories. One of
such techniques is reliability based design, which accounts for the inherent variability of
the loads and resistances to provide uniform safety of the structure. The level of safety is
measured in terms of a reliability index.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO) first introduced the Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges in 1931
and since then these specifications have been updated through 17 editions, with the latest
edition being published in 2002 (AASHTO 2002). The AASHTO Standard Specifications
for Highway Bridges were based on the Allowable Stress Design (ASD) philosophy until
1970, after which the Load Factor Design (LFD) philosophy was incorporated in the
specifications. These methodologies provide the desirable level of safety for bridge
designs, but do not ensure uniformity in the level of safety for various bridge types and
configurations.
To bring consistency in the safety levels of bridges, AASHTO introduced the
AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications in
1994 (AASHTO 1994). These specifications were calibrated using structural reliability
techniques that employ probability theory.
This thesis follows the style of Journal of Structural Engineering.

2
The AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (AASHTO 2004) are intended
to replace the latest edition of the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway
Bridges (AASHTO 2002), which will not continue to be updated except for corrections.
The Federal Highway Association (FHWA) has mandated that this transition be
completed by State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) by 2007. The design
philosophy adopted in the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications provides a
common framework for the design of structures made of steel, concrete and other
materials.
Many state DOTs within the US have already implemented the AASHTO LRFD
Specifications for their bridge designs and the remaining states are transitioning from the
Standard Specifications to the LRFD Specifications. The fact that many bridge engineers
are not very familiar with reliability based design and new design methodologies
adopted in the LRFD Specifications can potentially slow down the process of transition
to LRFD based design. This study is aimed towards helping bridge engineers understand
and implement AASHTO LRFD bridge design for prestressed concrete bridges,
specifically Type C and AASHTO Type IV girder bridges.
The Texas DOT (TxDOT) is currently using the AASHTO Standard
Specifications for Highway Bridges with slight modifications for designing prestressed
concrete bridges. TxDOT is planning to replace the AASHTO Standard Specifications
with the AASHTO LRFD Specifications for their bridge design. This study will provide
useful information to aid in this transition, including guidelines and detailed design
examples. The impact of using the LRFD Specifications on the design of prestressed
concrete bridge girders for various limit states is evaluated using a detailed parametric
study. Issues pertaining to the design and the areas where major differences occur are
identified and guidelines addressing these issues are suggested for adoption and
implementation by TxDOT.
3
1.2 OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE

The main purpose of this research study is to develop guidelines to help TxDOT
adopt and implement the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. The impact of
the AASHTO LRFD Specifications on different design limit states is quantified. The
objectives of this study are as follows
1. Identify major differences between the AASHTO Standard and LRFD
Specifications.
2. Generate detailed design examples based on the AASHTO Standard and
LRFD Specifications as a reference for bridge engineers to follow for step by
step design and highlight major differences in the designs.
3. Evaluate the simplifying assumptions made by TxDOT for bridge design for
their applicability when using the AASHTO LRFD Specifications.
4. Conduct a parametric study based on parameters representative of Texas
bridges to investigate the impact of the AASHTO LRFD Specifications on
the design as compared to the AASHTO Standard Specifications.
5. Identify the areas where major differences occur in the design and develop
guidelines on these critical design issues to help in implementation of the
LRFD Specifications by bridge engineers.
This study focuses on Type C and AASHTO Type IV prestressed concrete bridge
girders, which are widely used in the state of Texas and other states.
1.3 RESEARCH PLAN

The following seven major tasks were performed to accomplish the objectives of
this research study
Task1: Literature Review

The previous studies related to the development and implementation of the
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications have been reviewed in detail. The main
focus is on reliability theory and the difference between reliability based designs and the
4
designs based on other methodologies employed in the Standard Specifications. The

literature review discusses the studies related to the development of dead load, live load,
dynamic load models and distribution factors. The studies that form the basis of new
methodologies employed in the LRFD Specifications for transverse and interface shear
designs are also reviewed. The past research evaluating the impact of the AASHTO
LRFD Bridge Design Specifications on bridge design as compared to the AASHTO
Standard Specifications is also included in the literature review. The observations made
from the review of the relevant literature are documented in a concise manner.
Task 2: Development of Detailed Design Examples

Detailed design examples for an AASHTO Type IV girder bridge were
developed using the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, 17th edition
(2002) and the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 3rd edition (2004). An
AASHTO Type IV girder bridge was selected for detailed design comparison as this is
widely used by TxDOT. Type C girder bridges are also used in many cases, but the
design process does not differ significantly from that of AASHTO Type IV girder
bridges.
The following parameters, based on TxDOT’s input, were considered for this
detailed design example: span length = 110 ft., girder spacing = 8 ft., strand diameter =
0.5 in., deck thickness = 8 in., wearing surface thickness = 1.5 in., skew = 0˚ and relative
humidity = 60%. The live load for the Standard design is taken as HS20-44, whereas for
LRFD design it is HL-93. T501 type railings were used for the design. The limit states
considered for the design are service bending stress, flexural strength, fatigue, shear and
deflection. All the applicable load combinations except that of extreme events were
taken into account. Concrete strengths at release and at service were optimized
consistent with TxDOT’s methodology. Camber was calculated using the Hyperbolic
Functions method used by TxDOT.
5
The detailed design examples highlight major differences in the AASHTO

Standard and LRFD design methodologies. A table illustrating the percent difference in
each design parameter is presented at the end of the detailed design examples. These
examples are aimed to be comprehensive and easy to follow in order to provide a good
reference for bridge engineers.
Task 3: Review of TxDOT Design Criteria for Bridge Design

Simplifying assumptions made by TxDOT in bridge design were evaluated for
their applicability when using the AASHTO LRFD Specifications. The simplifications
considered for evaluation include the assumption of the modular ratio between slab and
beam concrete to be unity throughout the design. In addition the practice of not updating
the modular ratio for calculating actual prestress losses, flexural strength limit state
checks and deflection calculations was assessed. The impact of these simplifications in
LRFD design were conveyed to TxDOT during this project and, based on their input,
design procedures were finalized. The modifications in the designs or deviations from
the LRFD Specifications to simplify the design are clearly stated and their limitations are
illustrated.
Task 4: Identification of Critical Parameters

A parametric study was conducted to assess the impact of utilizing the current
LRFD Specifications (AASHTO 2004) on the design of Type C and AASHTO Type IV
girder bridges as compared to the current Standard Specifications (AASHTO 2002). The
main parameters for this study were girder spacing, span length, concrete strengths at
release and at service, skew angle, and strand diameter. The values for these parameters
were chosen based on TxDOT’s input such that they are representative of the typical
bridges in Texas. The concrete strengths at service and at release were limited to values
commonly available from Texas precasters. The spans and girder spacing are dictated by
TxDOT practice. Typically in TxDOT designs, all the girders in the bridge are designed
6
as interior girders. Following this practice, only interior girders were considered for this
parametric study.
Task 5: Parametric Study

A design program was developed to facilitate the design of Type C and
AASHTO Type IV girder bridges for different parameters using the AASHTO Standard
and LRFD Specifications. The program handles all the limit states considered for the
detailed design examples. Prestress losses were calculated using TxDOT’s methodology
for Standard design and using the AASHTO LRFD Specifications for LRFD design.
Concrete strengths at service and at release were optimized following an iteration
process used by TxDOT. The flexural strength was evaluated based on the actual
concrete strength when determining the transformed effective slab width. The transverse
reinforcement is based on the demand of both transverse and interface shears. The
results of the parametric study were verified using TxDOT’s bridge design software
PSTRS14 (TxDOT 2004) results. The results are presented in tabular and graphical
formats to highlight the major differences in the designs using the Standard and LRFD
Specifications.
Task 6: Identification of Critical Design Issues

Two major areas requiring further study were identified based on the detailed
design examples and the results of the parametric study. Transverse shear design was
identified because considerable changes took place when the AASHTO LRFD
Specifications adopted a significantly different methodology for shear design. The shear
design in the Standard Specifications is based on a constant 45-degree truss analogy for
shear, whereas the LRFD Specifications uses a variable truss analogy based on Modified
Compression Field Theory (MCFT) for its shear provisions. A second area identified for
further study is the interface shear design for which the LRFD Specifications gives new
formulas based on recent results from studies in this area.
7
Task 7: Guidelines for Critical Design Issues

Detailed study on the background of interface and transverse shear was
conducted. Additional guidelines for these design issues are provided so that smooth
transitioning to the AASHTO LRFD Specifications is made possible. The recent studies
in the respective areas were reviewed and the findings are noted. For example it is
anticipated that new provisions for interface shear design will be presented in 2005 by a
committee for approval and inclusion in the LRFD Specifications. The impact of the
new provisions on the interface shear design was studied and recommendations are
provided. A design example for the recommended revised design criteria is provided.
1.4 OUTLINE
Section 1 provides an introduction to this research study. Section 2 includes the
documentation of the literature review. Section 3 highlights the TxDOT practices and the
simplifications in the design made by TxDOT. The impact of these simplifications on
the critical design parameters is presented. Section 4 provides the outline and the
methodology of the parametric study. Section 5 and 6 presents the results of the
parametric study conducted for AASHTO Type IV and Type C girders respectively.
Section 7 presents the background on shear design issues and recommendations. Section
8 outlines the summary of the study, conclusions and recommendations for future
research. Detailed design examples are included as Appendix A.
8
2. LITERATURE SURVEY
2.1 GENERAL
The topics that formed the basis for the development of the AASHTO LRFD
Bridge Design Specifications (AASHTO 2004) are reviewed in this section. This
includes studies related to development of live load, dead load, and dynamic load models
for bridge design; formulation of load distribution factors for prestressed concrete girder
bridge design, development of resistance models for prestressed concrete girder bridge
design; and reliability theory. A review of the comparison of the LRFD and Standard
Specifications carried out by Hueste et. al. (2003) and Richard et. al. (2002) has been
included in this section. The effect of the LRFD Specifications on the design of bridges
found by previous studies is also reviewed briefly.
2.2 COMPARISON OF AASHTO STANDARD AND LRFD SPECIFICATIONS
2.2.1 General
The load and resistance factors found in the LRFD Specifications are based on
the theory of reliability and the specifications are modified to overcome the
shortcomings observed in the Standard Specifications. Live load models based on the
model truck traffic on bridges with various span lengths were developed to properly
calibrate the LRFD Specifications, which resulted in many changes in the load
combinations for various limit states. The Standard Specifications used the HS-20 load
model, which did not prove adequate to model actual traffic loading. A new live load
model, HL-93, with refined distribution factors is proposed in the LRFD Specifications.
The service load design method, although easy to understand and apply, does assign load
factors for different types of loads. Instead the effect of loads are restricted to a fraction
of the yield stress, modulus of rupture, buckling, or crushing load, which causes non-
uniformity in the safety. The Load Factor Design (LFD) takes into account the effect of
factored loads but does not account for uniform safety. The Load and Resistance Factor
9
Design (LRFD) method accounts for the inherent variability of loads and resistances
using reliability theory. Loads and resistances are treated as random variables and the
calibration process aims at minimizing the area of overlap where the load is greater than
resistance. The safety of a structure is measured in terms of a reliability index and is
compared to the selected target reliability index (Mertz et al. 1996).
The AASHTO Standard Specifications are based on the Allowable Stress Design
(ASD) and LFD philosophies, whereas the LRFD Specifications are based on
probability-based limit state philosophy. Hueste et. al. (2003) presented a detailed
comparison between the LRFD and Standard Specifications. Richard et. al. (2002) also
compared the two specifications using detailed examples. Some of the significant
differences between the two specifications are listed below.
2.2.2 Significant Changes
The Standard Specifications express the impact factor as a fraction of live load
and a function of span length as I = 50/(L+125), where I is the impact factor and L is the
length of the span in feet. Therefore for a span of 100 ft. the value of I is 0.22. The
LRFD Specifications give a constant value of impact factor depending on the
components and limit state under consideration. For instance, the impact factor for girder
design for limit states other than the fatigue and fracture limit states comes out to be 0.33
(33% increase in the truck load only).
The LRFD Specifications allow the use of refined analysis for the determination
of live load distribution factors (DFs) whereas the Standard Specifications gives simple
expressions for the live load distribution to exterior and interior girders. For common
bridge types, the LRFD Specifications includes an approximate method, based on
parametric analyses of selected bridge geometries. This method can be used only if the
bridge geometry falls within the limits of the parametric analysis for which the DF
equations are based. The LRFD Specifications specify reduction factors for application
to live load moment and shear to account for the skew of the bridge. The skew factor for
moment decreases the moment distribution factor for interior and exterior girders for
10
certain angles. The skew factor for shear increases the shear distribution factor for the
interior and exterior girders at the obtuse corners of the skewed bridge. The overhang
distance is limited as per the Articles 4.6.2.2.1 and 4.6.2.2.2 of the LRFD Specifications.
The LRFD Specifications provide three different options for the estimation of
time dependent prestress losses. The options are lump sum estimates, refined estimates
and exact estimates using time-step method. Expressions are provided for the lump-sum
estimate of the time dependent prestress losses for different type of bridges. The lump
sum time dependent losses are based on the compressive strength of concrete and the
partial prestressing ratio. The Standard Specifications provides the option of lump-sum
method and refined method for the estimation of time-dependent losses. The lump sum
estimates are given as specific values for two different values of concrete strength at
service.
2.2.3 Limit States for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders
The check for compressive stress in the prestressed concrete girder using Service
I limit state with a live load factor of 1.0, tensile stress check using Strength III limit
state with a live load factor of 0.8 is specified in LRFD Specifications. The Standard
Specifications specifies the Group I loading for service limit state with a load factor of
1.0.
The calibration of the LRFD Specifications was focused on the ultimate limit
states but is not readily applicable to other design considerations traditionally evaluated
using service loads, such as stress limits, deflections, and fatigue. This difference
accounts for the establishment of the Service III limit state for prestressed concrete
structures, which evaluates the tensile stress in the structure, with the objective of crack
control in prestressed concrete members. The load and resistance factors for limit states
other than the strength limit states were selected to provide designs that are consistent
with the Standard Specifications. A larger number of limit states must be accounted for
in design using the LRFD Specifications, and the extreme load cases such as collision
forces has to be included if their occurrence is possible in the design life of the bridge.
11
2.3 RELIABILITY OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE GIRDERS

The calibration of the LRFD Specifications was based on reliability theory of
analysis. This method of analysis, which has evolved over the years, employs the
probability of failure as the design criteria. The load and resistance factors are chosen
such that the safety of a structure against the loads is at a prescribed level, called the
target safety level. The LRFD Specifications describe the target safety levels for
different structures based on various criteria. Nowak et. al. (1996) discuss the selection
of a optimum target safety level for bridges for various limit states. The optimum safety
level depends on several factors such as consequences of failure and cost of safety.
Increasing the safety of any structure is desirable, but this increases the cost of
construction and requires that the safety of a structure be restricted to a certain level in
order to render a safe and economic design. Figure 2.1 shows the relationship between
the cost of failure and the reliability index . The increase in the reliability index, T
reduces the cost of failure (CF) and the probability of failure (PF), and increases the cost
of investment (CI). The total cost (CT) is the sum of cost of failure and the cost of
investment.
Figure 2.1. Cost vs. Reliability Index and Optimum Safety Level (Nowak et al.
1996)
12
The load and resistance parameters can be treated as random variables due the
randomness in the frequency of occurrence, magnitude of live loads, material properties,
dimensions, and geometries. The parameters available from the statistical models for
load and resistance for highway bridges proposed by Nowak (1993a, 1995), Tabsh and
Nowak (1992), Nowak and Hong (1992) and Hwang and Nowak (1992) were used for
reliability analysis. Of the various limit states associated with structural failure, the
ultimate limit states are related to loss of load carrying capacity, such as flexural
strength, shear capacity, loss of stability, rupture, etc. The serviceability limit states are
related to cracking, deflection, and vibration. Analysis of selected bridges and idealized
structures without any over design was performed and the level of safety in the existing
bridges was calculated. It was observed that most of the structures are over designed for
serviceability and ultimate limit states. A study on existing bridges designed using
Standard Specifications was carried out and a target safety index was then proposed by
Nowak et al. (1996).
The analysis of a number of design cases indicates that unlike other structures,
prestressed concrete girders are typically not governed by ultimate limit state. The
number of prestressing strands is generally governed by the allowable tension stress at
the final load stage. The ultimate limit states and the corresponding reliability indices
represent component reliability rather than system, as observed by Tabsh and Nowak
(1991). The LRFD Specifications were developed using the target reliability index for a
structural component as T = 3.5. Tabsh and Nowak (1991) proposed that the target
reliability index for structural components be taken as T = 3.5 and for structural system
as T = 5.5 for ultimate limit states and T = 1.0 for serviceability limit states.
2.4 LOAD MODELS
2.4.1 General
The development of load and load combination models had an important role in
the development of the reliability based LRFD Specifications. Extensive research studies
by Nowak (1987, 1991, 1993c, 1993d 1995, 1999), and Kulicki et al. (1994) were
13
focused on the development of load models representative of the truck loads on highway
bridges in the United States. Load models are based on available data from truck
surveys, material tests, and component testing.
2.4.2 Dead Load Models
The gravity loads due to self weight of the structural and nonstructural
components of a bridge contributes to the dead load. Depending on the degree of
variation, the dead load components are divided into four categories: weight of factory
made components, weight of cast in place concrete members, weight of wearing surface
and miscellaneous weights (railings, curbs, luminaries, signs, conduits, pipes etc.) each
having different bias factor (ratio of mean to nominal values) and coefficient of
variation. Nowak et al. (1999) calculated the bias factors and coefficients of variation for
each dead load category, based on data from material and component test data, which is
summarized in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1. Statistical Parameters for Dead Load
Component Bias Factor Coefficient of Variation

Factory made members 1.03 0.08
Cast-in-place members 1.05 0.10
Asphalt 90 mm 0.25
Miscellaneous 1.03-1.05 0.08-0.10
2.4.3 Live Load Models
2.4.3.1 General
Several studies have been undertaken to model the live load on United States
(U.S.) highway bridges to reflect actual truck traffic in the coming years and its effects
14
on bridges as accurately as possible. The uncertainty in the live load model is caused by
unpredictability of the future trends with regard to configuration of axles and weights.
The NCHRP 12-33 project was developed to determine appropriate models for bridge
live loads and its results were incorporated into the LRFD Specifications (Nowak 1999).
Knowledge of the statistical models including distribution of loads, rate of occurrence,
time variation, and correlation with other load components is needed to model the loads
accurately. A 75 year extrapolation of the traffic on U.S. bridges was done. Moments
and shears were then calculated for these loads and it have been found that the shears
and moments caused by the heaviest vehicles range from 1.5 to 1.8 times the design
moment provided by Standard Specifications. Various possible truck positions were
considered with varying degrees of correlation between them in order to arrive at the
maximum moments and shears due to actual traffic loading.
2.4.3.2 Live Load Model
A live load model for highway bridges was developed by Nowak et al. (1991)
from the truck survey data and weigh in motion measurements carried out by different
state departments of transportation, mostly from the former source. A procedure for the
calculation of live load moments and shears for highway girder bridges was proposed by
Nowak et al. (1991). In this formulation the load components are treated as random
variables and load combinations of dead load, live load, and dynamic load were
considered. The findings by Nowak et al. suggest that a single truck causes maximum
moment and shear for single lane bridges with spans up to 100 ft. and two trucks
following behind each other control for longer spans. For two lane bridges, the
maximum values are obtained for two trucks side by side with fully correlated trucks.
Nowak (1995) calibrated the LRFD Specifications using a probability-based
approach. About 200 bridges were selected in this study, and for each bridge, load
effects and load carrying capacities were calculated for various components were
evaluated. Live load models were developed using weigh in motion (WIM) data that
included the effects of presence of multiple trucks on the bridge in one and in adjacent
15
lanes. A reduction factor for multilane bridges was also calculated for wider bridges.
Numerical models were developed for simulation of dynamic bridge behavior for single
trucks and two trucks, side by side, due to inadequate field data.
Five candidate live loads identified for development of live load model for LRFD
Specifications were as follows: (1) a single vehicle weighing a total of 57 tons, (2) a
“family” of three loads consisting of tandem, a four axle single unit, with a tandem rear
combination, and a 3–S–3 axle configuration taken together with a uniform load,
preceding and following the above load group, (3) a slightly different combination of HS
vehicle and the uniform load, involving HS-25 load followed and proceeded by a
uniform load of 480 pounds per running foot of lane, with the uniformly distributed load
broken for the HS vehicle, (4) a design “family” called HL-93 consisting of a
combination of a design tandem, the HS-20 truck and a uniform load of 640 pounds per
running foot of lane, (5) an equivalent uniform load in kips per foot of lane required to
produce the same force effect as the envelope of exclusion vehicles for various span
lengths. Considering the complex nature of this load case, it was eliminated.
For each of the four remaining configurations plots for center line moments for a
simply supported beam, positive and negative moments at the 0.4L point of a two-span
continuous girder, with two equal spans, negative moment at the center pier, end shear
and shear at both sides of interior support of a two span continuous girder were
compared. Load model involving a combination of either a pair of 25- kip tandem axles
and the uniform load, or the HS-20 and the uniform load, was found to produce the best
fit to the exclusion vehicles and hence can be used as the design load in LRFD
Specifications.
The parameters that influence the static component of live load are truck weight,
axle loads, axle configuration, span length, position of vehicle on the bridge, number of
vehicles on the bridge, stiffness of structural members and future growth. The bending
moments for trucks are calculated and the cumulative distribution functions for simple
spans 30 – 200 ft. is plotted on normal probability paper. Mean values of the moments
are found to be about 0.7-0.85 of HS-20 moments and the slope of the cumulative
16
distribution functions (CDF’s) gives the coefficient of variation which is about 0.2 –
0.35. Maximum moments came to about 1.4-1.8 of HS-20 moments. Mean shears were
about 0.7-0.85 whereas maximum shears were 1.4-1.7 of HS-20 shears. The maximum
moments and shears are then extrapolated to get 75 year maximum values. Their
coefficient of variations can be then found by transformation of CDF’s (i.e. by raising
each CDF to a certain power depending on time, which gives the mean values after
transformation). The slope of this transformed CDF gives the coefficient of variation V.
Sometimes for a multiple truck occurrence there may be some degree of correlation
between them. In the development of this model, the following assumptions were made:
1) Every 10th truck is followed by another truck with a headway distance less than 50ft.
2) Every 50th truck is followed by a partially correlated truck, and 3) every 100th truck is
followed by fully correlated truck. Various findings are indicated using figures and
tables.
The factors on which the effect of live load depends are span length, truck
weight, axle loads, axle configuration, and position of vehicle on the bridge, number of
vehicles on the bridge, girder spacing and stiffness of structural members. The bending
moments and shear force were calculated for each truck for a wide range of simple
spans. And the cumulative distribution functions were plotted on the normal probability
paper and extrapolations were made to find the maximum load effects for extended
periods of time. The resulting bias factors were plotted for shear and moments. Then the
girder distribution factors were calculated from finite element models.
Kulicki (1994) discussed the development of new models for bridge live load.
National Transportation Research Board (TRB) in its study titled “Truck weight Limits –
Issues and Options” reviewed different vehicle configurations allowed by various states,
of which 22 configurations were chosen for study. The plot of bending moments in a
simple span and two span continuous girders in the span range of 20 to 150 feet due to
the chosen loading configurations and AASHTO’s HS-20 truck loading showed that the
HS-20 truck loading is not representative of the wide range of vehicles currently on U.S.
highways.
17
2.4.4 Dynamic Load Models
Hwang et al. (1991) presented a dynamic load model for bridges in the U.S.
based on simulations and consideration of field effects to find the statistical parameters
for the dynamic load effect. An equivalent static load effect was considered for the
dynamic load effect. The factors affecting the dynamic load are road surface roughness,
bridge dynamics, and vehicle dynamics. Modal equations for bridges were modeled
using analytical methods. The dynamic load allowance for the bridges was calculated
using different truck types. The mean dynamic load was determined to be equal to 0.10
and 0.15 of the mean live load for one truck and two trucks, respectively. However, the
dynamic load is specified as 0.33 of the live load in the LRFD Specifications.
2.4.5 Joint Effect of Dead, Live and Dynamic Loads
Nowak (1993b) modeled the joint effect of dead, live, and dynamic loads by
considering the maximum 75-year combination of these loads using their individual
statistical parameters. The live load was assumed to be a product of static live load and
live load analysis factor P, having mean value of 1.0 and coefficient of variation of 0.12.
The statistical parameters of the combination of dead load, live load and dynamic load
depend on various factors such as span length, and number of lanes. For single lane the
coefficient of variation was found to be 0.19 for most of the spans and 0.205 for very
short spans. For two lane bridges, the coefficient of variation was found to be 0.18 for
most spans and 0.19 for very short spans.
2.4.6 Earthquake Load Model
Earthquake loading is the most challenging load type to model owing to its high
uncertainty and variation with time. Earthquake load can be represented as a function of
ground acceleration, which is highly a site specific, along with parameters specific to the
structural system and structural component. Earthquake loading is presented by Nowak
et al. (1999) as a product of three variables representing variation in ground acceleration,
uncertainty in transition from load (ground acceleration) to load effect in a component
18
(moment, shear and axial forces), and uncertainty due to approximations in structural
analysis. The AASHTO LRFD Specifications present the design values of the return
period for an earthquake and its magnitude in the form of contour maps, based on
probabilistic analysis.
The AASHTO Standard Specifications (1996) present the earthquake load as a
function of the acceleration coefficient as obtained from contour maps, site effect
coefficients that approximate the effect the soil profile type and importance classification
allotted to all bridges having an acceleration coefficient greater than 0.29 for seismic
performance categorization. The LRFD Specifications specifies the earthquake load in a
similar manner as that of the Standard Specifications, but it introduces three categories
of importance: critical bridges, essential bridges, and other bridges that are used to
modify the load and resistance factors. The return period is assumed to be 475 years for
essential and other bridges and 2500 years for critical bridges.
2.4.7 Scour Effect Model
Scour, although not considered as a load, can cause a significant effect on bridge
performance due to load distribution, and is a major cause of bridge failure in the U.S.
(Nowak 1999). Scour can be considered as an extreme event in bridge design. The three
types of scour are long term channel degradation referring to scour across the entire
waterway breadth, contraction scour referring to scour caused due to the constriction of
the stream caused by bridge approach embankments, and local scour which refers to
severe erosion around piers and abutments. Local and contraction scour generally occurs
under the bridge and usually gets filled after flood events. The current AASHTO
specifications do not specify how to consider scour effects in combination with various
loading conditions. However, the approach to design is presented in the FHWA
publication Stream Stability at Highway Structures and further work to evaluate scour
effects is in progress (Nowak 1999).
19
2.4.8 Vessel Collision Model
Vessel collision is another extreme load which is very difficult to model due to
its time varying effects. Time varying product of three variables representing variation in
the vessel collision force, variation due to transition from vessel collision to load effect
in a component, and variation due to approximations in structural analysis can be used to
statistically represent the vessel collision effect. Vessel impact force depends on type,
displacement tonnage and speed of vessels and other site specific factors such as
waterway characteristics and geometry, vessel and/or barge configurations, and bridge
type and geometry. Any one of the three different procedures to determine the vessel
collision force provided in the AASHTO Guide Specifications and Commentary for
Vessel Collision Design of Highway Bridges can be used. The LRFD Specifications uses
different return periods with different importance classifications with three levels of
statistical complexity. Vessel collision force is based on a return period of 1000 years for
essential and other bridges, whereas for critical bridges the return period is 10,000 years
(Nowak 1999).
2.4.9 Load Combination Models
Load combination is a random variable that can be represented by a probability

distribution function (PDF) for statistical analysis. The load combination is the effect of
simultaneous occurrence of two or more load components. The PDFs for critical load
combinations should be generated and calibration performed to achieve a consistent risk
level, but this is not possible in most cases due to numerical difficulties. Reliability
analysis is the best alternative to find the critical load combination, where load and
resistance factors are found such that the reliability of the structure is at a predefined
target safety level.
The design values for load combinations in the AASHTO Standard
Specifications are based on engineering judgment and past experience whereas the
design values for factored load combinations present in the LRFD Specifications are
based on statistical approach to attain a uniform reliability index of 3.5. The LRFD
20
Specifications are calibrated for basic load combinations only, due to the lack of a
statistical database of correlation of extreme load events. Nowak et al. (1999)
recommends a full probability based calibration of all loading events before choosing the
critical load combination.
2.4.10 Load Factors
Nowak (1999) recommended load factors which when used with specified
resistance factors yield uniform safety for bridges, close to the target reliability index.
For the dead loads due to factory made members and cast in place members the load
factor was 1.25. For asphalt wearing surface weight, the load factor was calculated as 1.5
and the negative dead load can be obtained by multiplying the dead load by 0.85-0.90.
The live load factor was given as 1.6 for Average Daily Truck Traffic (ADTT) =1000,
and for ADTT=5000, the load factor is calculated as 1.70. The following combinations
are suggested by Nowak (1999).
1.25 D + 1.50 DA + 1.70(L+I) (2.1)

1.25 D + 1.50 DA + 1.40 W (2.2)
-0.85 D – 0.50 DA +1.40 W (2.3)
1.25 D + 1.50 DA + 1.35(L+I) + 0.45 W (2.4)
1.25 D + 1.50 DA + L (L+I) + 1.00 E (2.5)
where:
D = Dead load of structural components and non-structural attachments
DA = Dead load of asphalt wearing surface
L = Live load
I = Dynamic load
W = Wind load
E = Earthquake load
L = 0.25-0.50 for ADTT = 5000
21
= 0.10-0.20 for ADTT = 1000

= 0 for ADTT = 100
2.5 RESISTANCE MODELS
2.5.1 General
The development of the resistance parameters was critical to the development of

the AASHTO LRFD Specifications. Nowak et al. (1994) studied the bending and shear
resistances provided by reinforced and prestressed concrete bridge girders. For the
development of the probability-based specifications, accurate prediction of the load
carrying capacity of structural components is necessary, and the calculation of the
difference between the mean capacity and nominal capacity is important.
2.5.2 Development of Resistance Models
In the development of resistance models, the resistance was treated as a random

variable due to the uncertainties involved in the material properties, dimensions, and
methods of analysis. The material uncertainty is generally caused due to the variation in
the strength of material, modulus of elasticity, cracking stress, and/or chemical
composition. The variation in geometry, dimensions and/or section modulus causes
fabrication uncertainty. Finally, the approximations in analysis and idealization of stress
and strain curves induce analysis uncertainty. Given so many uncertainties and
variations, a large database of material tests and component tests is required to
accurately model the resistance. In absence of this database, analytical simulations were
used by Nowak et al. (1994) for the analysis of large bridge components.
The bias factors (ratio of mean-to-nominal-capacity) were found for AASHTO
prestressed concrete girders considering bending moment and shear capacities. The
statistical properties for concrete, reinforcing steel, and prestressing steel were
determined using available data. Monte Carlo technique was used to simulate moment-
curvature curves corresponding to spans of 40, 60, and 80 ft. for AASHTO Type II, III,
and IV prestressed concrete girders. The parameters used for AASHTO type IV girder
22
are as follows span = 80 ft., effective depth of prestressing steel, dps = 59 in., area of
prestressing steel, Aps = 4.59 in2. The results were as follows nominal moment = 5592 k-
ft., bias factor = 1.033, coefficient of variation = 0.033.
The shear capacity was modeled using modified compression field theory. The
parameters in this case were span = 80 ft., spacing of stirrups = 16 in. and area of steel Av
= 0.22 in2 which resulted in a nominal shear capacity of 219.2 kips with a bias factor of
1.067 and coefficient of variation of 0.0805. The shear resistance was calculated using
Monte Carlo simulation. The overall results show that for moment capacities the bias
factors for fabrication and materials was 1.04, for analysis 1.01, and for overall
resistance 1.05. The corresponding coefficients of variation were found to be 0.04, 0.06,
and 0.075. In the case of shear, the bias factors for fabrication and materials was 1.07,
for analysis 1.075, and for overall resistance 1.15. The corresponding coefficients of
variation were found to be 0.10, 0.10, and 0.14 (Nowak 1999).
2.5.3 Resistance Factors
Nowak (1994) in his study found the resistance factors for prestressed concrete
girders. The load factors from the LRFD Specifications were used and the target
reliability index was set to 3.5. Using trial and error, resistance factors ( φ ) were
calculated. The resistance factor for prestressed concrete girders was determined to be
1.00 for moment and 0.85 for shear. These resistance factors when used in conjunction
with the LRFD specified load factors yield a uniform safety level for a wide range of
span lengths.
2.6 LOAD DISTRIBUTION FACTORS
2.6.1 General
One of the major changes encountered by bridge engineers in the LRFD

Specifications is in the load distribution factors (DFs), which are based on a detailed
parametric study and recommendations by Zokaie et al. (1991). Many studies have been
carried on later to verify the results obtained by Zokaie et al. and several
23
recommendations were given. These studies have shown that use of refined analysis
instead of the approximate formulas recommended by Zokaie et al. (1991) yields
accurate results, while the approximate results are generally conservative Barr et al.
(2001), Chen et al. (1996), Ali et al (2003). While going through the available literature
it was observed that researchers have not come to a universal conclusion about the effect
of the presence of end and intermediate diaphragms on distribution factors. The
distribution factors recommended by the LRFD Specifications are thought to be more
accurate than those presented in the Standard Specifications, but still lack in accuracy,
because the effect of various components of a typical bridge are not included, as
indicated by Barr et al. (2001) and Chen et al. (1996).
2.6.2 Differences Between Standard and LRFD Load DFs
The AASHTO Standard Specifications gives very simple expression for live load
distribution factor for the girder bridges in S/D format, where D = 5.5 for a bridge
constructed with a concrete deck on prestressed concrete girders carrying two or more
lanes of traffic and S is the girder spacing in feet. The effects of various parameters such
as skew, continuity, and deck stiffness were ignored in this expression and it was found
to be accurate for a few selected bridge geometries and was inaccurate once the
geometry was changed, hence a need for development of a formula which holds good for
a broad range of beam and slab bridges, including prestressed concrete bridges was felt.
Much research was carried out to arrive at an accurate expression for DFs, using finite
element analysis, grillage analysis and field tests. The DFs proposed by LRFD considers
the effects of different parameters such as skew, deck stiffness, and span length. The
LRFD Specifications provide correction factors for skewed bridges to be applied to
distribution factors.
2.6.3 Development of Load Distribution Factors
Zokaie et al. (1991) conducted a parametric study using detailed finite element
models taking into account different parameters such as skew angle, girder spacing,
24
girder stiffness, and slab stiffness to calibrate the effect of these parameters on the girder
distribution factors, which were ignored in the Standard Specifications formula. The
finite element models used in the study were validated by data from hundreds of field
tests from various DOTs across the U.S. from a variety of bridges. A computer program,
GENDEK5A, was selected for the development of finite element models because this
program can model the bridge system more accurately and generated good results as
compared with field test results from many prototype bridges, as compared to other
finite element programs.
Each finite element model for a bridge was generated and the design trucks were
positioned in all possible ways so as to produce the maximum moments and shears, and
then the distribution factors were calculated for each girder. This process was repeated
for several hundreds of models for bridges across the nation at random and results were
compared with actual field data. The database of results was then used to identify the
key parameters affecting the distribution factors for a given bridge, and the correlation
between each of them was determined by plotting them against one another (Zokaie
2000). The results from the study show that the parameters are not correlated. A model
named “Average Bridge” was developed using the mean values of all the parameters
except the one under consideration, which was varied to recognize its affects on the
distribution factors under HS-20 truck loading. After significant testing Zokaie (2000)
determined that girder spacing, span length, girder stiffness, and slab thickness control
the distribution factors for a given bridge. The effects of these parameters were studied
and Zokaie (2000) arrived at a simplified base formula provided in Figure 2.2, that
represents the effects of different parameters on the distribution factors for girders and
yields conservative results.
Further extensions to this base formulas were made by Zokaie (2000) to account
for various factors such as presence of edge girder, continuity, and skew effect and
correction factors to adjust the base formulas were proposed. The formulas that appear in
the LRFD Specifications are slightly different from those developed from this study.
Changes were made to account for the new live load required in the LRFD
25
Specifications which is different from the HS-20 trucks used for this study. A simple
program called LDFAC (Zokaie et al. 1993) was developed to assist engineers in finding
out the applicable distribution factors for a given bridge. Zokaie et al. (1991)
recommends the use of accurate analysis if the geometry of the bridge is different form
those considered in the study and a set of recommendations for such analysis is also
given.
Figure 2.2. Distribution Factors Proposed by Zokaie (Zokaie 2000)

26
2.6.4 Evaluation of LRFD Load DFs
A number of studies have been carried out to evaluate the results obtained by
Zokaie et al (1991). The methods of analysis used and recommendations made by them
are briefly documented as follows.
Barr et al. (2001) determined the effects of different components of a typical
girder bridge and proposed a representative expression for the live load distribution
factors. The effects of lifts, intermediate diaphragms, end diaphragms, continuity, skew
angle, and load type on the live load distribution factors for prestressed concrete girder
bridges were considered. A finite element model of a three-span prestressed concrete
bridge girder was developed and compared with the field static live load test values for
accuracy. Test data from the SR18/SR516 bridge, designed by the Washington DOT
having three spans with lengths of 80, 137 and 80 ft. and a skew angle of 400, was used
by Barr et al. (2001) to validate the analytical model. The model was then loaded with an
HS-20 truck load and more evaluation was done using several locations of the truck and
many variations in the geometry including addition of lifts and continuity. The moments
calculated using the analytical models were slightly larger than the measured moments
in all cases with the largest discrepancy of 6 percent. Then many variations were made
to this model to evaluate the effects of different parameters on the load distribution
factors. The results show that the LRFD distribution factors are always conservative and
sometimes over conservative (Barr et al. 2001).
A study conducted by Ali et al. (2003) also confirmed the conservatism of the
LRFD distribution factors. Ali et al. (2003) evaluated the effects due to skew of bridge
and addition of transverse diaphragms on the load distribution factors using finite-
element models. The parameters of the study were girder spacing (1.8 – 2.7 m), span
length (25 – 35 m), skew angle (0 – 600), and different arrangements of internal
transverse diaphragms. Bridge models with three spans of 25, 30 and 35 m, varying the
girder spacing as 1.8, 2.4 and 2.7 m were considered. The models were loaded with HS-
20 truck according to the AASHTO Standard Specifications. The results of the study
indicated that the skew has the greatest effect on the load distribution factor. The load
27
distribution factors for skew bridges were found to be always less than that of right
bridges (with no skew). In all the cases the load distribution factors of the LRFD
Specifications were found to be conservative and in some cases over conservative.
In a study by Schwarz et al. (2001) the DFs were measured for vehicles with a
variety of axle spacings, number of axles, and Gross Vehicle Weights (GVWs). The
measured DFs were compared to the ones in both the LRFD and Standard Specifications
and also those obtained from grillage analysis. For a given bridge, the one lane DFs were
found to be the largest in the girders beneath the loaded lanes. The LRFD and Standard
DFs for one lane were found to be conservative by 17 percent. For shorter spans,
Schwarz et al. (2001) propose that neglecting diaphragms can improve the accuracy of
the model. Two lane DFs were obtained by side-by-side truck positioning and
superimposing average one-lane DFs. The AASHTO Standard and LRFD DFs were
found to be conservative for two lane case also.
Chen et al. (1996) investigated the application of the load DFs proposed by
Zokaie et al. (1991) to modern prestressed concrete bridges made of I-girders and spread
box girders with larger span-to-depth ratios using refined analysis methods and
recommended changes to the proposed DFs. The authors indicated that the average I-
beam span length of 48 ft. considered by Zokaie et al. (1991) for arriving at the DFs is
rather short for I-beam bridges, which are more likely to be 80 to 90 ft. long. The finite
element analysis showed the DFs given by the LRFD Specifications to be over
conservative by at least 18 percent for interior girders and 4-12 percent for exterior
girders, and if it is used instead of LRFD DFs reduces the required release strength of
concrete or allows 4-5% increase in span length for the same section. The effect of
diaphragms is also ignored in the development of the LRFD DFs which add to their over
conservatism (Chen at al.). All the studies supported the use of finite element method for
the analysis of bridge system (Zellin et al. (1976), Zokaie et al. (1991), LRFD Bridge
Specifications (1994) etc).
Nowak (1999) determined the girder distribution factors from finite element
models based on linear behavior of girders and slab. Spans ranging from 30 to 200 ft.
28
were taken into account for five different girder spacing of 4, 6,8,10 and 12 ft. Nowak
found that GDF’s proposed by AASHTO Standard specifications are conservative for
larger girder spacing and less than calculated for shorter spans and girder spacing, and
were in good agreement with the Zokaie’s results.
Another study by Puckett (2001) compared the results obtained by Zokaie et al
(1991) by an independent finite strip method analysis of a slab on Girder Bridge. Puckett
validated the results of Zokaie et al. only for interior beams. The largest discrepancy
between the two was found to be 7%. Under the situation where different studies have
not come to a conclusion as to the over conservatism of LRFD distribution factors, the
use of accurate analysis is the best option, as indicated by all the studies.
2.6.5 Effect of Various Parameters
2.6.5.1 General
A study by Barr et al. (2001) indicated that Zokaie et al. (1991) did not
considered the effect of lifts in their study and included the effect of diaphragms in pilot
study but not in main study and the factor proposed by them for continuity was not
included in the LRFD specifications. As a result the distribution factor proposed in
LRFD specifications still do not consider the effects of the components of a typical
bridge and are based on the results of analysis using HS-20 loading of simply supported
bridges but are more accurate than the ones proposed in the AASHTO Standard
Specifications (1996). Chen and Aswad (1996) in their study found the LRFD
distribution factors to be uneconomically conservative. The effect of different
parameters as indicated by different studies has been summarized as follows
2.6.5.2 Bridge Skew
The skew of the bridge had little effect on distribution factor for small angles,
and reduction in live-load distribution factor was observed for larger angles. The LRFD
expression for skew factor was found to be appropriate for the behavior observed by
different studies.
29
2.6.5.3 Intermediate and End Diaphragms.
The addition of end diaphragms was found to decrease the distribution factor for
exterior and interior girders and the reduction was in the range of 6% to 25% for various
skew angles. The presence of intermediate diaphragms slightly increased the live load
distribution factor at low skew angles but at higher skew angles (>= 300) they proved to
be slightly beneficial.
2.6.5.4 Continuity
The continuity increased the distribution factor regardless of the skew for
exterior girders and it reduced the distribution factors for interior girders for low skew
angles but increased the distribution factor for greater skew angles.
2.6.5.5 Span Length
The increase in span length was found to increase the load distribution factor for
the external girders while this had little effect on the internal girders.
2.6.5.6 Lifts
The results of the study by Barr et al. indicates that the addition of lift reduced
the distribution factor by 17% for exterior girder and by 11% for interior girder which
can be explained by the fact that the presence of lifts slightly increases the composite
girder stiffness.
2.6.5.7 Other Parameters
As expected the increase in girder spacing increased the load distribution factor.
The LRFD specifications recommends the use of truck load plus lane load but the
distribution factors were developed using the truck loading only and the same was
applied to the lane loading. But, it was found from the study by Barr et al (2001) that the
distribution factor for lane loading is always smaller as compared to the truck loading
which if considered can increase the economy of the design.
30
Barr et al. (2001) proposed that if the effects of different parameters have been
considered in the design of SR18/SR516 Bridge the required release strength of the
girder concrete could have been reduced from 7400 psi to 6400 psi or the bridge could
have been designed for a 39% higher live load.
2.7 IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD SPECIFICATIONS ON SHEAR DESIGN
2.7.1 General
A number of studies have been carried on to assess the impact of LRFD

Specifications on bridge design. A study by Shahawy et al. indicates that from shear
considerations AASHTO Standard specifications (1989) is superior to LRFD (1994).
Detailed studies by Zokaie et al. (2003) and Richard et al. (2002) suggests that LRFD
design is more conservative and requires higher prestress or reinforcement as compared
to the design by Standard Specifications, due to various factors as described by them.
2.7.2 Shear Design of Prestressed Concrete Girders
Shahawy et al. (1996) compared the shear provisions in the AASHTO Standard
Specifications (1989) and LRFD Specifications using laboratory tests on AASHTO Type
II prestressed concrete girders. The AASHTO Standard Specifications are based on
constant 45-degree truss analogy for shear, whereas LRFD adopts variable truss analogy
based on modified compression field theory for its shear provisions. As a part of
laboratory testing 20 full-scale prestressed concrete girders were used with variable
span, amount of shear reinforcement, shear span and strand diameter. Three of the
girders were tested without any shear reinforcement in order to figure out the
contribution of concrete to shear strength, Vc.
Shahawy et al. (1996) found that the AASHTO Standard Specifications gives a
good estimate of the shear strength of the girders and is conservative regardless of the
shear reinforcement ratio, whereas the LRFD Specifications overestimates the shear
strength of girders having high reinforcement ratios. The shear provisions of AASHTO
Standard Specifications were found to agree with the test results in almost all the cases,
31
whereas for a/d ratios less than 1.5, LRFD (1994) overestimates the shear strength and
for a/d more than 2.0 LRFD underestimates the shear strength. The predictions of
AASHTO Standard Specifications for Vc are also found to be better than that of LRFD,
both being conservative as compared to test results. The overall results for shear indicate
the superiority of AASHTO Standard Specifications (1989) over LRFD Specifications
(1994).
2.7.3 AASHTO Type III Girder Bridge
Richard et al. (2002) compared the design of AASHTO Type III Girder Bridge
using the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Bridges, 16th Edition, and the AASHTO
LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. The authors found the bridge design to be same in
most respects irrespective of the Specifications used. The most significant changes
observed by them were in the shear design where the skew factor and reinforcement
requirements in LRFD Specifications required increased concrete strength and
reinforcement. An increase in reinforcement in deck overhang and in wing wall was also
observed by the authors, due to increased collision force. The design of bridges using
LRFD specifications was found to be more calculation-intensive and complex. The
design experience and conclusions were limited to a single span AASHTO Type III
girder bridges.
The LRFD Specifications allows the distribution of permanent loads of and on
the deck to be distributed uniformly among the beams and/or stringers (LRFD
Specifications Article 4.6.2.2.1) which is a significant change from the Standard
Specifications design practice where the dead loads due to parapets, sidewalks, railings
were applied only to the exterior girder. An increase in non-composite dead load by 9%
and decrease in composite dead load by 50% on the exterior girder, while a decrease in
non-composite dead load by 4% and an increase in composite dead load by 97% on the
interior girder were observed when LRFD Specifications is followed, as compared to the
design by Standard Specifications (Richard et al. 2002). The Standard Specifications
required the bridge to be designed for HS-25 loading, which is 125% of the AASHTO
32
HS-20 truck load or a design lane load comprising of 800 plf distributed load plus 22.5
kip or 32.5 kip point load for flexure or shear design cases, respectively. The LRFD
Specifications adopts HL-93 load case for bridge design, which consists of a 36 ton
design truck or design tandem and a 640 plf design lane load. The shear and bending
moment after load distribution for both load cases were found to be roughly comparable.
Richard et al. (2002) found that LRFD design requires same number of
prestressing strands as that of standard Specifications design but a higher concrete
strength was required which could be explained as an effect of changes in live loads,
load distribution factors, impact factors, skew factors and prestressing losses. The LRFD
design effected the shear design significantly as the requirement of shear reinforcement
went up substantially which was a result of increase in live load distribution factor for
shear and a constant skew factor. LRFD design of the overhang is significantly different
from that of standard design and it requires more reinforcement.
2.7.4 Post-Tensioned Girder Bridges
Zokaie et al. (2003) reviewed the impact of LRFD specifications on the design
post tensioned concrete box girder bridges and highlighted the changes in the
Specifications which lead to the requirement of higher post tensioning. Although the
present study deals with prestressed concrete girder bridges, it may be of interest to find
out the cause of the requirement of higher post tensioning which also may cause an
increase in required prestress force.
The change in design live load was found to be one of the factors. The “Dual
Truck” loading in LRFD Specifications increases the negative moment at interior
supports which require additional negative reinforcement. The major changes in the load
distribution factors were another factor which influenced the design. The load factors for
different limit states are different in LRFD Specifications as compared to the fixed load
factors in Standard Specifications however the allowable stresses are almost same in
both the Specifications. The prestress loss equations are slightly changed in the LRFD
Specifications and are more conservative as compared to Standard ones. Zokaie et al.
33
(2003) carried on detailed design for two different cases and found that self weight is
nearly the same irrespective of the Specifications used. The live load response in LRFD
case was much higher than LFD. The impact factor was higher but the load distribution
factor for moment went down for LRFD design case. Service limit state-III which
checks the tensile stresses in bottom fiber governed in both the cases and required 13%
additional post tensioning for LRFD based design. Zokaie et al. (2003) did not
considered shear in their design.
2.8 RESEARCH NEEDS

All of these findings in previous studies are limited to the bridges considered in
the design, and may vary significantly by changing the bridge geometry, girder spacing
and other parameters. There is a need for a more rigorous study to find the effect of
LRFD Specifications on bridge design by changing various parameters such as span
length, spacing between the girders etc. Also the prestressed concrete bridges typical to
Texas including the AASHTO Type IV and Type C girder bridges have not been
considered in any previous studies which encouraged the researchers to take them into
account in the present study.
34
3. TXDOT BRIDGE DESIGN PRACTICES
3.1 INTRODUCTION
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) specifies design recommendations
for bridge engineers provided in TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001). This
manual is primarily aimed to bring consistency in the design of bridges in Texas. The
manual gives specific recommendations for design where Standard Specifications gives
options to the designers. The manual also includes simplifications for bridge design.
The manual is based on Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges except for few
sections which are based on previous studies and experiences. A evaluation of some of
the simplified procedures given by TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001) is
carried out in this study. The impact of these simplifications and their applicability
while using LRFD Specifications is discussed below.
3.2 MODULAR RATIO BETWEEN SLAB AND GIRDER CONCRETE
3.2.1 General
The TxDOT design methodology for prestressed concrete bridges is to assume

the concrete strengths at release and at service at the beginning of bridge girder design.
Typically the concrete strength at release, f ci' is taken as 4000 psi and the concrete strength at
service, fc' is assumed to be 5000 psi. The concrete strengths are optimized and selected during
the design process. As the actual concrete strengths are not known at the beginning of design
process, the modular ratio between the slab and girder concrete (n) is choosen as unity. This
modular ratio needs to be updated once the actual concrete strengths are selected. However, the
TxDOT Bridge Manual allows for the use of modular ratio as unity throughout the design. The
effect of haunch on the composite properties of the girder is not taken into account for
bridges designed using TxDOT methodology. It is assumed that the haunch effect
neutralizes the impact of the assumption of modular ratio being unity, and will not affect
35
the girder designs based on Standard Specifications significantly. This simplification is

also followed by the TxDOTs Bridge Design Program PSTRS14 (TxDOT 2004).
The live load moment and shear distribution factors (DFs) specified by Standard
Specifications do not depend on the modular ratio between slab and girder concrete. The
live load moment DFs specified by the LRFD Specifications however involves a term
Kg, which depends on the modular ratio. The assumption of modular ratio as unity thus
needs to be evaluated for the design based on LRFD Specifications. The impact of
assuming the modular ratio as unity is evaluated in this study, when designs are based on
Standard and LRFD Specifications. However, the haunch effect is ignored as the actual
dimensions of the haunch are not provided for this study. The evaluation of the impact of
not updating the modular ratio is carried on for Type IV girder with skew of 0 degrees.
The skew is not a factor for this evaluation as the modular ratio has no impact on skew
correction factors. Similar trends are expected for Type C girders. The results for
AASHTO Type IV girders are presented below.
3.2.2 Methodology
The methodology discussed in Section 4 is used with slight modifications. The

Matlab program used for the parametric study was modified for this purpose. The design
is first carried out assuming a modular ratio of unity. Once the concrete strengths are
obtained, the actual modular ratio is evaluated and the program is run using the actual
modular ratio. The refined optimized concrete strengths are thus obtained. The modular
ratio is again calculated using the refined concrete strengths. The program is run again
until the difference in the modular ratios is less than 0.05. Once the modular ratio
converges within this limit, the camber, and the flexure and shear design limit states are
evaluated. The design results thus obtained are compared with the ones evaluated in the
parametric study.
36
3.2.3 Impact on Live Load Moment and Shear DFs
The impact of not updating the modular ratio on the live load moment and shear
DFs is evaluated in this section. The results are presented in Tables 3.1 and 3.2 for
moment and shear DFs respectively. The live load moment and shear DFs specified by
Standard Specifications do not depend on the modular ratio, hence no change is found.
The live load moment DFs specified by the LRFD Specifications were found to be
decreasing in the range of 1 percent to 3 percent. The live load shear DFs specified by
the LRFD Specifications are not dependent on modular ratio, thus no difference was
observed.
Table 3.1. Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs

(Skew = 0°, Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.)
Girder Standard LRFD

Spacing Span Updated TxDOT Difference Updated TxDOT Difference
(ft.) (ft.) n Meth. (%) n Meth. (%)
90 0.545 0.545 0.0 0.546 0.552 -1.0
100 0.545 0.545 0.0 0.532 0.537 -1.0
110 0.545 0.545 0.0 0.518 0.523 -0.9
6 120 0.545 0.545 0.0 0.503 0.512 -1.7
130 0.545 0.545 0.0 0.490 0.501 -2.2
133 - - - 0.482 0.498 -3.2
136 0.545 0.545 0.0 - - -
90 0.727 0.727 0.0 0.668 0.675 -1.0
100 0.727 0.727 0.0 0.650 0.656 -1.0
8 110 0.727 0.727 0.0 0.629 0.639 -1.7
120 0.727 0.727 0.0 0.607 0.625 -2.8
124 0.727 0.727 0.0 - - -
90 0.788 0.788 0.0 0.708 0.715 -1.0
100 0.788 0.788 0.0 0.688 0.695 -1.0
8.67 110 0.788 0.788 0.0 0.665 0.677 -1.8
116 - - - 0.652 0.667 -2.3
119 0.788 0.788 0.0 - - -
37
Table 3.2. Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs


90 0.545 0.545 0.0 0.671 0.671 0.0
100 0.545 0.545 0.0 0.671 0.671 0.0
110 0.545 0.545 0.0 0.671 0.671 0.0
6 120 0.545 0.545 0.0 0.671 0.671 0.0
130 0.545 0.545 0.0 0.671 0.671 0.0
133 - - - 0.671 0.671 0.0
136 0.545 0.545 0.0 - - -
90 0.727 0.727 0.0 0.814 0.814 0.0
100 0.727 0.727 0.0 0.814 0.814 0.0
8 110 0.727 0.727 0.0 0.814 0.814 0.0
120 0.727 0.727 0.0 0.814 0.814 0.0
124 0.727 0.727 0.0 - - -
90 0.788 0.788 0.0 0.861 0.861 0.0
100 0.788 0.788 0.0 0.861 0.861 0.0
8.67 110 0.788 0.788 0.0 0.861 0.861 0.0
116 - - - 0.861 0.861 0.0
119 0.788 0.788 0.0 - - -
3.2.4 Impact on Distributed Live Load Moments and Shears
The impact of not updating the modular ratio on the distributed live load
moments and shears is evaluated in this section. The results are presented in Tables 3.3
and 3.4 for moments and shears respectively. The live load moments and shears
specified by Standard Specifications do not change as the DFs remain the same after
updating the modular ratio. The live load moment DFs specified by the LRFD
Specifications were found to be decreasing in the range of 1 percent to 3 percent. This is
due to the change in the live load moment DFs. The live load shears specified by the
LRFD Specifications decreased in the range of 3 percent to 6 percent. This change is
38
caused due to the change in the distance of critical section, which is obtained from the
transverse shear design.
Table 3.3. Comparison of Distributed Live Load Moments


90 885.4 885.4 0.0 1298.2 1310.7 -1.0
100 997.4 997.4 0.0 1469.6 1483.8 -1.0
110 1108.8 1108.8 0.0 1643.6 1659.4 -1.0
6 120 1219.1 1219.1 0.0 1807.2 1837.8 -1.7
130 1328.5 1328.5 0.0 1973.9 2019.3 -2.2
133 - - - 2008.0 2074.3 -3.2
136 1393.7 1393.7 0.0 - - -
90 1180.5 1180.5 0.0 1588.0 1603.8 -1.0
100 1329.9 1329.9 0.0 1796.3 1814.1 -1.0
8 110 1478.4 1478.4 0.0 1992.9 2027.3 -1.7
120 1625.5 1625.5 0.0 2181.3 2243.7 -2.8
124 1683.9 1683.9 0.0 - - -
90 1279.3 1279.3 0.0 1681.7 1698.5 -1.0
100 1441.2 1441.2 0.0 1901.8 1920.9 -1.0
8.67 110 1602.2 1602.2 0.0 2107.0 2146.2 -1.8
116 - - - 2230.2 2283.0 -2.3
119 1745.7 1745.7 0.0 - - -
39
Table 3.4. Comparison of Distributed Live Load Shears


90 41.9 41.9 0.0 69.3 73.5 -5.8
100 42.2 42.2 0.0 72.6 76.5 -5.2
110 42.4 42.4 0.0 75.7 79.4 -4.6
6 120 42.6 42.6 0.0 78.7 82.1 -4.2
130 42.7 42.7 0.0 81.4 84.8 -3.9
133 - - - 82.8 85.5 -3.2
136 43.5 43.5 0.0 - - -
90 55.9 55.9 0.0 84.4 89.3 -5.5
100 56.3 56.3 0.0 88.5 92.9 -4.8
8 110 56.6 56.6 0.0 92.0 96.4 -4.6
120 56.8 56.8 0.0 95.8 99.7 -3.9
124 56.8 56.8 0.0 - - -
90 60.6 60.6 0.0 89.3 94.4 -5.4
100 61.0 61.0 0.0 93.7 98.3 -4.7
8.67 110 61.3 61.3 0.0 97.3 101.9 -4.5
116 - - - 99.9 104.1 -4.0
119 61.5 61.5 0.0 - - -
3.2.5 Impact on Required Number of Strands
The impact of not updating the modular ratio on the required number of strands
is evaluated in this section. The results are presented in Table 3.5. The required number
of strands is found to be increasing when the modular ratio is updated. The increase is
negligible. The increase in the number of strands is a result of the changed composite
properties.
40
Table 3.5. Comparison of Required Number of Strands


90 24 24 0.0 26 26 0.0
100 32 32 0.0 34 34 0.0
110 38 38 0.0 42 42 0.0
6 120 48 48 0.0 54 54 0.0
130 62 60 3.3 68 68 0.0
133 - - - 78 74 5.4
136 74 70 5.7 - - -
90 30 30 0.0 32 32 0.0
100 40 40 0.0 42 42 0.0
8 110 52 50 4.0 54 54 0.0
120 66 64 3.1 70 70 0.0
124 78 74 5.4 - - -
90 32 32 0.0 34 34 0.0
100 42 42 0.0 44 44 0.0
8.67 110 54 54 0.0 58 58 0.0
116 - - - 68 68 0.0
119 70 70 0.0 - - -
3.2.6 Impact on Required Concrete Strengths
The impact of not updating the modular ratio on the required concrete strengths
at release and at service is evaluated in this section. The results are presented in Tables
3.6. and 3.7. The required concrete strengths at release and at service are found to be
increasing in few cases when the modular ratio is updated. However, the increase is
negligible. The increase in the required concrete strengths is due to the increase in the
number of strands, which increases the stresses in the girder, subsequently requiring
higher concrete strengths.
41
Table 3.6. Comparison of Required Concrete Strength at Release


90 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 4000.0 0.0
100 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4009.7 4009.7 0.0
110 4244.3 4244.3 0.0 4739.7 4739.7 0.0
6 120 5246.7 5246.7 0.0 5930.6 5930.6 0.0
130 6368.1 6403.0 -0.5 6510.0 6510.0 0.0
133 - - - 6843.2 6655.0 2.8
136 6725.0 6613.4 1.7 - - -
90 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 4000.0 0.0
100 4478.2 4478.3 0.0 4707.7 4707.7 0.0
8 110 5698.6 5456.6 4.4 5893.2 5893.2 0.0
120 6524.3 6538.4 -0.2 6582.9 6582.9 0.0
124 6942.1 6750.8 2.8 - - -
90 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 4000.0 0.0
100 4739.0 4739.1 0.0 4964.5 4964.5 0.0
8.67 110 5939.6 5939.6 0.0 6057.7 6057.8 0.0
116 - - - 6603.4 6603.4 0.0
119 6715.5 6716.0 0.0 - - -
42
Table 3.7. Comparison of Required Concrete Strength at Service


90 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 5000.0 0.0
100 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 5000.0 0.0
110 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 5000.0 0.0
6 120 5996.3 5955.5 0.7 5930.6 5930.6 0.0
130 7498.4 7384.6 1.5 7578.9 6833.0 10.9
133 - - - 8554.7 8619.5 -0.8
136 8998.3 8621.6 4.4 - - -
90 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 5000.0 0.0
100 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 5000.0 0.0
8 110 5698.6 5583.9 2.1 5893.2 5893.2 0.0
120 7293.0 7164.7 1.8 8394.8 7598.9 10.5
124 8749.9 8306.4 5.3 - - -
90 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 5000.0 0.0
100 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 5000.0 0.0
8.67 110 5939.6 5939.6 0.0 6057.7 6057.8 0.0
116 - - - 7304.1 6780.5 7.7
119 8155.0 7602.4 7.3 - - -
3.2.7 Impact on Flexural Moment Resistance
The impact of not updating the modular ratio on the flexural moment resistance
of the section is evaluated in this section. The results are presented in Table 3.8. The
flexural moment resistance is found to be increasing in few cases when the modular ratio
is updated. However, the increase is negligible. The increase in the flexural moment
resistance is due to the increase in the number of strands and concrete strength at service.
43
Table 3.8. Comparison of Flexural Moment Resistance, Mr


90 4616.7 4616.7 0.0 4946.8 4946.8 0.0
100 5962.4 5962.4 0.0 6273.2 6273.2 0.0
110 6923.2 6923.2 0.0 7421.7 7421.7 0.0
6 120 8400.9 8400.9 0.0 8870.0 8870.0 0.0
130 10180.9 9959.0 2.2 10024.1 10004.7 0.2
133 - - - 10492.5 10391.0 1.0
136 11256.0 10964.0 2.7 - - -
90 5728.7 5728.7 0.0 6059.9 6059.9 0.0
100 7398.1 7398.1 0.0 7695.8 7695.8 0.0
8 110 9228.8 8936.6 3.3 9489.1 9489.1 0.0
120 11070.7 10836.0 2.2 11038.1 11018.7 0.2
124 12139.1 11857.1 2.4 - - -
90 6099.1 6099.1 0.0 6430.4 6430.4 0.0
100 7760.2 7760.2 0.0 8058.9 8058.9 0.0
8.67 110 9589.7 9589.7 0.0 10113.7 10113.7 0.0
116 - - - 11081.4 11078.3 0.0
119 11608.2 11608.2 0.0 - - -
3.2.8 Impact on Shear Design
3.2.8.1 Transverse Shear Design
The impact of not updating the modular ratio on the transverse shear
reinforcement area is evaluated in this section. The results are presented in Table 3.9.
The transverse shear reinforcement area is found to be decreasing in few cases when the
modular ratio is updated. The decrease in the area of transverse reinforcement is due to
the increase in the concrete strength at service, which consequently increases the shear
capacity of concrete requiring lesser steel reinforcement.
44
Table 3.9. Comparison of Transverse Shear Reinforcement Area, Av


90 0.12 0.13 -8.7 0.13 0.13 -0.1
100 0.10 0.11 -11.8 0.17 0.17 -0.1
110 0.08 0.09 -15.0 0.20 0.20 -0.1
6 120 0.08 0.08 0.0 0.21 0.21 -0.1
130 0.08 0.08 0.0 0.18 0.21 -16.0
133 - - - 0.19 0.17 12.3
136 0.08 0.08 0.0 - - -
90 0.29 0.30 -4.1 0.21 0.22 -0.1
100 0.27 0.29 -4.5 0.26 0.26 -0.1
8 110 0.21 0.22 -6.0 0.26 0.26 -0.1
120 0.08 0.08 0.0 0.24 0.27 -12.0
124 0.08 0.08 0.0 - - -
90 0.35 0.36 -3.8 0.24 0.24 0.0
100 0.34 0.34 -0.5 0.28 0.28 -0.1
8.67 110 0.26 0.26 0.0 0.28 0.28 -0.1
116 - - - 0.28 0.30 -7.1
119 0.08 0.08 0.0 - - -
3.2.8.2 Interface Shear Design
The impact of not updating the modular ratio on the interface shear
reinforcement area is evaluated in this section. The results are presented in Table 3.10.
The interface shear reinforcement area remains the same for the Standard designs, and
there is a very negligible effect on the LRFD designs.
45
Table 3.10. Comparison of Transverse Interface Reinforcement Area, Avh


90 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.35 0.35 0.0
100 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.42 0.42 0.0
110 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.49 0.49 0.0
6 120 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.60 0.60 0.0
130 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.69 0.68 0.6
133 - - - 0.77 0.75 3.7
136 0.20 0.20 0.0 - - -
90 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.55 0.55 0.0
100 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.64 0.64 0.0
8 110 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.73 0.73 0.0
120 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.91 0.91 -0.2
124 0.20 0.20 0.0 - - -
90 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.61 0.61 0.0
100 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.70 0.70 0.0
8.67 110 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.80 0.80 0.0
116 - - - 0.92 0.92 -0.5
119 0.20 0.20 0.0 - - -
3.2.9 Impact on Camber
The impact of not updating the modular ratio on camber is evaluated in this
section. The results are presented in Table 3.11. The camber is found to be decreasing in
few cases when the modular ratio is updated. The decrease in the camber is negligible
and is caused due to the increase in the concrete strength at release, which consequently
increases the elastic modulus of girder concrete, resulting in reduced camber.
46
Table 3.11. Comparison of Camber


90 0.116 0.116 0.0 0.120 0.120 0.0
100 0.175 0.175 0.0 0.195 0.195 0.0
110 0.211 0.211 0.0 0.254 0.254 0.0
6 120 0.283 0.283 -0.1 0.343 0.343 0.0
130 0.357 0.357 0.1 0.361 0.365 -1.0
133 - - - 0.320 0.334 -4.1
136 0.329 0.339 -3.0 - - -
90 0.161 0.161 0.0 0.177 0.177 0.0
100 0.244 0.244 0.0 0.258 0.258 0.0
8 110 0.339 0.321 5.5 0.348 0.348 0.0
120 0.394 0.395 -0.3 0.374 0.379 -1.2
124 0.361 0.374 -3.6 - - -
90 0.179 0.179 0.0 0.195 0.195 0.0
100 0.263 0.263 0.0 0.276 0.276 0.0
8.67 110 0.355 0.355 0.0 0.362 0.362 0.0
116 - - - 0.384 0.387 -0.9
119 0.387 0.390 -0.9 - - -
47
4. PARAMETRIC STUDY OUTLINE
4.1 GENERAL
A parametric study was conducted for Type C and AASHTO Type IV single
span, interior prestressed concrete bridge girders. Designs based on the AASHTO
Standard Specifications (2002) were compared to designs based on the AASHTO LRFD
Specifications (2004) for similar design parameters. The main focus of this parametric
study was to evaluate the impact of the AASHTO LRFD Specifications on various
design results including maximum span length, required number of strands, required
concrete strengths at release and at service, flexural strength limit state, and shear
design.
A design program was developed using Matlab 6.5.1 (Mathworks 2003) to carry
out this task. The program can handle the design of both Type C and AASHTO Type IV
girders according to the AASHTO Standard and the AASHTO LRFD Specifications.
The results from the program were validated using TxDOT’s PSTRS14 bridge design
software (TxDOT 2004). A number of cases for a range of design parameters were
evaluated.
The following sections describe the girder sections and their properties and
discuss the methodology used in the design program developed for this study. The
design of prestressed concrete girders essentially includes the service load design,
ultimate flexural strength design, and shear design. The difference in each of the design
procedures specified by the AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications are outlined.
The assumptions made in the analysis and design are also discussed. The results from
this parametric study for AASHTO Type IV girders are provided in Section 5 and for
Type C girders in Section 6.
48
4.2 GIRDER SECTIONS
4.2.1 AASHTO Type IV Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girder

The AASHTO Type IV girder was introduced in 1968. Since then it has been one
of the most economical shapes for prestressed concrete bridges. This girder type is used
widely in Texas and in other states. The AASHTO Type IV girder can be used for
bridges spanning up to 130 ft. with normal concrete strengths and is considered to be
tough and stable. The girder is 54 in. deep having an I shaped cross-section. The top
flange is 20 in. wide and the web thickness is 8 in. The fillets are provided between the
web and the flanges to ensure a uniform transition of the cross section. The girder can
hold a maximum of 102 strands. Both straight and harped strand patterns are allowed for
this girder type. Figure 4.1 shows the details of AASHTO Type IV girder cross section.
8 in.
20 in.
6 in.
8 in.
23 in.
54 in.
9 in.
26 in.
Figure 4.1. Configuration and Dimensions of the AASHTO Type IV Girder Section
[Adapted from TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001)].
49
4.2.2 Type C Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girder

Type C girders are typically used in Texas for bridges spanning in the range of
40 to 90 ft. with normal concrete strengths. This is one of the earliest I shaped cross-
section girders, first developed in 1957. It has been modified slightly since then in order
to handle longer spans. The total depth of the girder is 40 in. with a 14 in. top flange and
7 in. thick web. The top flange is 6 in. thick and the bottom flange is 7 in. thick. The
fillets are provided between the web and the flanges to ensure uniform transition of the
cross section. The larger bottom flange allows an increased number of strands. The
girder can hold a maximum of 74 strands. Both straight and harped strand patterns are
allowed for this girder. Figure 4.2 shows the dimensions and configuration of the Type C
girder cross-section.
14 in.
3.5 in.
16 in.
7 in.
40 in.
7.5 in.
7 in.
22 in.
Figure 4.2. Configuration and Dimensions of the Type C Girder Section

50
4.3 DESIGN PROGRAM OUTLINE

A design program was developed using Matlab 6.5.1 (Mathworks 2003) to
conduct the parametric study. The program is capable of handling Type C and AASHTO
Type IV girder designs. The design program is consistent with the respective AASHTO
Specifications with some modifications based on TxDOT design practice. The areas
where modifications are made are discussed in the following sections. The design
program consists of a driver program “mainprog.m” which calls the other functions. The
first function called is “readingdata.m”. This function reads the input data from excel
sheet “input1.xls” or from Matlab command line. Sample input for the program is shown
in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1. Sample Input for Design Program “mainprog.m”.
Girder Type (1 for Type C and 2 for Type IV) 2

Specifications (1 for Standard and 2 for LRFD) 2
Span Length, ft. (c/c pier) 90
Girder Spacing, ft. 8.67
Strand Diameter, in. 0.5
Concrete Strength at release, psi (0 to optimize) 0
Concrete Strength at service, psi (0 to optimize) 0
Prestress losses (1 for TxDOT and 2 for LRFD methodology) 2
Relative Humidity, % 60
Skew angle (degrees) 0
Output form (1 for output in excel, 2 for command line output) 1
The modular ratio is evaluated based on input concrete strengths. The modular
ratio is assumed to be 1 if the input for concrete strengths is 0, and the final concrete
strengths at release and at service are optimized using TxDOT’s methodology (TxDOT
2001). The program does not consider the haunch effect based on TxDOT’s
recommendations (TxDOT 2001). The number of girders in the bridge cross section is
established based on a total bridge width of 46'
-0" and a clear roadway width of 44'
-0".
51
The program assigns the design variables based on the Specifications under
consideration. The design variables considered in the design are presented in Table 4.2.
Table 4.2. Design Variables for AASHTO Standard and LRFD Designs.
Category Specifications Description Proposed Value

Prestressing Standard Ultimate Strength, f s' 270 ksi – low-relaxation
Strands
Jacking Stress Limit, fsi 0.75 f s'
Yield Strength, fy 0.9 f s'
Modulus of Elasticity, Es 28000 ksi
LRFD Ultimate Strength, fpu 270 ksi – low-relaxation
Jacking Stress Limit, fpj 0.75 fpu
Yield Strength, fpy 0.9 fpu
Modulus of Elasticity, Ep 28500 ksi
Concrete- Standard and LRFD Unit Weight, wc 150 pcf
Precast
Modulus of Elasticity, Ec 33 wc1.5 fc' ( f c' precast)
Concrete-CIP Standard and LRFD Slab Thickness, ts 8 in.
Slab
Unit Weight, wc 150 pcf
Modulus of Elasticity,
33 wc1.5 fc' ( f c' CIP)
Ecip
Specified Compressive
4000 psi
Strength ( fc' )
Modular Ratio, n Ecip/Ec
Other Standard and LRFD Relative Humidity 60%
1.5" asphalt wearing
Non-Composite Dead
surface
Loads
(Unit weight of 140 pcf)
Composite Dead Loads T501 type rails (326 plf)
An allowable harping
pattern consistent with
Harping in AASHTO
TxDOT practices will be
Type IV & Type C
selected to limit the initial
Girders
stresses to the required
values.
52
The main driver program “mainprog.m” calls one of the following functions
based on the input data.
1. typeCstd.m: This function handles the design for Type C girders based on
AASHTO Standard Specifications
2. typeClrfd.m: This function handles the design for Type C girders based on
AASHTO LRFD Specifications
3. type4std.m: This function handles the design for Type IV girders based on
4. type4lrfd.m: This function handles the design for Type IV girders based on
4.4 DESIGN ASSUMPTIONS AND PROCEDURE
4.4.1 General
The analysis and design procedure followed for girder designs based on the
AASHTO Standard Specifications (2002) and the AASHTO LRFD Specifications
(2004) are discussed in this section. Modifications made by TxDOT in the design are
also included.
4.4.2 Member Properties

The non-composite and transformed composite section properties of the girders
are evaluated as discussed in the following sections.
4.4.2.1 Non-Composite Section Properties

The non-composite section properties for each type of girder as specified by the
TxDOT Design Manual (TxDOT 2001) are presented in Table 4.3. These properties are
the same irrespective of the specifications used.
53
Table 4.3. Non-Composite Section Properties.
yt (in.) yb (in.) Area (in.2) I (in.4)

Type IV 29.25 24.75 788.4 260,403.0
Type C 22.91 17.09 494.9 82,602.0
where:
I = Moment of inertia about the centroid of the non-composite precast girder, in.4
yb = Distance from centroid to the extreme bottom fiber of the non-composite

precast girder, in.
yt = Distance from centroid to the extreme top fiber of the non-composite precast
girder, in.
4.4.2.2 Composite Section Properties

The composite section properties depend on the effective flange width of the
girder. AASHTO Standard Specifications Article 9.8.3.2 specifies the effective flange
width of an interior girder to be the least of the following:
1. One-fourth of the span length of the girder,
2. 6 × (slab thickness on each side of the effective web width) + effective web
width, or
3. One-half the clear distance on each side of the effective web width plus the
effective web width.
The effective web width used in conditions (2) and (3) is specified by AASHTO
Standard Article 9.8.3.1, as the lesser of the following:
1. 6 × (flange thickness on either side of web) + web thickness + fillets, and
2. Width of the top flange.
The AASHTO LRFD Specifications specify a slightly modified approach as
compared to Standard Specifications for the calculation of effective flange width of
interior girders. The LRFD Specifications does not require the calculation of the
effective web width and instead uses the greater of actual web thickness and one-half of
54
the girder top flange width in condition (2) given below. LRFD Article 4.6.2.6.1
specifies the effective flange width for an interior girder to be the least of the following:
1. One-fourth of the effective span length,
2. 12 × (average slab thickness) + greater of web thickness or one-half the
girder top flange width, or
3. The average spacing of adjacent girders.
Once the effective flange width is established, the transformed flange width and
flange area is calculated as
Transformed flange width = n × (effective flange width) (4.1)

Transformed flange Area = n × (effective flange width) (ts) (4.2)
where:
n = Modular ratio between slab and girder concrete = Ecip/Ec
ts = Thickness of the slab, in.
Ecip = Modulus of elasticity of cast in place slab concrete, ksi
Ec = Modulus of elasticity of precast girder concrete, ksi
TxDOT recommends using the modular ratio as 1 because the concrete strengths
are unknown at the beginning of the design process and are optimized during the design.
This recommendation was followed for the service load design in this study. For shear
and deflection calculations the actual modular ratio based on the selected optimized
precast concrete strength is used in this study. For these calculations the composite
section properties are evaluated using the transformed flange width and precast section
properties. The flexural strength calculations are based on the selected optimized precast
concrete strength, the actual slab concrete strength, and the actual slab and girder
dimensions.
55
4.4.2.3 Design Span Length, Hold-Down Point and Critical Section for Shear
The design span length is the center-to-center distance between the bearings.
This length is obtained by deducting the distance between the centerlines of the bearing
pad and the pier from the total span length (center-to-center distance between the piers).
Figure 4.3 illustrates the details at the girder end at a conventional support. The hold-
down point for the harped strands is specified by the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual
(TxDOT 2001) to be the greater of 5 ft. and 0.05 times the span length, on either side of
the midspan.
Figure 4.3. Girder End Details (TxDOT Standard Drawings 2001).
The critical section for shear is specified by AASHTO Standard Specifications as

the distance h/2 from the face of the support, where h is the depth of the composite
section. However, as the support dimensions are not specified in this study, the critical
section is measured from the centerline of bearing, which yields a conservative estimate
of the design shear force. The LRFD Specifications requires the critical section for shear
to be calculated based on the parameter evaluated in the shear design section. The
initial estimate for the location of the critical section for shear is taken as the distance
56
equal to h/2 plus one-half the bearing pad width, from the girder end, where h is the
depth of the composite section. The critical section is then refined based on an iterative
process that determines the final values of the parameters and .
4.4.3 Design Loads, Bending Moments and Shear Forces
4.4.3.1 General
The dead and superimposed dead loads considered in the design are girder self
weight, slab weight, barrier and asphalt wearing surface loads. The load due to the
barrier and asphalt wearing surface are accounted for as composite loads (loads
occurring after the onset of composite action between the deck slab and the precast
girder section). The girder self weight and the slab weight are considered as non-
composite loads. The live loads are consistent with the specifications under
consideration. The impact and distribution factors are calculated as specified by the
respective design specifications. The loads due to extreme events such as earthquake and
vehicle collision are not considered in the design as they are not a design factor for
bridges in Texas. The wind load is not taken into account for this study. The loads and
load combinations specified by the AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications are
discussed in the following sections.
4.4.3.2 Dead Loads

The dead load on the non-composite section is taken as the self weight of the
girder. The self weight is taken as 0.821 klf for AASHTO Type IV girders and 0.516 klf
for Type C girders as specified by the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001).
4.4.3.3 Superimposed Dead Loads

The superimposed dead load on the non-composite section is due to the slab
weight. The unit weight of slab concrete is taken as 150 pcf. The tributary width for
calculating the slab load is taken as the center-to-center spacing between the adjacent
girders. The superimposed dead loads on the composite section are the weight of the
57
barrier, and the asphalt wearing surface weight. TxDOT recommended using the unit
weight of the asphalt wearing surface as 140 pcf, and the barrier weight as 326 plf.
The Standard Specifications allows the superimposed dead loads on the
composite section to be distributed equally among all the girders for all the design cases.
The LRFD Specifications allows the equal distribution of the composite superimposed
dead loads (permanent loads) only when the following conditions specified by LRFD
Article 4.6.2.2.1. are satisfied:
1. Width of deck is constant,
2. Number of girders (Nb) is not less than four,
3. Girders are parallel and have approximately the same stiffness,
4. The roadway part of the overhang, de ≤ 3.0 ft.,
5. Curvature in plan is less than 3 degrees for 3 or 4 girders and less than 4
degrees for 5 or more girders, and
6. Cross section of the bridge is consistent with one of the cross sections given
in LRFD Table 4.6.2.2.1-1.
If the above conditions are not satisfied, refined analysis is required to determine
the actual load on each girder. Grillage analysis and finite element analysis are
recommended by the LRFD Specifications as appropriate refined analysis methods.
4.4.3.4 Shear Force and Bending Moment due to Dead and Superimposed Dead Loads
The bending moment (M) and shear force (V) due to dead loads and
superimposed dead loads at any section having a distance x from the support, are
calculated using the following formulas.
M = 0.5wx (L - x) (4.3)
V = w(0.5L - x) (4.4)
where:
w = Uniform load, k/ft.
L = Design span length, ft.
58
4.4.3.5 Live Load

There is a significant change in the live load specified by the LRFD
Specifications as compared to the Standard Specifications. The Standard Specifications
specify the live load to be taken as one of the following, whichever produces maximum
stresses at the section considered.
1. HS 20-44 truck consisting of one front axle weighing 8 kips and two rear
axles weighing 32 kips each. The truck details are shown in Figure 4.5.
2. HS 20-44 lane loading consisting of 0.64 klf distributed load and a point load
traversing the span having a magnitude of 18 kips for moment and 26 kips for
shear. The details are shown in Figure 4.4.
3. Tandem loading consisting of two 24 kips axles spaced 4 ft. apart.
Figure 4.4. HS 20-44 Lane Loading (AASHTO Standard Specifications 2002).
The LRFD Specifications specify a new live load model. The live load is to be
taken as one of the following, whichever yields maximum stresses at the section
considered.
1. HL-93: This is a combination of an HS 20-44 truck consisting of one front
axle weighing 8 kips and two rear axles weighing 32 kips each with a 0.64 klf
uniformly distributed lane load.
2. Combination of a tandem loading consisting of two 25 kips axles spaced 4 ft.
apart with a 0.64 klf distributed lane load.
59
Figure 4.5. HS 20-44 Truck Configuration

(AASHTO Standard Specifications 2002)
4.4.3.6 Undistributed Live Load Shear and Moment

The undistributed shear force (V) and bending moment (M) due to HS 20-44
truck load, HS 20-44 lane load, and tandem load on a per-lane-basis are calculated using
the following equations prescribed by the PCI Design Manual (PCI 2003).
Maximum bending moment due to HS 20-44 truck load.

For x/L = 0 – 0.333
72(x)[(L - x) - 9.33]
M= (4.5)
L
60
For x/L = 0.333 – 0.50

72(x)[(L - x) - 4.67]
M= - 112 (4.6)
L
Maximum shear force due to HS 20-44 truck load.
For x/L = 0 – 0.50
72[(L - x) - 9.33]
V= (4.7)
L
Maximum bending moment due to HS 20-44 lane loading.
P ( x)( L - x)
M= + 0.5( w)( x)( L - x) (4.8)
L
Maximum shear force due to HS 20-44 lane load.
Q( L - x) L
V= + ( w)( - x) (4.9)
L 2
Maximum bending moment due to AASHTO LRFD lane load.
M = 0.5(w)(x)(L-x) (4.10)
Maximum shear force due to AASHTO LRFD lane load.
0.32(L - x)2
V= for x ≤ 0.5L (4.11)
L
Maximum bending moment due to Tandem load.
T (x)[(L - x) - 2]
M= (4.12)
L
Maximum shear force due to Tandem load.
T [(L - x) - 2]
V= (4.13)
L
where:
M = Live load moment, k-ft.
V = Live load shear, kips
x = Distance from the support to the section at which bending moment or shear
force is calculated, ft.
61

P = Concentrated load for moment = 18 kips
Q = Concentrated load for shear = 26 kips
w = Uniform load per linear foot of load lane = 0.64 klf
T = Tandem load, 48 kips for AASHTO Standard and 50 kips for AASHTO
LRFD design.
4.4.3.7 Fatigue Load

The fatigue load for calculating the fatigue stress is given by LRFD Article
3.6.1.4 as a single HS 20-44 truck load with constant spacing of 30.0 ft. between the
32.0 kip rear axles.
4.4.3.8 Undistributed Fatigue Load Moment

The undistributed bending moment (M) due to fatigue load on a per-lane-basis is
calculated using the following equations prescribed by the PCI Design Manual (PCI
2003)
Maximum bending moment due to fatigue truck load.

For x/L = 0 – 0.241
72(x)[(L - x) - 18.22]
M= (4.14)
L
For x/L = 0.241 – 0.50
72(x)[(L - x) - 11.78]
M= - 112 (4.15)
L
where:
x = Distance from the support to the section at which bending moment or shear
force is calculated, ft.
62
4.4.3.9 Impact and Distribution Factors

The AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications require the effect of dynamic
(impact) loading to be considered. The dynamic load is expressed as a percentage of live
load. AASHTO Standard Article 3.8.2.1 specifies the following expression to determine
the impact load factor
50
I= 30% (4.16)
L + 125
where:
I = Impact factor
AASHTO LRFD Article 3.6.2 specifies the dynamic load to be taken as 33

percent of the live load for all limit states except the fatigue limit state for which the
impact factor is specified as 15 percent of the fatigue load moment. The impact factor
for the Standard Specifications is applicable to truck, lane and tandem loads, however
the LRFD Specifications do not require the lane loading to be increased for dynamic
effects.
The live load moments and shear forces including the dynamic load (impact
load) effect are distributed to the girders using the distribution factors. The Standard
Specifications recommend using a live load moment distribution factor of S/11 for
prestressed concrete girders, where S is the girder spacing in ft. The distribution factor
for live load shear varies with the position of the load. The TxDOT Bridge Design
Manual (TxDOT 2001) recommends using S/11 as the live load shear distribution factor.
The Standard Specifications only consider the effect of girder spacing on the distribution
factors and neglects the effect of other critical parameters such as slab stiffness, girder
stiffness, and span length.
63
The LRFD Specifications provide more complex formulas for the distribution of
live load moments and shear forces to individual girders. For skewed bridges, LRFD
Specifications require the distribution factors for moment to be reduced and the shear
distribution factors shall be corrected for skew. LRFD Table 4.6.2.2.2 and 4.6.2.2.3
specify the distribution factors for moment and shear, respectively. The use of these
approximate distribution factors is allowed for prestressed concrete girders having an I-
shaped cross section with composite slab, if the conditions outlined below are satisfied.
1. Width of deck is constant
2. Number of girders (Nb) is not less than four (Lever rule can be used for 3
girders)
3. Girders are parallel and of approximately the same stiffness
4. The roadway part of the overhang, de ≤ 3.0 ft.
5. Curvature in plan is less than 3 degrees for 3 or 4 girders and less than 4
degrees for 5 or more girders
6. Cross-section of the bridge is consistent with one of the cross-sections given
in LRFD Table 4.6.2.2.1-1.
7. 3.5 S 16 where S is the girder spacing, ft.
8. 4.5 ts 12 where ts is the slab thickness, in.
9. 20 L 240 where L is the span length, ft.
10. 10,000 Kg 7,000,000, in.4
where:
Kg = n (I + Aeg2)
n = Modular ratio between the girder and slab concrete = Ec/Ecip
Ecip = Modulus of elasticity of cast in place slab concrete, ksi
Ec = Modulus of elasticity of precast girder concrete, ksi
I = Moment of inertia of the girder section, in.4
A = Area of the girder cross section, in.2
eg = Distance between the centroids of the girder and the slab, in.
64
For bridge configurations not satisfying the limits mentioned above, refined
analysis is required to estimate the moment and shear distribution factors.
The distribution factors shall be taken as the greater of the two cases when two
design lanes are loaded and one design lane is loaded. The approximate live load
moment distribution factors (DFM) and the live load shear distribution factors (DFV) for
an interior I-shaped girder cross-section with a composite slab (type k) is given by
AASHTO LRFD Tables 4.6.2.2.2 and 4.6.2.2.3 as follows.
For two or more lanes loaded:

0.6 0.2 0.1
S S Kg
DFM = 0.075 + (4.17)
9.5 L 12.0 Lts 3
For one design lane loaded:

0.4 0.3 0.1
S S Kg
DFM = 0.06 + (4.18)
14 L 12.0Lt s 3

2
S S
DFV = 0.2 + - (4.19)
12 35
S
DFV = 0.36 + (4.20)
25.0
where:
DFM = Distribution factor for moment
DFV = Distribution factor for shear
S = Girder spacing, ft.
ts = Thickness of slab, in.
Kg = Longitudinal stiffness parameter, in.4
= n (I + Aeg2)
65
n = Modular ratio between the girder and slab concrete

A = Area of the girder cross section, in.2
eg = Distance between the centroids of the girder and the slab, in.
The distribution factor for fatigue load moment is to be taken as

DFM (single lane loaded)
DFM f = (4.21)
m
where:
DFMf = Distribution factor for fatigue load moment
m = Multiple presence factor taken as 1.2.
The live load moment distribution factors shall be reduced for skew using the
skew reduction formula specified by AASHTO LRFD Article 4.6.2.2.2e. The skew
reduction formula is applicable to any number of design lanes loaded. The skew
reduction formula for prestressed concrete I shaped (type k) girders can be used when
the following conditions are satisfied.
1. 30° 60° where is the skew angle, if > 60°, use = 60°
4. Number of girders (Nb) is not less than four
The skew reduction (SR) is given as

SR = 1 – c1(tan )1.5 (4.22)
where:
0.25 0.5
Kg S
c1 = 0.25 (4.23)
12.0Lt s 3 L
if < 30°, c1 = 0.0

66
The approximate live load shear distribution factors for interior girders shall be
corrected for skew using the skew correction factors specified by LRFD Table
4.6.2.2.3c-1. The skew reduction formula is applicable to any number of design lanes
loaded. The skew correction formula for prestressed concrete I shaped (type k) girders
can be used when the following conditions are satisfied.
1. 0° 60° where is the skew angle
4. Number of girders (Nb) is not less than four
The skew correction (SC) is given as

0.3
12.0 Lt s 3
SC = SC = 1.0 + 0.20 tanθ (4.24)
Kg
4.4.3.10 Distributed Live Load Shear Force and Bending Moment

The governing live load for the designs based on the AASHTO Standard
Specifications is determined based on undistributed live load moments. The shear force
at the critical section and bending moment at the midspan of the girder due to the
governing live load, including the impact load, is calculated using the following
formulas.
MLL+I = (M) (DF) (1+I) (4.25)

VLL+I = (V) (DF) (1+I) (4.26)
where:
MLL+I = Distributed governing live load moment including impact loading, k-ft.
VLL+I = Distributed governing live load shear including impact loading, kips
M = Governing live load bending moment per lane, k-ft.
V = Governing live load shear force per lane, kips
67
DF = Distribution factor specified by the Standard Specifications.

I = Impact factor specified by the Standard Specifications.
For the designs based on LRFD Specifications, the shear force at the critical
section and bending moment at midspan is calculated for the governing (HS 20-44 truck
or tandem) load and lane load separately. The governing load is based on undistributed
tandem and truck load moments. The effect of dynamic loading is included only for the
truck or tandem loading and not for lane loading. The formulas used in the design are as
follows
MLT = (MT)(DFM)(1+IM) (4.27)

VLT = (VT)(DFV)(1+IM) (4.28)
MLL = (ML)(DFM) (4.29)
VLL = (VL)(DFV) (4.30)
MLL+I = MLT + MLL (4.31)
VLL+I = VLT + VLL (4.32)
Mf = (Mfatigue)(DFMf)(1+IMf) (4.33)
where:
MLL+I = Distributed moment due to live load including dynamic load effect, k-ft.
VLL+I = Distributed shear due to live load including dynamic load effect, kips
MLT = Distributed moment due to governing (truck or tandem) load including
dynamic load effect, k-ft.
MT = Bending moment per lane due to governing (truck or tandem) load, k-ft.
VLT = Distributed shear due to governing (truck or tandem) load including
dynamic load effect, kips
VT = Shear force per lane due to governing (truck or tandem) load, kips
MLL = Distributed moment due to lane load, k-ft.
ML = Bending moment per lane due to lane load, k-ft.
68
VLL = Distributed shear due to lane load, kips

VL = Shear force per lane due to lane load, kips
Mf = Distributed moment due to fatigue load including dynamic load effect, k-
ft.
Mfatigue = Bending moment per lane due to fatigue load, k-ft.
DFM = Moment distribution factor specified by LRFD Specifications
DFV = Shear distribution factor specified by LRFD Specifications
IM = Impact factor specified by LRFD Specifications
DFMf = Moment distribution factor for fatigue loading
IMf = Impact factor for fatigue limit state
4.4.3.11 Load Combinations

Significantly different loads combinations are specified by the LRFD
Specifications as compared to the Standard Specifications. The major difference
occurred due to the different methodologies followed by the two codes. The Standard
Specifications uses the Service Load Design (SLD) method for the load combinations at
service limit state and Load Factor Design (LFD) for load combinations at ultimate
strength limit state. The LRFD Specifications uses the Load Resistance Factor Design
(LRFD) method for strength load combination. The Service I and Strength I load
combinations specified by both the Standard and LRFD Specifications are applicable for
prestressed concrete girders. The Service I load combination is applicable for all types of
members including prestressed concrete girders. This load combination is used to check
the compressive and tensile stresses due to service loads for designs based on Standard
Specifications. For designs based on the LRFD Specifications the Service I load
combination is used to check only the compressive stresses. The Strength I load
combination is used to check the shear capacity and ultimate flexural capacity of the
member.
The AASHTO LRFD Specifications specifies Service III and Fatigue load
combinations for prestressed concrete members in addition to the Service I and Strength
69
I load combinations. Service III load combination is exclusively applicable to

prestressed concrete members to check tensile stresses at the bottom fiber of the girder.
The objective of this load combination is to prevent cracking of prestressed concrete
members. The Fatigue load combination is used to check the fatigue of prestressing
strands due to repetitive vehicular live load.
Extreme events, such as earthquake loads and vehicle collision loads are not
accounted for in this parametric study. The wind load is also not considered as this does
not governs the design of bridges in Texas. The applicable load combinations including
dead, superimposed and live loads specified by AASHTO Standard Table 3.22.1A are
outlined as follows
For service load design (Group I):

Q = 1.00D + 1.00(L+I) (4.34)
For load factor design (Group I):
Q = 1.3[1.00D + 1.67(L+I)] (4.35)
where:
Q = Factored load effect
D = Dead load effect
L = Live load effect
I = Impact load effect
The load combinations specified by AASHTO LRFD Table 3.4.1-1 are outlined
as follows
Service I - checks compressive stresses in prestressed concrete components:

Q = 1.00(DC + DW) + 1.00(LL + IM) (4.36)
70
where:
Q = Total load effect
DC = Self weight of girder and attachment (slab and barrier) load effect
DW = Wearing surface load effect
LL = Live load effect
IM = Dynamic load effect
Service III - checks tensile stresses in prestressed concrete components:

Q = 1.00(DC + DW) + 0.80(LL + IM) (4.37)
Strength I - checks ultimate strength:

Maximum Q = 1.25(DC) + 1.50(DW) + 1.75(LL + IM) (4.38)
Minimum Q = 0.90(DC) + 0.65(DW) + 1.75(LL + IM) (4.39)
For simple span bridges, the maximum load factors produce maximum effects.
However, minimum load factors are used for dead load (DC) and wearing surface load
(DW) when dead load and wearing surface stresses are opposite to those of the live load.
For the present study involving simply supported bridge girders, only the maximum load
combination is applicable.
Fatigue - checks stress range in strands:

Q = 0.75(LL + IM) (4.40)
4.4.4 Service Load Design Calculations
4.4.4.1 General
The flexural design of prestressed concrete bridge girders is generally controlled
by the service limit state, while the strength limit state seldom controls the design.
However, the strength limit state needs to be checked to ensure safety at ultimate load
71
conditions. The steps involved in the service load design and the procedures specified by
the AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications are outlined in this section.
4.4.4.2 Service Load Stresses

The tensile stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at midspan due to external
loading is evaluated using the Service I limit state load combination for the Standard
Specifications and the Service III limit state for the LRFD Specifications. This limit state
often controls the service load design of prestressed concrete members and is used for
the preliminary design. The formulas used are as follows, with the construction
considered to be unshored.
For the Standard Specifications:

Mg +MS M SDL + M LL+I
fb = + (4.41)
Sb Sbc
where:
fb = Concrete stress at the bottom fiber of the girder due to applied loads, ksi
Mg = Unfactored bending moment due to girder self-weight, k-in.
MS = Unfactored bending moment due to slab weight, k-in.
MSDL = Unfactored bending moment due to superimposed dead loads (barrier and
asphalt wearing surface), k-in.
MLL+I = Distributed bending moment due to live load including impact, k-in.
Sb = Section modulus referenced to the extreme bottom fiber of the non-
composite precast girder, in.3
Sbc = Composite section modulus referenced to the extreme bottom fiber of the
precast girder, in.3
For the LRFD Specifications:

Mg +MS M SDL + (0.8)( M LT + M LL )
fb = + (4.42)
Sb Sbc
72
where:
MLT = Distributed bending moment due to governing (truck or tandem) load
including impact load, k-in.
MLL = Distributed bending moment due to lane load, k-in.
The additional variables were defined for Equation 4.41.
The stress at the bottom fiber due to service loads is then compared with the
allowable tensile stress at service load. Based on the difference between the two, a
preliminary estimate of the required prestressing force is made.
4.4.4.3 Preliminary Estimate of Required Prestress

The preliminary estimate of the required prestress is made once the maximum
tensile stress due to service loads at the bottom fiber of the girder is calculated. The
difference between the maximum tensile stress and the allowable tensile stress at the
bottom fiber gives the required stress due to prestressing. Assuming the total prestress
losses of 20 percent and the eccentricity of the strands at the midspan equal to the
distance from the centroid of the girder to the bottom fiber, an estimate of required
number of strands is made. For this number of strands the actual midspan eccentricity
and bottom fiber stress due to prestressing is calculated. The number of strands is
incremented by two in each trial until the final bottom fiber stress satisfies the allowable
stress limits. The strands are placed as low as possible on the grid shown in Figures 4.1
and 4.2, each row filled before proceeding to the next higher row (TxDOT PSTRS14
Guide, TxDOT 2005). The bottom fiber stress at the midspan due to the prestressing
force is calculated using the following formula.
Pse Pse ec
fbp = + (4.43)
A Sb
73
where:
fbp = Concrete stress at the bottom fiber of the girder due to prestressing, ksi
Pse = Effective pretension force after all losses, kips
A = Girder cross-sectional area, in.2
ec = Eccentricity of strand group at the midspan, in.
4.4.4.4 Prestress Losses

4.4.4.4.1 General. The losses in the prestressing force occur over time due to
various reasons resulting in a reduced prestressing force. The prestress losses can be
categorized as immediate losses and time dependent losses. The prestress loss due to
initial steel relaxation and elastic shortening are grouped into immediate losses. The
prestress loss due to concrete creep, concrete shrinkage and steel relaxation after transfer
are grouped into time dependent losses. There is an uncertainty in the prestress loss over
the time as it depends on many factors which cannot be calibrated accurately. Previous
research has led to empirical formulas to predict the loss of prestress that are fairly
accurate. A more accurate estimate of the prestress losses can be made using the time-
step method. The AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications recommend the use of
more accurate methods, like the time-step method, for exceptionally long spans or for
unusual designs. However, for the parametric study the time-step method was not used
as the spans were fairly standard.
AASHTO Standard Specifications provides two options to estimate the loss of
prestress. The first option is the lump sum estimate of the total loss of prestress provided
by AASHTO Standard Table 9.16.2.2. The second option is to use a detailed method for
estimation of prestress losses that is believed to yield a more accurate estimate of losses
in prestress as compared to the lump sum estimate. The detailed method is used in the
parametric study to estimate the prestress losses. The AASHTO Standard Article 9.16.2
gives the empirical formulas for the detailed estimation of prestress losses as outlined in
74
the following sections. These formulas are applicable when normal weight concrete and
250 ksi or 270 ksi low-relaxation strands are used.
The AASHTO LRFD Specifications specifies empirical formulas to determine
the instantaneous losses. For time-dependent losses, two different options are provided.
The first option is to use a lump sum estimate of time-dependent losses given by
AASHTO LRFD Article 5.9.5.3. The second option is to use refined estimates of time-
dependent losses given by AASHTO LRFD Article 5.9.5.4. The refined estimates
outlined in the following sections are used for the parametric study as they are more
accurate than the lump sum estimate. The refined estimates are not applicable for
prestressed concrete girders exceeding a span length of 250 ft. or made using concrete
other than normal weight concrete.
4.4.4.4.2 Instantaneous Losses. Instantaneous losses include the loss of
prestress due to elastic shortening and initial relaxation of steel. However, the Standard
Specifications do not provide the formula to estimate the initial steel relaxation. Rather,
only the formula for the estimation of total steel relaxation is provided. Thus for
estimating the instantaneous prestress loss for the Standard designs, half the total
prestress loss due to steel relaxation is considered as the instantaneous loss and other
half as the time-dependent loss. This method is recommended by the TxDOT Bridge
Design Manual (TxDOT 2001).
The instantaneous prestress loss is given by the following expression.

1
fpi = (ES + CR ) (4.44)
2 s
The percent instantaneous loss is calculated using the following expression.
1
100(ES + CR )
% fpi = 2 s (4. 45)
0.75f s'
where:
fpi = Instantaneous prestress loss, ksi
75
ES = Prestress loss due to elastic shortening, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.5)

CRS = Prestress loss due to steel relaxation, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.6)
f s' = Ultimate strength of prestressing strands, ksi
The LRFD Specifications provide the following expression to estimate the

instantaneous loss of prestress.
fpi = (∆f pES + ∆f pR1 ) (4.46)
The percent instantaneous loss is calculated using the following expression

100(∆f pES + ∆f pR1 )
% fpi = (4.47)
f pj
where:
fpES = Prestress loss due to elastic shortening, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.5)
fpR1 = Prestress loss due to steel relaxation at transfer, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.6)
fpj = Jacking stress in prestressing strands, ksi
4.4.4.4.3 Time-Dependent Losses. The time dependent prestress losses include

those due to concrete creep, concrete shrinkage, and steel relaxation after transfer. The
time dependent loss for the Standard designs is calculated using the following
expression.
Time Dependent Loss = SH + CRC + 0.5(CRS) (4.48)
where:
SH = Prestress loss due to concrete shrinkage, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.8)
CRC = Prestress loss due to concrete creep, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.7)
CRS = Prestress loss due to steel relaxation, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.6)
76
The following expression is used to estimate the time-dependent losses for

designs based on the LRFD Specifications.
Time Dependent Loss = fpSR + fpCR + fpR2 (4.49)
where:
fpSR = Prestress loss due to concrete shrinkage, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.8)
fpCR = Prestress loss due to concrete creep, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.7)
fpR2 = Prestress loss due to steel relaxation after transfer, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.6)
4.4.4.4.4 Total Prestress Loss. The total loss and percent total loss of prestress
is calculated using the following expressions.
For designs based on the Standard Specifications:

fpT = ES + SH + CRC + CRS (4.50)
100(ES + SH + CR + CR )
% fpT = c s (4.51)
0.75f s'
For designs based on the LRFD Specifications:

fpT = fpES + fpSR + fpCR + fpR1 + fpR2 (4.52)
100(∆f pES + ∆f pSR + ∆f pCR + ∆f pR1 + ∆f pR 2 )

% fpT = (4.53)
f pj
where:
fpT = Total prestress loss, ksi
77
4.4.4.4.5 Elastic Shortening. The AASHTO Standard Specifications specify the

following expression to estimate the prestress loss in pretensioned members due to
elastic shortening (ES).
Es
ES = f cir (4.54)
Eci
where:
Es = Modulus of elasticity of prestressing strands, ksi
Eci = Modulus of elasticity of girder concrete at transfer, ksi
= 33,000(wc)3/2 f ci'
wc = Unit weight of girder concrete, kcf
f ci' = Girder concrete strength at transfer, ksi

fcir = Average concrete stress at the center-of-gravity of the pretensioning steel
due to pretensioning force and dead load of girder immediately after
transfer, ksi
Psi Psi ec2 (M g )ec
= + -
A I I
Psi = Pretensioning force after allowing for the initial prestress losses, kips
Mg = Unfactored bending moment due to girder self weight, k-in.
ec = Eccentricity of the prestressing strands at the midspan, in.
A = Area of cross-section of the girder, in.2
The AASHTO LRFD Specifications specify a similar expression to determine

the loss in prestress due to elastic shortening ( fpES).
Ep
fpES = f cgp (4.55)
Eci
78
where:
Ep = Modulus of elasticity of prestressing reinforcement, ksi
Eci = Modulus of elasticity of girder concrete at release, ksi
= 33,000(wc)3/2 f ci'
f ci' = Girder concrete strength at transfer, ksi

fcgp = Sum of concrete stresses at the center-of-gravity of the prestressing steel
due to prestressing force at transfer and self weight of the member at
sections of maximum moment, ksi
2 (M )e
Pi Pe g c
= + i c -
A I I
Pi = Pretension force after allowing for the initial prestress losses, kips
Mg = Unfactored bending moment due to girder self weight, k-in.
ec = Eccentricity of the prestressing strand group at the midspan, in.
A = Area of girder cross-section, in.2
4.4.4.4.6 Steel Relaxation. The AASHTO Standard Specifications provide the

following expression to estimate the loss of prestress due to steel relaxation (CRS).
CRS = 5000 – 0.10 ES – 0.05(SH + CRC) (4.56)
where:
ES = Prestress loss due to elastic shortening, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.5)
SH = Prestress loss due to concrete shrinkage, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.8)
CRC = Prestress loss due to concrete creep, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.7)
The AASHTO LRFD Specifications provide the following expressions to

estimate the prestress losses due to relaxation of steel.
79
At transfer - low-relaxation strands initially stressed in excess of 0.5fpu:
log(24.0t ) f pj
fpR1 = - 0.55 f pj (4.57)
40 f py
where:
fpR1 = Prestress loss due to steel relaxation at transfer, ksi
t = Time estimated in days from stressing to transfer [taken as 1 day for this
study consistent with the TxDOT bridge design software PSTRS 14,
(TxDOT 2005)]
fpj = Initial stress in tendon at the end of stressing, ksi
fpy = Specified yield strength of prestressing steel, ksi
After transfer - for low-relaxation strands:

fpR2 = 0.3 [20.0 – 0.4 fpES – 0.2( fpSR + fpCR)] (4.58)
where:
fpR2 = Prestress loss due to steel relaxation after transfer, ksi
fpES = Prestress loss due to elastic shortening, ksi
fpSR = Prestress loss due to concrete shrinkage, ksi
fpCR = Prestress loss due to concrete creep, ksi
4.4.4.4.7 Concrete Creep. The Standard Specifications provide the following

expression to estimate the prestress loss due to concrete creep (CRC):
CRC = 12 fcir – 7 fcds (4.59)
where:
fcir = Average concrete stress at the center-of-gravity of the pretensioning steel
due to pretensioning force and dead load of girder immediately after
transfer, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.5)
80
fcds = Concrete stress at the center-of-gravity of the pretensioning steel due to

all dead loads except the dead load present at the time the pretensioning
force is applied, ksi
M S e c M SDL (ybc - ybs )
= +
I Ic
MS = Moment due to slab weight, k-in.
MSDL = Superimposed dead load moment, k-in.
ec = Eccentricity of the strand at the midspan, in.
ybc = Distance from the centroid of the composite section to extreme bottom
fiber of the precast girder, in.
ybs = Distance from center-of-gravity of the strands at midspan to the bottom of
the girder, in.
I = Moment of inertia of the non-composite section, in.4
Ic = Moment of inertia of composite section, in.4
The LRFD Specifications provide a similar expression as Standard Specifications

to estimate the loss of prestress due to creep of concrete ( fpCR).
fpCR = 12fcgp – 7 fcdp 0 (4.60)
where:
fcgp = Sum of concrete stresses at the center-of-gravity of the prestressing steel
due to prestressing force at transfer and self weight of the member at
sections of maximum moment, ksi (see Sec. 4.4.4.4.5)
fcdp = Change in concrete stresses at the center-of-gravity of the prestressing
steel due to permanent loads except the dead load present at the time the
prestress force is applied calculated at the same section as fcgp, ksi
M S e c M SDL (ybc - ybs )
= +
I Ic
The additional variables are defined for Equation 4.59.
81
4.4.4.4.8 Concrete Shrinkage. The Standard Specifications provide the

following expression to estimate the loss in prestressing force due to concrete shrinkage
(SH).
SH = 17,000 – 150 RH (4.61)
where:
RH = Mean annual ambient relative humidity in percent, taken as 60 percent for
this parametric study.
The LRFD Specifications specify a similar expression to estimate the loss of

prestress due to concrete shrinkage ( fpSR).
fpSR = 17 – 0.15 H (4.62)
where:
H = Mean annual ambient relative humidity in percent, taken as 60 percent for
this parametric study.
4.4.4.5 Final Estimate of Required Prestress and Concrete Strengths

The TxDOT methodology is used to optimize the number of strands and the
concrete strengths at release and service. This methodology involves several iterations of
updating the prestressing strands and concrete strengths to satisfy the allowable stress
limits. The step by step methodology is described as follows.
1. An initial estimate of the concrete strengths is taken as 4000 psi at release
and 5000 psi at service. The prestress losses are calculated for the estimated
preliminary number of strands using the estimated concrete strengths.
2. The calculation of prestress loss due to elastic shortening depends on the
initial prestressing force. As the initial loss is unknown at the beginning of
the prestress loss calculation process, an initial loss of eight percent is
assumed. Based on this assumption, the prestress loss due to elastic
82
shortening, concrete creep, concrete shrinkage, and steel relaxation at transfer

and at service are calculated.
The initial loss percentage is computed. If the initial loss percentage is different
from eight percent, a second iteration is made using the obtained initial loss percentage
from the previous iteration. The process is repeated until the initial loss percent
converges to 0.1 percent of the previous iteration. The effective prestress at transfer and
at service are calculated using the following expressions.
For Standard Specifications:
fsi = 0.75 f s' – fpi (4.63)
fse = 0.75 f s' – fpT (4.64)
where:
fsi = Effective initial prestress, ksi
fse = Effective final prestress, ksi
fpi = Instantaneous prestress losses, ksi
fpT = Total prestress losses, ksi
For LRFD Specifications:

fpi = fpj – fpi (4.65)
fpe = fpj – fpT (4.66)
where:
fpi = Effective initial prestress, ksi
fpe = Effective final prestress, ksi
83
The total effective prestressing force is calculated by multiplying the calculated

effective prestress per strand, area of strand, and the number of strands. The concrete
stress at the bottom fiber of the girder due to the effective prestressing force is calculated
using Equation 4.43. If this stress is found to be less than the required prestress, the
number of strands is incremented by two in each step until the required prestress is
achieved. The initial bottom fiber stress at the hold-down points is calculated and using
the allowable stress limit at this section, the required concrete strength at release is
determined. The number of strands and concrete strength at release is used to determine
the prestress losses for the next trial. The effective prestress after the losses at transfer
and at service are then calculated.
The initial concrete stresses at the top and bottom fibers at the girder end, transfer
length section, and hold-down points are determined using the effective prestress at
transfer. The final concrete stresses at the top and bottom fibers at the midspan section
are determined using the applied loads and effective prestress at service. The initial
tensile stress at the top fiber at the girder end is minimized by harping the web strands at
the girder end. The web strands are incrementally raised as a unit by two inches in each
step. The steps are repeated until the top fiber stress satisfies the allowable stress limit or
the centroid of the topmost row of the harped strands is at a distance of two inches from
the top fiber of the girder. If the later case is applicable, the concrete strength at release
is updated based on the governing stress.
The expressions used for the determination of stresses at each location are
outlined in the following section. The concrete stress at each location is compared with
the allowable stresses and if necessary, corresponding concrete strength is updated. This
process is repeated until the concrete strengths at release and at service converges within
10 psi of the values calculated in the previous iteration. The governing concrete strength
at release and at service is established using the greatest required concrete strengths. The
program terminates if the required concrete strength at release or service exceeds
predefined maximum values for Standard girder designs (discussed in Sec 4.5).
84
4.4.4.6 Check for Concrete Stresses

4.4.4.6.1 General. The expressions used to calculate the concrete stress at
different sections is outlined in the following subsections. These expressions utilize the
notation for the LRFD Specifications. The same expressions are used for calculating the
stresses for designs following the Standard Specifications with the corresponding
notation. The calculated concrete stress is compared with the corresponding allowable
stress limit provided in Table 4.4.
4.4.4.6.2 Concrete Stress at Transfer. The concrete stress at transfer at
different locations along the girder length is determined using the following expressions.
At girder ends - top fiber:

Pi Pi ee
fti = - (4.67)
A St
At girder ends - bottom fiber:

Pi Pi ee
fbi = + (4.68)
A Sb
At transfer length section - top fiber:

Pi Pi et M g
fti = - + (4.69)
A St St
At transfer length section - bottom fiber:

Pi Pi et M g
fbi = + - (4.70)
A Sb Sb
At hold-down points – top fiber:

Pi Pi ec M g
fti = - + (4.71)
A St St
85
At hold-down points – bottom fiber:

Pi Pi ec M g
fbi = + - (4.72)
A Sb Sb
At midspan – top fiber:

Pi Pi ec M g
fti = - + (4.73)
A St St
At midspan – bottom fiber:

Pi Pi ec M g
fbi = + - (4.74)
A Sb Sb
where:
fti = Initial concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder, ksi
fbi = Initial concrete stress at the bottom fiber of the girder, ksi
Pi = Pretension force after allowing for the initial losses, kips
Mg = Unfactored bending moment due to girder self weight at the location under
consideration, k-in.
ec = Eccentricity of the strands at the midspan and hold-down point, in.
ee = Eccentricity of the strands at the girder ends, in.
et = Eccentricity of the strands at the transfer length section, in.
St = Section modulus referenced to the extreme top fiber of the non-composite
86
4.4.4.6.3 Concrete Stress at Intermediate Stage. The concrete stress at the

midspan for the intermediate load stage is determined using the following expressions.
Pse Pse ec M g + M S M SDL

ft = − + + (4.75)
A St St Stg

fb = + − − (4.76)
A Sb Sb Sbc
where:
ft = Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder, ksi
fb = Concrete stress at the bottom fiber of the girder, ksi
MS = Bending moment due to slab weight, k-in.
MSDL = Bending moment due to superimposed dead load, k-in.
Stg = Composite section modulus referenced to the extreme top fiber of the
The additional variables are the same as defined for Equations 4.67 to 4.74.
4.4.4.6.4 Concrete Stresses at Service. The concrete stress at service at the

midspan for different load combinations is determined using the following expressions.
For the Standard Specifications, the stresses for the following cases of the Service I load
combination were investigated.
Concrete stress at top fiber of the girder under:

Case (I): Live load + 0.5 × (pretensioning force + dead loads)
M LL+I P P e M g + M S M SDL
ft = + 0.5 se - se c + + (4.77)
Stg A St St Stg
87
Case (II): Service loads

Pse Pse ec M g + M S M SDL + M LL+I
ft = - + + (4.78)
A St St Stg
Concrete stresses at bottom fiber of the girder under service loads:

fb = + - - (4.79)
A Sb Sb Sbc
where:
MLL+I = Moment due to live load including impact at the midspan, k-in.
The additional variables are the same as defined for Equation 4.76.
For the LRFD Specifications, the stresses for the Service I and Service III load
combinations were investigated.
Concrete stresses at top fiber of the girder under:

Service I - Case (I): 0.5 × (effective prestress force + permanent loads) +
transient loads
Ppe Ppe ec Mg +MS M SDL M + M LT

ft = 0.5 - + + + LL (4.80)
A St St Stg Stg
Service I - Case (II): Permanent and transient loads

Ppe Ppe ec Mg +MS M SDL M LL + M LT
ft = - + + + (4.81)
A St St Stg Stg
Service III: Concrete stresses at bottom fiber of the girder

Ppe Ppe ec M g + M S M SDL + 0.8(M LT + M LL )
fb = + - - (4.82)
A Sb Sb Sbc
88
where:
Ppe = Effective pretension force after all losses, kips
MLT = Bending moment due to truck load including impact, at the section, k-in.
MLL = Bending moment due to lane load at the section, k-in.
4.4.4.7 Allowable Stress Limits

The allowable stress limits specified by the Standard and LRFD Specifications
are presented in this section. The f c' and f ci' values are expressed in psi units for
calculating the allowable stresses based on the Standard Specifications, whereas ksi units
are used for the LRFD Specifications.
Table 4.4. Allowable Stress Limits Specified by AASHTO Standard and LRFD
Specifications.
Allowable Stresses
Load Stage Type of Stress Standard LRFD
(psi) (ksi)
Transfer Stage: Stresses immediately Compression 0.6 fci' 0.6 fci'
after transfer 7.5 fci' (1)
0.24 fci' (2)
Tension
Intermediate Stage: After CIP concrete Compression 0.40 fc' 0.45 fc'
slab hardens. Stresses due to effective
prestress and permanent loads only Tension 6 fc' 0.19 fc'
Compression: Case I(3) 0.60 fc' 0.6 φw f c' (4)

Final Stage: Stresses at service Compression: Case II(3) 0.40 fc' 0.40 fc'
Tension 6 fc' 0.19 fc'
Notes:
1. The specified limit is the maximum allowable tensile stress at transfer. However, if the calculated
tensile stress exceeds 200 psi or 3 f ci' whichever is smaller, bonded reinforcement should be
provided to resist the total tension force in the concrete computed on the assumption of an
uncracked section.
89
2. The specified limit is the maximum allowable tensile stress at transfer. To use this limit bonded
reinforcement shall be provided which is sufficient to resist the tension force in the concrete
computed assuming an uncracked section, where reinforcement is proportioned using a stress of
0.5fy, not to exceed 30 ksi. If the stresses does not exceed smaller of 0.0948 f ci' and 0.200 ksi
bonded reinforcement is not required.
3. Case (I): For all load combinations

Case (II): For live load + 0.5 × (effective pretension force + dead loads)
4. AASHTO LRFD Article 5.9.4.2 specifies the reduction factor φw to be taken as 1.0 when the web
and flange slenderness ratios are not greater than 15. If the slenderness ratio of either the web or
the flange exceeds 15, LRFD Article 5.7.4.7.1 shall be used to compute φw .
The allowable stress limits for low-relaxation prestressing strands for AASHTO
Standard and LRFD Specifications are provided in Table 4.5
Table 4.5. Stress Limits for Low-Relaxation Prestressing Strands Specified by the
AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications.
Condition Stress Limit

Immediately Prior to Transfer
0.75 fpu
(after Initial losses)
Service limit state after all losses 0.80 fpy
where:
fpu = Specified tensile strength of prestressing steel, ksi
fpy = Yield strength of prestressing steel, ksi
4.4.4.8 Summary of Changes in Service Load Design

The major differences between the AASHTO Standard Specifications and
AASHTO LRFD Specifications in the service load design are summarized in Table 4.6.
Additional details are provided in the previous subsections.
90
Table 4.6. Significant Differences between Design Provisions for I-Shaped

Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders.
Description Standard Specifications LRFD Specifications

Live Load 1. Standard HS 20-44 1. HS 20-44 truck and uniform lane loading
truck loading (HL-93)
2. HS 20-44 lane loading 2. Tandem and uniform lane loading
3. Tandem loading
Whichever produces Whichever combination produces maximum
maximum stresses stresses
50
Impact Load I= 30% 33 percent of the live load
L + 125
0.6 0.2 0.1
S S Kg
DFM = 0.075+
Moment 9.5 L 12.0 Lt s 3
S/11, where S is the spacing
Distribution For one design lane loaded:
between the girders
Factors 0.1
0.4 0.3
S S Kg
DFM = 0.06+
14 L 12.0Lt s 3
2
S S
Shear S/11 DFV = 0.2 + -
12 35
Distribution where S is the spacing
Factors between the girders For one design lane loaded:
S
DFV = 0.36 +
25.0
For service load design Service I: Q = 1.00(DC + DW) + 1.00(LL + IM)
1.00D + 1.00(L+I) Service III: Q = 1.00(DC + DW) + 0.80(LL + IM)
Load
Strength I:
Combinations
For load factor design Max. Q = 1.25(DC) + 1.50(DW) + 1.75(LL + IM)
1.3[1.00D + 1.67(L+I)] Min. Q = 0.90(DC) + 0.65(DW) + 1.75(LL + IM)
Instantaneous loss Instantaneous loss
(ES + 0.5CR ) fpi = (∆f pES + ∆f pR1 )
s
Steel relaxation loss Initial steel relaxation loss

Prestress
CRS = 5000 – 0.10 ES – log(24.0t ) f pj
Losses fpR1 = - 0.55 f pj
0.05(SH + CRC) 40 f py
Total prestress loss Total prestress loss

ES + SH + CRC + CRS fpT = fpES + fpSR + fpCR + fpR1 + fpR2
91
4.4.5 Fatigue Limit State

The AASHTO LRFD Specifications require that the fatigue in the prestressing
strands be checked. This limit state was not provided in AASHTO Standard
Specifications. LRFD Specifications Article 5.5.3 specifies that the check for fatigue of
the prestressing strands is not necessary for fully prestressed components that are
designed to have extreme fiber tensile stress due to Service III limit state within the
specified limit of 0.19 f c' (same as 6 f c' psi ). In the parametric study, the girders are
designed to always satisfy this specified limit. Hence the Fatigue limit state check is not
required.
4.4.6 Flexural Strength Limit State
4.4.6.1 General
The flexural strength limit state design requires the reduced nominal moment
capacity of the member to be greater than the factored ultimate design moment,
expressed as follows.
φ Mn Mu (4.83)
where:
Mu = Factored ultimate moment at a section, k-ft.
Mn = Nominal moment strength of a section, k-ft.
φ = Resistance factor = 1.0 for flexure and tension of prestressed concrete
members (AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications)
The total bending moment for the ultimate limit state according to AASHTO
Standard Specifications given by the Group I factored load combination is as follows.
Mu = 1.3[Mg + MS + MSDL + 1.67(MLL+I)] (4.84)

92
where:
Mg = Unfactored bending moment due to girder self-weight, k-ft.
MS = Unfactored bending moment due to slab weight, k-ft.
MSDL = Unfactored bending moment due to superimposed dead (barrier and
asphalt wearing surface) load, k-ft.
MLL+I = Bending moment due to live load including impact, k-ft.
The total ultimate bending moment for Strength I limit state, according to the
AASHTO LRFD Specifications is as follows.
Mu = 1.25(DC) + 1.5(DW) + 1.75(LL + IM) (4.85)
where:
DC = Bending moment due to all dead loads except wearing surface, k-ft.
DW = Bending moment due to wearing surface load, k-ft.
LL+IM = Bending moment due to live load and impact, k-ft.
The flexural strength limit state design reduces to a check as the number of
prestressing strands and the concrete strengths are already established from the service
load design. For the case when the flexural limit state is not satisfied, the number of
strands is incremented by two, and the service load stresses are checked and concrete
strengths are updated if required. This process is carried out until the flexural limit state
is satisfied. However, for prestressed concrete members, service load design almost
always governs, and the designs satisfying service load criteria usually satisfy the
flexural limit state.
4.4.6.2 Assumptions for Strength Limit State Design

The AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications use different approaches for
the calculation of the flexural moment resistance of the prestressed concrete girder. The
two specifications essentially follow the force and equilibrium formulations with slight
93
modifications. Because the depth of neutral axis and the effective prestress are inter-
related, modifications in the force equilibrium formulations are required. The Standard
Specifications uses an empirical formulation of effective prestress, and the depth of
neutral axis is calculated using this value.
The LRFD Specifications uses the ultimate strength of the prestressing strands to
establish the depth of neutral axis based on which the effective prestress is calculated.
The differences in the methodologies followed by the Standard and LRFD Specifications
are outlined in this section. The methodology used in the parametric study for designs
based on Standard and LRFD Specifications is also presented. The Standard and LRFD
Specifications also allow the use of strut and tie model to determine the design moment
strength of the prestressed concrete girders. However, this approach is not considered for
the parametric study.
The AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications provide the formula for the
moment resistance of prestressed concrete girders assuming:
1. The members are uncracked,
2. The maximum usable strain in unconfined concrete at extreme compression
fiber is not greater than 0.003,
3. The tensile strength of concrete is neglected,
4. A rectangular stress distribution in the concrete compression zone,
5. A linear variation of strain over the section depth, and
6. The section is transformed based on actual concrete strengths of the slab and
the girder.
In the present parametric study, the last assumption will not be used. A more
accurate estimate of the compression contribution of each element (CIP slab, girder
flange and girder web) will be evaluated for flanged section behavior. This requires the
Standard and LRFD expressions to be modified. The modified expressions are provided
in the following section.
The Standard and LRFD define rectangular and flanged section behavior in
different ways. The Standard Specifications Article 9.17.2 specifies that rectangular or
94
flanged sections, having prestressing steel only can be considered to behave like
rectangular sections if the depth of equivalent rectangular stress block, a, is less than the
thickness of the compression flange (slab). The LRFD Specifications considers the
section to behave like a rectangular section if the depth of neutral axis, c, lies within the
flange (slab).
4.4.6.3 Equivalent Rectangular Stress Block

The stress distribution in the compression concrete is approximated with an
equivalent rectangular stress distribution of intensity 0.85 f c' over a zone bounded by the
edges of the cross-section and a straight line located parallel to the neutral axis at the
distance a = 1c, where 1 is the stress block factor. The value of 1 is 0.85 for concrete
strengths less than 4.0 ksi and is reduced at a rate of 0.05 for each 1.0 ksi of strength in
excess of 4.0 ksi, but is not taken less than 0.65. For flanged section behavior, the
concrete strengths are different for the flange (slab) and the web (girder) which brings an
inconsistency in the calculation of the parameter 1 if the section is not transformed. The
LRFD Specifications Article 5.7.2.2 provides three different options to evaluate 1 when
the cross-section behaves as a flanged section:
1. Use the 1 value of the slab for composite design,
2. Use the actual values of 1 for each section, or
3. Use the average value of 1 given by the following expression.
(f c' Acc 1 )
1avg = (4.86)
(f c' Acc )
where:
1 = Stress block factor
f c' = Concrete strength at service, ksi
Acc = Area of concrete element in compression with the corresponding concrete
strength, in.2
95
The average value of 1 given by the above equation was used for the parametric
study for designs based on the LRFD Specifications to determine the depth of neutral
axis, when the section was found to be behaving as a flanged section. The 1 for the slab
concrete is used in the evaluation of effective stress in the prestressing steel for the
Standard Specifications.
4.4.6.4 Effective Stress in Prestressing Steel at Nominal Flexural Resistance

The AASHTO Standard Specifications provides the following empirical relation
to estimate the average stress in the bonded prestressing steel at ultimate load.
γ* f s'
f su* = f s' 1- ρ* (4.87)
β1 f c'
where:
fsu* = Average stress in pretensioning steel at ultimate load, ksi
*
= Factor for type of prestressing steel, taken as 0.28 for low-relaxation strand
*
= Ratio of prestressing steel
As*
=
bd
As * = Area of pretensioned reinforcement, in.2
b = Effective flange width, in.
d = Distance from top of slab to centroid of prestressing strands, in.
f c' = Concrete strength at service (taken as f c' of slab to be conservative), ksi
Equation 4.87 is applicable when the effective prestress after losses is not less
than 0.5 f s' .
96
The LRFD Specifications specify the following expression to determine the

stress in prestressing steel. This expression is applicable when the effective prestress
after losses, fpe is not less than 0.5 fpu, where fpu is the ultimate strength of the
prestressing strands.
c
f ps = f pu 1 - k (4.88)
dp
where:
fps = Average stress in prestressing steel, ksi
f py
k = 2 1.04 - = 0.28 for low-relaxation strands
f pu
c = Distance between neutral axis and the compressive face, in.

dp = Distance from extreme compression fiber to the centroid of the prestressing
tendons, in.
4.4.6.5 Depth of Neutral Axis and Design Flexural Moment Resistance
The provisions of the AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications for

calculating the depth of neutral axis and the design moment resistance of the section are
outlined below. The methodology used in the parametric study is also described.
4.4.6.5.1 Standard Specifications. The flexural behavior of the section at

ultimate conditions is classified as rectangular or flanged based on the depth of
equivalent rectangular stress block. The AASHTO Standard Specifications specify that if
the condition in Equation 4.89 is satisfied, the section behavior shall be considered as
rectangular. Figure 4.6 illustrates the rectangular section behavior of the composite
section and the corresponding stress distribution.
97
As* f su*
a= t (4.89)
0.85f cs' b
where:
a = Depth of equivalent stress block, in.
b = Effective flange width (denoted as beff in Figure 4.6), in.
' = Flange (slab) concrete compressive strength at service, ksi
f cs
t = Depth of compression flange (slab), in.
beff
fcs' a 0.85 fcs'
C
fcb' d
*
A*s fsu
Figure 4.6. Rectangular Section Behavior – Standard Notation
Expression 4.89 can be verified by simple mechanics and it is valid for the
parametric study. The depth of neutral axis, c, is calculated as c = a/ 1, where 1 is
calculated using the slab concrete compressive strength. The design flexural moment
strength for rectangular section behavior can be evaluated using the following expression
ρ* f su*
φ Mn = φ (As*)(fsu*)(d) 1- 0.6 (4.90)
f cs'
98
where:
φ = Strength reduction factor specified as 1.0 for prestressed concrete members.
Mn = Nominal moment strength at the section, k-ft.
Additional variables are the same as defined for Equations 4.87 and 4.89.
If the condition in Equation 4.89 is not satisfied, the section shall be checked for
the flanged section behavior provided by the following expression.
Asr f su*
>t (4.91)
0.85f cs' b '
where:
Asr = As* - Asf (in.2)
Asf = Steel area required to develop the ultimate compressive strength of the
overhanging portions of the flange, in.2
Asf ' (b-b')t /fsu*
= 0.85 f cs
b' = Width of the web, in.
b = Effective flange width (denoted as beff in Figure 4.6), in.
' = Flange (slab) concrete strength at service, ksi
f cs
t = Depth of compression flange (slab), in.
The design flexural strength of the flanged section is determined as follows.
Asr f su*
φ Mn = φ Asr f su* d 1-0.6 + 0.85f cs' (b - b' )t (d - 0.5t ) (4.92)
b 'df cs'
99
Equations 4.91 and 4.92 are based on the following assumptions:

1. The section is transformed and the concrete strengths of the transformed slab
and the girder are equal. (This assumption is not considered for the
parametric study to establish a more accurate estimate of the design flexural
moment resistance.)
2. The thickness of the web is constant. (This assumption is also not valid for
the parametric study as the neutral axis might fall in the flange of the girder,
the fillet portion or the web.)
Considering the stated reasons, formulas for determining the depth of neutral axis
and the design flexural strength of the section are developed for Standard designs in the
parametric study for two different cases, as outlined below.
Case I considers the lower portion of the equivalent rectangular stress block lies
in the flange of the girder as shown in Figure 4.7.
beff
bf
t fcs' a 0.85 fcs'
C1
C2
fcb' 0.85 fcb'
tf d
* *
As fsu
Figure 4.7. Rectangular Stress Block lies in the Girder Flange
From Figure 4.7, the following values may be computed.

' beff t
C1 = 0.85 f cs (4.93)
' bf (a – t)
C2 = 0.85 f cb (4.94)
100
T = As*fsu* (4.95)
From equilibrium,
T = C1 + C2 (4.96)
A*s f su* - 0.85f cs' beff t + 0.85f cb' b f t
a= (t + tf) (4.97)
0.85f cb' b f
Taking moments about C1, the nominal design flexural strength is the following.
φ Mn = φ [T(d – 0.5t) – C2(0.5a)] (4.98)
where:
T = Tensile force in the prestressing strands, kips
C1 = Compression force in the slab, kips
C2 = Compression force in the girder flange, kips
f cs
' = Girder concrete strength at service, ksi

f cb
beff = Effective flange (slab) width, in.

bf = Flange width of the girder, in.
t = Thickness of the deck slab, in.
Case II considers the lower portion of the equivalent rectangular stress block lies
in the web of the girder as shown in Figure 4.8. The contribution of the fillet area is
neglected for simplicity. Because the fillet area is small, the fillets do not contribute
significantly to the compression force or nominal moment strength.
101
beff
bf
t fcs' a 0.85 fcs'
C1
C2
tf C3
0.85 fcb'
d
fcb'
* *
A s fsu
Figure 4.8. Rectangular Stress Block in the Girder Web
From Figure 4.8, the following values may be computed.

' beff t
C1 = 0.85 f cs (4.99)
' bf t f
C2 = 0.85 f cb (4.100)
' b' (a – tf – t)
C3 = 0.85 f cb (4.101)
T = As*fsu* (4.102)
Applying equilibrium,
T = C1 + C2 + C3 (4.103)
A*s f su* - 0.85f cs' beff t - 0.85f cb' b f t f + 0.85f cb' b '
t f + 0.85f cb' b '
t
a= (4.104)
0.85f cb' b '
Taking moments about C1, the nominal design flexural strength is the following.
φ Mn = φ [T(d – 0.5t) – C2(0.5t + 0.5tf) – C3(0.5a + 0.5tf] (4.105)
where:
102

C3 = Compression force in girder web, kips
tf = Thickness of girder flange, in.
b' = Girder web width, in.
The additional variables are the same as defined for Equations 4.93 to 4.98.
4.4.6.5.2 Impact of Neglecting the Fillet Area on the Design Nominal

Flexural Strength. The following design example investigates the impact of ignoring
the fillet area on the design nominal flexural strength. The design example is carried out
assuming the required number of strands as 90 and the following values.
' = Flange (slab) concrete strength at service = 4.0 ksi

f cs
' = Girder concrete strength at service = 6.5 ksi

f cb
beff = Effective flange width = 72 in.

bf = Flange width of the girder = 20 in.
tf = Thickness of girder flange = 8 in.
b' = Girder web thickness = 8 in.
bfil = Width of fillet = 6 in.
tfil = Fillet thickness = 6 in.
As* = Area of prestressing strands = 90(0.153) = 13.77 in.2
The effective stress in the steel is calculated assuming rectangular section behavior using
Equation 4.90.
γ* f'
f su* = f s' 1- ρ* s
β1 f c'
103
where:
*
= Factor for prestressing steel type, specified as 0.28 for low-relaxation strand
= 0.85 for slab concrete strength of 4.0 ksi
*
= Ratio of prestressing steel
As*
=
bd
As * = Area of pretensioned reinforcement = 13.77 in.2
b = Effective flange width = 72 in.
d = Distance from top of slab to centroid of pretensioning strands, in.
= hc – ybs
hc = Depth of composite section = 62 in.
ybs = Distance of center-of-gravity of the prestressing strands from the bottom
fiber of the girder, in.
12(2 + 4 + 6) + 10(8) + 8(10) + 6(12) + 4(14)
=
90
2(16 +18 + 20 + 22 + 24 + 26 + 28 + 30 + 32 + 34 + 36 + 38 + 40)
+
90
= 12.89 in.
d = 62 – 12.89 = 49.11 in.
* 13.77
= = 0.0039
72(49.11)
f s' = Ultimate strength of prestressing strands = 270 ksi
0.28 270
f*su = 270 1- (0.0039) = 246.59 ksi
0.85 4
104
Depth of compression block assuming rectangular section behavior calculated using

Equation 4.89.
As* f su* 13.77(246.59)
a= = = 13.87 in. > 8.0 in.
0.85f cs' b 0.85(4)(72)
Section behaves as a flanged section, assuming the stress block is in the girder web
Case I - Ignoring the fillet contribution:

' beff t = 0.85(4)(72)(8) = 1958.4 kips
C1= 0.85 f cs
' bf tf = 0.85(6.5)(20)(8) = 884.0 kips

C2= 0.85 f cb
' b' (a – tf – t) = 0.85(6.5)(8)(a – 8 – 8) = 44.2(a – 16) kips

C3= 0.85 f cb
T= As*fsu* = 13.77(246.59) = 3395.5 kips
From equilibrium,
T = C1 + C2 + C3
3395.5 = 44.2(a – 16) + 1958.4 + 884.0
a = 28.5 in.
' (a – tf – t)b' = 0.85(6.5)(8)(28.5 – 8 – 8) = 552.5 kips
C3 = 0.85 f cb
Design flexural moment strength using Equation 4.105:

φ Mn = φ [T(d – 0.5t) – C2(0.5t + 0.5tf) – C3(0.5a + 0.5tf)]
= 1.0[3395.5(49.11 – 4) – 884(4 + 4) – 552.5(14.2 + 4)
= 136043 k-in. = 11337 k-ft.
Case II - Considering the fillet contribution:

' beff t = 0.85(4)(72)(8) = 1958.4 kips
C1 = 0.85 f cs
' bf tf = 0.85(6.5)(20)(8) = 884.0 kips

C2 = 0.85 f cb
105
' b' (a – tf – t) = 0.85(6.5)(8)(a – 8 – 8) = 44.2(a – 16) kips

C3 = 0.85 f cb
Assuming the stress block depth is below the fillet end (i.e. a > 22 in.) makes the whole
fillet area act in compression.
' bfillet tfillet = 0.85(6.5)(6)(6) = 198.9 kips
Cfillet = 0.85 f cb
T = As*fsu* = 13.77(246.59) = 3395.5 kips
Applying equilibrium,
T = C1 + C2 + C3 + Cfillet
3395.5 = 44.2(a – 16) + 1958.4 + 884.0 + 198.9
a = 24 in. > 22 in.
Assumption is good, the total fillet area acts in compression.

' b' (a – tf – t) = 0.85(6.5)(8)(24 – 8 – 8) = 353.6 kips
C3 = 0.85 f cb
Design flexural moment strength:

φ Mn = φ [T(d – 0.5t) – C2(0.5t + 0.5tf) – C3(0.5a + 0.5tf) – Cfillet(0.5t + tf + 0.33 tfillet)]
= 1.0[3395.5(49.11 – 4) – 884.0(4 + 4) – 353.6(12 + 4) – 198.9(4 + 8 + 2)]
= 137657 k-in. = 11471 k-ft.
Percent difference in the design flexural strengths from Case I and Case II:
= 100(11471 – 11337)/11471 = 1.18%
Thus, the fillet portion does not have a significant contribution to the design
flexural strength. However, the depth of neutral axis is changed significantly when the
fillet portion is ignored. If the fillet portion is considered the expression for the nominal
moment strength calculation becomes much more complex which is not reasonable in
106
practice. Therefore, the fillet portion is ignored in the parametric study without any
significant loss in accuracy.
4.4.6.5.3 LRFD Specifications. The LRFD Specifications assumes a section to

behave as a flanged section if the neutral axis lies within the web. However, while using
this assumption an inconsistency is found when the neutral axis lies within the web (i.e.
c > hf) but the depth of the equivalent rectangular stress block is less than the flange
thickness, hf (i.e a = 1c < hf) When the depth of the neutral axis, c is recomputed based
on the ACI Building Code (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, ACI
318R-02) approach, the value of c within the web width is observed to be smaller than hf
and even negative. This inconsistency occurs because the factor 1 is applied only to the
web but not to the flange portion. The LRFD Specifications recommends applying the
factor 1 for both the flange and the web portion of the girder when the section behaves
as a flanged section. Figure 4.9 illustrates this case and Figure 4.10 compares the depth
of the neutral axis based on the ACI approach and proposed LRFD approach.
beff
bf a
hf c
C
0.85 fcs'
fcs'
d
A ps f ps
Figure 4.9. Neutral Axis lies in the Girder Flange and the Stress Block is in the
Slab
107
Figure 4.10. Neutral Axis Depth using ACI Approach and Proposed AASHTO
LRFD Approach (AASHTO LRFD Specifications 2004)
Using either approach does not affect the value of the nominal flexural resistance
significantly, but there is a significant effect on the depth of neutral axis, c. The
provisions for limits for ductility requirement are based on c/de value, and there is a
significant affect on these provisions when the proposed AASHTO LRFD Specifications
approach is used. LRFD Specifications Article 5.7.3 specifies the following expressions
to determine the depth of neutral axis and the design flexural moment strength.
Rectangular section behavior is assumed first to determine the depth of neutral

axis, as illustrated in Figure 4.11.
Aps f pu
c= < hf (4.106)
f pu
0.85f cs'β1b + kAps
dp
108
where:
c = Distance between neutral axis and the compressive face, in.
Aps = Area of prestressing steel, in.2
' = Compressive strength of slab concrete at service, ksi
f cs
1 ' )
= Stress factor of compression block (computed for f cs
b = Effective width of compression flange, in.
f py
k = 2 1.04 - = 0.28 for low-relaxation strand.
f pu

tendons, in.
hf = Depth of compression flange, in.
If the condition in Equation 4.106 is satisfied, the nominal flexural resistance of

the rectangular section is given as:
a
Mn = Apsfps d p - (4.107)
2
where:
Mn = Nominal flexural moment resistance, k-ft.
fps = Average stress in prestressing steel (see Equation 4.88), ksi
tendons, in.
a = 1c
109
beff
bf a
hf c
C
0.85 fcs'
fcs'
d
A ps f ps
Figure 4.11. Rectangular Section Behavior – LRFD Notation
If the section is found to behave like a flanged section, the depth of the neutral
axis is found using the following expression.
Aps f pu - 0.85f cb'β1avg (b - bw )h f
c= (4.108)
f
0.85f cs'β1avg bw + kAps pu
dp
where:
' = Compressive strength of girder concrete at service, ksi
f cb
1avg = Stress factor of compression block (see Equation 4.86)

bw = Width of the web, in.
The additional variables are the same as defined for Equation 4.106.
The nominal flexural moment resistance for flanged section is given by the
following expression
a
Mn = Apsfps d p - + 0.85 f c' (b-bw) 1avghf (0.5a – 0.5hf) (4.109)
2
The variables are same as defined for Equations 4.107 and 4.108.
110
The Equations 4.108 and 4.109 are based on the following assumptions.
1. The section is transformed and the concrete strengths of the transformed slab
and the girder are equal. (This assumption is not considered for the
parametric study to establish a more accurate estimate of the design flexural
moment resistance.)
2. The thickness of the web is constant. (This assumption is also not valid for
the parametric study for I-shaped sections because the neutral axis might fall
in the flange of the girder, the fillet portion, or the web.)
Considering the above stated reasons, formulas for determining the depth of the
neutral axis and the design flexural strength of the section are developed for different
cases in the parametric study, as outlined below.
Case I considers the neutral axis lies in the flange of the girder, as shown in
Figure 4.12.
beff
hf bf c 0.85 fcs'
C1
C2
fcs' a
tf dp 0.85 f cb'
f cb'
A ps f ps
Figure 4.12. Neutral Axis lies in the Girder Flange

111
Using the AASHTO LRFD approach to multiply the flange compression force
with the stress block factor, 1, gives the following expressions.
'
C1 = 0.85 f cs 1avgbeff hf (4.110)
' bf
C2 = 0.85 f cb 1avg(c – hf ) (4.111)
T = Aps fps (4.112)
c
From Equation 4.88, f ps = f pu 1 - k
dp
c
T = Aps f pu 1 - k (4.113)
dp
Applying equilibrium and solving for the neutral axis depth gives the following.
T = C1 + C2 (4.114)
Aps f pu - 0.85h f β1avg ( f cs' beff − f cb' b f )
c= hf + t f (4.115)
f pu
0.85f cb' 1avg b f + kAps
dp
Taking moments about C1, the reduced nominal flexural moment strength at the section
is as follows.
φ Mn = φ [T(dp – 0.5hf) – C2(0.5a)] (4.116)
where:
C2 = Compression force in the girder flange within stress block depth, kips
f cs

f cb
beff = Effective flange width, in.

112
bf = Girder flange width, in.

hf = Thickness of slab, in.
1avg = Stress block factor (see Equation 4.86)
Case II considers the neutral axis lies in the fillet portion of the girder as shown
in Figure 4.13. This case was ignored for the Standard Specifications as the fillet portion
does not affect the design moment resistance significantly. However, it was found that
ignoring the fillet contribution changes the depth of the neutral axis significantly. As the
ductility limits for the LRFD Specifications are based on the depth of the neutral axis,
the fillet contribution for estimating the neutral axis depth. cannot be ignored However,
for moment calculations, the fillet contribution is ignored for simplicity and because it
has little effect on the nominal moment capacity.
b eff
bf
fcs' b fil
c 0.85 fcs'
C1
C2
hf C3
tf dp a 0.85 fcb'
t fil
bw
Aps fps
fcb'
Figure 4.13. Neutral Axis lies in the Fillet Portion of the Girder
Using the LRFD approach to multiply the flange compression with the factor 1avg gives
the following expressions.
'
C1 = 0.85 f cs 1avgbeff hf (4.117)
113
'
C2 = 0.85 f cb 1avgbf tf (4.118)
when c hf + tf + tfil:
t fil - β1avg (c - h f - t f )
'
C3 = 0.85 f cb 1avg(c – hf – tf) bw +b fil +b fil (4.119)
t fil
T = Aps fps (4.120)
c
From equation 4.88, f ps = f pu 1 - k
dp
c
T = Aps f pu 1 - k (4.121)
dp
Applying the equilibrium gives the following expression.

T = C1 + C2 + C3 (4.122)
Imposing the equilibrium condition in Equation 4.122 results in a quadratic

equation in c, which is solved using trial and error method. The program for the
parametric study first assumes the value of c as c = hf + tf and checks the equilibrium
equation, if the equilibrium is not satisfied the depth of neutral axis is incremented by
0.1 in. and the equilibrium is checked. This process is continued until the depth of
neutral axis c, corresponding to the equilibrium condition, is established.
For the moment resistance calculation, the fillet contribution is neglected. The
Equation 4.119 is modified to the following.
'
C3 = 0.85 f cb 1avg (c – hf – tf) bw (4.123)
Taking moments about C1, the design flexural strength at the section can be given as:
φ Mn = φ [T (dp – 0.5hf) – C2 (0.5hf + 0.5tf) – C3 (0.5a + 0.5tf] (4.124)
114
where:
C3 = Compression force in the girder web within the stress block depth, kips (see
Equation 4.123)
f cs

f cb
beff = Effective flange width, in.

bf = Flange width of the girder, in.
hf = Thickness of the slab, in.
tfil = Thickness of the girder fillet, in.
bfil = Girder fillet width, in.
Case III considers the neutral axis lies in the web portion of the girder as shown
in Figure 4.14.
beff
bf
fcs' b fil
c 0.85 fcs'
C1
C2
hf C3
dp C4
tf
t fil a 0.85 fcb'
bw
Aps fps
fcb'
Figure 4.14. Neutral Axis lies in the Web Portion of the Girder
115
Using the LRFD Specifications approach to multiply the flange compression

with the factor 1avg gives the following expressions.
C1 = 0.85 f cs
' 1avg beff hf (4.125)
C2 = 0.85 f cb
' 1avg bf tf (4.126)
C3 = 0.85 f cb
' 1avg tfil (bw + bfil) (4.127)
C4 = 0.85 f cb
' 1avg (c – hf – tf - tfil)bw (4.128)
T = Aps fps (4.129)
c
From Equation 4.88, f ps = f pu 1 - k
dp
c
T = Aps f pu 1 - k (4.130)
dp
Applying the equilibrium condition gives the following expression.

T = C1 + C2 + C3 + C4 (4.131)
Aps f pu - 0.85h f β1avg ( f cs' beff − f cb' bw ) − 0.85 f cb' β1avg t f (b f − bw ) − 0.85 f cb' β1avg t fil b fil
c=
f pu
0.85f cb' 1avg bw + kAps
dp
….(4.132)
Taking moments about C1, the reduced nominal flexural strength at the section can be
given as
t fil 3bw +2b fil

φ Mn = φ [T (dp – 0.5hf) – C2 (0.5hf + 0.5tf) – C3 + t f + 0.5h f
3 2bw + 2b fil
– C4 (0.5a + 0.5tf +0.5tfil] (4.133)
116
where:
C3 = Compression force in the fillet and the web between fillets, kips
C4 = Compression force in the web portion (excluding web portion between the
fillets) under the stress block, kips
tfil = Thickness of girder fillet, in.
bfil = Girder fillet width, in.
bw = Girder web width, in.
4.4.6.6 Maximum Steel Reinforcement

The AASHTO Standard Specifications requires that the maximum prestressing
steel be limited to ensure yielding of steel when ultimate capacity is reached. The
Standard Specifications Article 9.18.1 specifies the limits of reinforcement as follows.
Reinforcement index for rectangular sections:

*f su *
< 0.36 1 (4.134)
f' c
Reinforcement index for flanged sections:

A f *
sr su
< 0.36 1 (4.135)
b' d f '
c
If the above maximum reinforcement limits are not satisfied, the Standard
Specifications recommend the design flexural moment strength of the girder to be
limited as follows.
For rectangular sections:

φ Mn = φ [(0.36β1 - 0.08β12 ) fc' b d 2 ] (4.136)
117
For flanged sections:

φ Mn = φ [(0.36β1 - 0.08β12 ) fc' b d 2 + 0.85fc' (b - b' ) t (d -0.5t )] (4.137)
where:
*
= Ratio of prestressing reinforcement
As *
=
bd
d = Distance from extreme compression fiber to the centroid of the prestressing
force, in.
fsu* = Average stress in prestressing steel at ultimate load, ksi
f c' = Compressive strength of slab concrete at service, ksi

Asr = Steel area required to develop the compressive strength of the overhanging
portions of the slab, in.2
φ = Resistance factor specified as 1.0 for flexure of prestressed concrete
member
b' = Width of web of a flanged member, in.
t = Average thickness of the flange, in.
The above flexural moment strength limit provided by the Standard

Specifications for flanged section behavior is based on the transformed section. However
for the parametric study a transformed section was not considered because refined
equations were developed for computation of moment strength of the flanged sections.
Hence, a conservative estimate of the design flexural strength can be made by using the
concrete strength of the slab for the entire flanged section as the concrete strength of slab
is less than the girder concrete strength. This method is used in the parametric study.
118
LRFD Specifications Article 5.7.3.3.1 specifies the maximum total amount of

prestressed and non-prestressed reinforcement to be limited such that
c
0.42 (4.138)
de
where:
c = Distance from the extreme compression fiber to the neutral axis, in.
de = Corresponding effective depth from the extreme compression fiber to the
centroid of the tensile force in the tensile reinforcement, in.
Aps f ps d p + As f y d s
= (4.139)
Aps f ps + As f y
The parametric study only considers fully prestressed sections, for which the
effective depth de reduces to dp. In case the above limit is not satisfied, the following
equations are provided in the LRFD Specifications to limit the flexural resistance of the
girder section.
For rectangular sections:
M n = [(0.36β1avg - 0.08β1avg
2
) f c' b d e 2 ] (4.140)
For flanged sections:

2 2
M n = [(0.36β1avg - 0.08β1 vg ) f c
' bw d e + 0.85β1avg f c' (b-bw ) h f (d e -0.5h f )]
(4.141)
where:
f c' = Compressive strength of slab concrete at service, ksi

119
bw = Width of web of a flanged member, in.

hf = Compression flange depth, in.
Additional variables are the same as defined for Equation 4.137.
The flexural moment strength limit provided by LRFD Specifications for flanged
section behavior is based on the transformed section. However for the parametric study,
transformed section was not considered. Hence, a conservative estimate of the design
flexural strength can be made by using the concrete strength of the slab. This method is
used in the parametric study.
4.4.6.7 Minimum Steel Reinforcement

The Standard Specifications Article 9.18.2 requires the minimum amount of
prestressed and non-prestressed reinforcement to be adequate to develop an ultimate
*
moment at the critical section of at least 1.2 times the cracking moment, M cr .
*
φ Mn 1.2 M cr (4.142)
where:
Mn = Nominal flexural moment strength, k-in.
*
M cr = Cracking moment, k-in.
Sc
= (fr + fpe) Sc – Md/nc -1 (4.143)
Sb
fr = Modulus of rupture, psi
= 7.5 f c' for normal weight concrete
f c' = Compressive strength of girder concrete at service, psi

fpe = Compressive stress in concrete due to effective prestress force at extreme
fiber of section where tensile stress is caused by externally applied loads,
ksi
120
Pse Pse ec
= +
A Sb
Pse = Effective prestress force after losses, kips
A = Area of cross-section, in.2
ec = Eccentricity of prestressing strands at midspan, in.
Sb = Section modulus of non-composite section referenced to the extreme fiber
where tensile stress is caused by externally applied loads, in.3
Sc = Section modulus of composite section referenced to the extreme fiber
Md/nc = Non-composite dead load moment at midspan due to self weight of girder
and weight of slab, k-in.
The above limit is waived at the sections where the area of prestressed and non-
prestressed reinforcement provided is at least one-third greater than that required by
analysis based on the loading combinations.
The LRFD Specifications Article 5.7.3.3.2 specifies the minimum amount of
prestressed and non-prestressed tensile reinforcement such that a factored flexural
resistance, Mr is at least equal to
• 1.2 times the cracking moment, Mcr, determined on the basis of elastic
stress distribution and the modulus of rupture fr of the concrete, and
• 1.33 times the factored moment required by the applicable strength load
combination.
The cracking moment is given by the following formula.
Sc
Mcr = (fr + fcpe) Sc – Mdnc -1 Sc f r (4.144)
S nc
The LRFD Specifications has a typographical error ( mistyped as ) in the

above equation.
121
where:
Mcr = Cracking moment, k-in.
fcpe = Compressive stress in concrete due to effective prestress forces at extreme
fiber of section where tensile stress is caused by externally applied loads,
ksi
Ppe Ppe ec
= +
A Sb
Ppe = Effective prestress force after losses, kips
ec = Eccentricity of prestressing strands at midspan, in.
Mdnc = Total unfactored non-composite dead load moment, k-in.
Snc = Section modulus referenced to the extreme fiber of the non-composite
section where tensile stress is caused by externally applied loads, in.3
Sc = Section modulus referenced to the extreme fiber of the composite section
fr = Rupture modulus specified as 0.24 f c' for normal-weight concrete, ksi
f c' = Compressive strength of girder concrete at service, ksi
4.4.7 Shear Design

Shear design of a composite prestressed concrete girder consists of the design for
both transverse and interface shear, as outlined in the following sections.
4.4.7.1 Transverse Shear Design

The AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications require that prestressed
concrete flexural members be reinforced for shear and diagonal tension stresses.
However, the two specifications follow different methodologies to predict the shear
strength of member. The Standard Specifications uses the constant 45° truss analogy to
predict the shear behavior of the member where concrete in compression acts as struts
and tension steel acts as ties. The LRFD Specifications use a variable angle truss analogy
122
with modified compression strength of concrete popularly known as “Modified

Compression Field Theory (MCFT).” The two theories are discussed in detail in Section
7. The following sections outline the procedures for shear design of prestressed concrete
girders specified by the AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications.
4.4.7.1.1 Standard Specifications. The following section outlines the shear
design procedures specified by the Standard Specifications Article 9.20. Shear
reinforcement is not necessary if the following condition is met.
φ Vc
Vu < (4.145)
2
where:
Vu = Factored shear force at the section, kips
= 1.3(Vd + 1.67 VLL+I) for this study
Vd = Shear force at the section due to dead loads, kips
VLL+I = Shear force at the section due to live load including impact load, kips
Vc = Nominal shear strength provided by the concrete, taken as lesser of Vci
(see Equation 4.147) and Vcw (see Equation 4.149), kips
φ = Strength reduction factor, specified as 0.9 for shear of prestressed
concrete members
If the condition in Equation 4.145 is not satisfied, the member shall be designed
such that:
Vu φ (Vc + Vs) (4.146)
where:
Vs = Nominal shear strength provided by the web reinforcement, kips
123
The shear design in the parametric study is carried out at the critical section for
shear. The critical section is specified as hc/2 from the face of the support, where hc is
the depth of the composite section. However, as the support dimensions are unknown in
this study the critical section is calculated from the center line of the bearing support
which yields a slightly conservative estimate of the required web reinforcement. The
shear strength provided by normal weight concrete is calculated using the following
expressions.
Vi M cr
Vci = 0.6 f c' b 'd + Vd + 1.7 f c' b'd (4.147)
M max
Vcw = (3.5 f c' + 0.3 fpc) b'd + Vp (4.148)
where:
Vci = Nominal shear strength provided by concrete when diagonal cracking
results from combined shear and moment, kips
Vcw = Nominal shear strength provided by concrete when diagonal cracking
results from excessive principal tensile stress in the web, kips

b' = Width of the web of a flanged member, in.
d = Distance from extreme compressive fiber to centroid of pretensioned
reinforcement, but not less than 0.8hc, in.
hc = Depth of composite section, in.
Vd = Shear force at the section due to dead loads, kips
Vi = Factored shear force at the section due to externally applied loads
occurring simultaneously with Mmax, kips
= Vmu - Vd
Vmu = Factored shear force occurring simultaneously with Mu, conservatively
taken as maximum shear force at the section, kips
124
Mcr = Moment causing flexural cracking of section due to externally applied

loads, k-in.
I
= (6 f c' + fpe – fd)
Yt
fpe = Compressive stress in concrete due to effective pretension force at
extreme fiber of section where tensile stress is caused by externally
applied loads i.e. bottom fiber of the girder in present case, ksi
Pse Pse ex
= +
A Sb
fpc = Compressive stress in concrete at centroid of the cross-section resisting
externally applied loads, ksi
Pse Pse ex (ybcomp - yb ) M D (ybcomp - yb )
= - +
A I I
Pse = Effective prestress force after all losses. If the section at a distance hc/2
from the face of the support is closer to the girder end than the transfer
length (50 strand diameters) the prestressing force is assumed to vary
linearly from 0 at the end to maximum at a the transfer length section,
kips
ex = Eccentricity of the strands at the section considered, in.
composite section, in.3
fd = Stress due to unfactored dead load, at extreme fiber of section where
tensile stress is caused by externally applied loads, ksi
Mg + MS M SDL
= +
Sb Sbc
Mg = Unfactored bending moment due to girder self-weight, k-in.

MS = Unfactored bending moment due to slab weight, k-in.
MSDL = Unfactored superimposed dead load moment, k-in.
125
Mmax = Maximum factored moment at the section due to externally applied loads,
k-in.
= Mu – Md
Mu = Factored bending moment at the section, k-in.
= 1.3(Md + 1.67 MLL+I)
Md = Bending moment at section due to unfactored dead loads, k-in.
MLL+I = Bending moment at section due to live load including impact load, k-in.
I = Moment of inertia of the girder cross-section, in.4
ybcomp = Lesser of ybc and the distance from bottom fiber of the girder to the
junction of the web and top flange, in.
ybc = Distance from the centroid of the composite section to extreme bottom
fiber of the precast girder, in.
yb = Distance from centroid to the extreme bottom fiber of the non-composite
precast girder, in.
MD = Moment due to unfactored non-composite dead loads at the critical
section, k-in.
Vp = Vertical component of prestress force for harped strands, kips
= Pse sin
= Angle of the harped tendons to the horizontal, radians
The area of the web reinforcement shall be provided such that the condition in
Equation 4.146 is satisfied. The nominal shear strength provided by steel reinforcement,
Vs, is calculated using the following expression.
Av f y d
Vs = <8 f c' b'd (4.149)
s
126
The minimum are of web reinforcement is limited to the following value.

50b's
Av min = (4.150)
fy
where:
Av = Area of web reinforcement, in.2
b' = Width of web of a flanged member, in.

s = Spacing of web reinforcement, in.
fy = Yield strength of web reinforcement, ksi
d = Distance from extreme compressive fiber to centroid of pretensioned
reinforcement, but not less than 0.8hc, in.
hc = depth of composite section, in.
The spacing of the web reinforcement shall not exceed 0.75hc or 24 in. If Vs
exceeds 4 f c' b' d the maximum spacing shall be reduced by one-half.
4.4.7.1.2 LRFD Specifications. The LRFD Specifications uses the Modified

Compression Filed Theory (MCFT) for the shear design provisions. The MCFT takes
into account different factors such as strain condition of the section, and shear stress in
the concrete to predict the shear strength of the section. This theory is believed to yield a
more realistic estimate of the shear strength of the concrete (see Sec. 7.2.2). The shear
strength of concrete is approximated based on a parameter . The critical section for
shear is calculated based on the angle of inclination of the diagonal compressive stress,
. If the values of these parameters are taken as = 45° and = 2, the theory will yield
the results similar to the 45° truss analogy method employed in the Standard
Specifications. The provisions for transverse shear design in the LRFD Specifications
are outlined in this section. The LRFD Specifications specifies that transverse
reinforcement is needed at sections with the following condition.
127
Vu >0.5 φ (Vc + Vp) (4.151)
where:
= 1.25(DC) + 1.5(DW) + 1.75(LL + IM) for this study
DC = Shear force at the section due to dead loads except wearing surface
weight, kips
DW = Shear force at the section due to wearing surface weight, kips
LL+IM = Shear force at the section due to live load including impact, kips
Vc = Nominal shear strength provided by concrete, kips
φ = Strength reduction factor specified as 0.9 for shear of prestressed
concrete members.
Vp = Component of prestressing force in the direction of shear force, kips
The AASHTO LRFD Specifications specifies the critical section for shear near
the supports as the larger value of 0.5dvcot or dv, measured from the face of the support.
where:
dv = Effective shear depth, in.
= Distance between resultants of tensile and compressive forces, (de - a/2),
but not less than the greater of (0.9de) or (0.72h), in.
de = Corresponding effective depth from the extreme compression fiber to the
centroid of the tensile force in the tensile reinforcement, in.
a = Depth of compression block, in.
h = Depth of composite section, in.
= Angle of inclination of diagonal compressive stresses (slope of
compression field). The value of is unknown and is assumed to be 23° at
the beginning of design, and iterations are made until it converges to a
particular value.
128
The nominal shear resistance at a section is lesser of the following two values
Vn = (Vc + Vs + V p ) and (4.152)
Vn = 0.25 f c' bv dv + Vp (4.153)
Shear resistance provided by the concrete, Vc, is given as
Vc = 0.0316 f c' bv dv (4.154)
Shear resistance provided by transverse steel reinforcement, Vs, is given as

Av f y dv (cot + cot ) sin
Vs = (4.155)
s
where:
bv = Girder web width, in
f c' = Girder concrete strength at service, ksi

= Factor indicating ability of diagonally cracked concrete to transfer tension.
compression field), radians
Av = Area of shear reinforcement within a distance s, in.2
s = Spacing of stirrups, in.
fy = Yield strength of shear reinforcement, ksi
= Angle of inclination of transverse reinforcement to longitudinal axis, taken
as 90° for vertical stirrups
Determination of and
The values of and depend on the shear stress in the concrete, u and the
longitudinal strain, x of the section. The shear stress in the concrete is given as
129
Vu - φV p
u = (4.156)
φbv d v
where:
u = Shear stress in concrete, ksi
φ = Resistance factor, specified as 0.9 for prestressed concrete members
bv = Girder web width, in.
For the sections containing at least the minimum transverse reinforcement the
longitudinal strain, x is determined as follows.
Mu
+ 0.5N u + 0.5(Vu -V p )cot - Aps f po
dv
x = ≤ 0.001 (4.157)
2(E p Aps )
For the sections containing less than minimum transverse reinforcement the longitudinal
strain, x is found using the following expression.
Mu
dv
x = ≤ 0.002 (4.158)
E p Aps
If the value of x is negative, the longitudinal strain is

Mu
dv
x = (4.159)
2(Ec Ac + E p Aps )
130
where:
Vu = Applied factored shear force at the specified section, kips
Mu = Applied factored moment at the specified section > Vu dv, k-in.
Nu = Applied factored normal force at the specified section, kips
Ac = Area of the concrete on the flexural tension side of the member, in.2
Aps = Area of prestressing steel on the flexural side of the member, in.2
fpo = Parameter taken as modulus of elasticity of prestressing tendons multiplied
by the locked-in difference in strain between the prestressing tendons and
the surrounding concrete (ksi). LRFD Article C5.8.3.4.2 recommends that
for pretensioned members, fpo be taken as the stress in strands when the
concrete is cast around them, which is approximately 0.7fpu, ksi
fpu = Ultimate strength of prestressing strands, ksi
Vp = Vertical component of prestress force for harped strands, kips
For the sections containing less than minimum transverse reinforcement, the
crack spacing parameter sxe is required to determine the parameters and . The crack
spacing parameter sxe shall be calculated as follows
1.38
sxe = s x ≤ 80 in. (4.160)
ag + 0.63
where:
ag = Maximum aggregate size, in.
sx = Lesser of either dv or the maximum distance between layers of longitudinal
crack control reinforcement, in.
The parameters and are calculated by interpolating for the determined values
of u and x from the table shown in Figure 4.15 taken from the LRFD Specficiations
(AASHTO 2004).
131
Figure 4.15. Values of and - AASHTO LRFD Specifications (AASHTO 2004)

132
The maximum spacing, s, of transverse reinforcement is limited by the LRFD

Specifications as follows:
if vu < 0.125 f c' :
s 0.8dv 24.0 in. (4.161)
or if vu 0.125 f c' :
s 0.4dv 12.0 in. (4.162)
where:
s = Center-to-center spacing of shear reinforcement, in.
vu = Shear stress in the concrete, ksi
The minimum area of transverse reinforcement is given as

bv s
Av 0.0316 f c' (4.163)
fy
where:
Av = Area of transverse shear reinforcement within spacing s, in.2

bv = Girder web width, in.
s = Center-to-center spacing of shear reinforcement, in.
The LRFD Specifications requires that at each section the tensile capacity of the
longitudinal reinforcement on the flexural tension side of the member must satisfy the
following expression
133
Mu N V
As fy + Aps fps + 0.5 u + u - 0.5Vs -V p cot (4.164)
d v φf φc φv
where:
As = Area of non-prestressed reinforcement on the flexural side of the member,
in.2
Aps = Area of prestressing steel on the flexural side of the member, in.2
fy = Yield strength of non-prestressed reinforcement, ksi
fps = Effective stress in the prestressing steel, ksi
Mu = Applied factored moment at the specified section > Vu dv, k-in.
Nu = Applied factored normal force at the specified section, kips
Vu = Applied factored shear force at the specified section, kips
Vs = Nominal shear strength provided by the web reinforcement, kips
compression field), radians
φf = Resistance factor for flexure, specified as 1.0 for prestressed concrete
members
φc = Resistance factor for axial force, specified as 0.75 for compression and 1.0
for tension in prestressed concrete members
φv = Resistance factor for shear, specified as 0.9 for prestressed concrete
members
The condition in Equation 4.165 is checked at the critical section for shear in the
parametric study.
134
4.4.7.2 Interface Shear Design

AASHTO Standard Specifications Article 9.20.4 specifies the requirements for
horizontal shear design. The Standard Specifications also allow the use of refined
methods for the interface shear design that are in agreement with comprehensive test
results. The provisions of Article 9.20.4, outlined in this section, are used for the
parametric study.
The horizontal shear design must satisfy the following expression.

Vu φ Vnh (4.165)
where:
φ = Resistance factor specified as 0.90 for shear in prestressed concrete members
Vnh = Nominal horizontal shear strength at the section, kips
The critical section for horizontal shear is at a distance of hc/2 from the center
line of the support where hc is the depth of the composite section (in.). The nominal
horizontal shear strength must be calculated based on one of the following cases.
Case (a): Contact surface is clean, free of laitance, and intentionally roughened.
Vnh = 80 bv d (4.166)
Case (b): Minimum ties are used, contact surface is clean, free of laitance, but
not intentionally roughened.
Vnh = 80 bv d (4.167)
Case (c): Minimum ties are used, contact surface is clean, free of laitance, and
intentionally roughened to a full amplitude of ¼ in.
Vnh = 350 bv d (4.168)
135
Case (d): For each percent of tie reinforcement crossing the contact surface in
excess of the minimum requirement, Vnh may be increased by
160 f y
bv d (4.169)
40,000
where:
bv = Width of cross-section at the contact surface being investigated for
horizontal shear, in.
d = Distance from extreme compressive fiber to centroid of the pretensioning
force, in.
fy = Yield strength of steel reinforcement, ksi
Minimum area of horizontal shear reinforcement shall be

bv s
Avh = 50 (4.170)
fy
where:
Avh = Area of interface shear reinforcement, in.2
s = Center-to center spacing of interface shear reinforcement, in.
The spacing of tie reinforcement, s, shall not exceed four times the least web
width of the girder nor 24 in.
The provisions for interface shear design specified by the LRFD Specifications
are outlined as follows. For the strength limit state, the horizontal shear at a section shall
be calculated using the following expression.
Vu
Vh = (4.171)
de
136
where:
Vh = Horizontal shear per unit length of the girder, kips
Vu = Factored shear force at specified section due to superimposed dead and live
loads, kips
de = Distance between resultants of tensile and compressive forces, in.
= (dv - a/2)
dv = Distance between centroid of tension steel and top compression fiber, in.
a = Depth of equivalent stress block, in.
Vn reqd = Vh / φ (4.172)
where:
Vn reqd = Required nominal shear strength at the interface plane, kips
φ = Resistance factor specified as 0.90 for shear in prestressed concrete
members
The nominal shear resistance of the interface plane Vn is

Vn = c Acv + [Avf fy + Pc] (4.173)
where:
c = Cohesion factor
= Friction factor
Acv = Area of concrete engaged in shear transfer, in2.
Avf = Area of shear reinforcement crossing the shear plane, in2.
Pc = Permanent net compressive force normal to the shear plane, kips
137
The nominal shear resistance, Vn shall not be greater than the lesser of the following two
values.
Vn 0.2 f c' Acv (4.174)
Vn 0.8Acv (4.175)
where:
f c' = The lower compressive strength at service of the two elements at the
interface, ksi
For concrete placed against clean, hardened concrete and free of laitance, with the
surface intentionally roughened to an amplitude of 0.25 in.:
c = 0.100 ksi
= 1.0
For concrete placed against clean, hardened concrete and free of laitance, but not
intentionally roughened:
c = 0.075 ksi
= 0.6
= 1.0 for normal weight concrete
The minimum interface shear reinforcement is determined as follows.

Avf (0.05bv)/fy (4.176)
The above minimum shear reinforcement requirement may be waived if the value
Vn/Acv < 0.100 ksi
138
4.4.8 Camber
The camber of pretensioned girders depends on several factors including
modulus of elasticity of concrete, steel relaxation, dead load, concrete creep and
shrinkage, erection loads, and live loads. The camber is a time-dependent quantity and it
is difficult to provide an accurate measure of camber. The AASHTO Standard
Specifications does not provide any specific method for the calculation of camber of
pretensioned members. The LRFD Specifications provide guidelines in Article 5.7.3.6
for the calculation of effective moment of inertia for camber calculations. The previous
research provides several different methodologies for the estimation of camber. The
Hyperbolic Functions Method proposed by Sinno and Furr (1970) for the calculation of
maximum camber of prestressed concrete is used in this parametric study. This is
consistent with the TxDOT’s prestressed bridge design software, PSTRS14 (TxDOT
2004). The methodology is outlined as follows.
Step 1: The total prestress, P after initial prestress loss has occurred is calculated using
the following expression.
Psi M D ec As n
P= + (4.177)
e2 A n e2 A n
1 + pn + c s I 1 + pn + c s
I I
where:
Psi = Initial prestressing force, kips
I = Moment of inertia of non-composite section, in.4
ec = Eccentricity of prestressing strands at the midspan, in.
MD = Bending moment due to girder self weight at midspan, k-in.
p = As/A
As = Area of prestressing strands, in.2
A = Area of cross section of girder, in.2
n = Modular ratio between girder concrete and prestressing steel.
= Ep/Ec
139
Ep = Modulus of elasticity of prestressing strands, ksi

Ec = Modulus of elasticity of the girder concrete at release, ksi
= 33(wc)3/2 f c'
The stress in concrete at the level of the centroid of the prestressing steel
immediately after transfer is computed using the following expression.
1 ec2
f cis = P + - f cs (4.178)
A I
where:
f cs = Concrete stress at the level of the centroid of the prestressing steel due to
dead loads, ksi
M D ec
=
I
Additional variables are the same as defined for Equation 4.178
The ultimate time dependent prestress loss is dependent on the ultimate creep and
shrinkage strains. As the creep strains vary with the concrete stress, the following steps
are used to evaluate the concrete stresses and adjust the strains to arrive at the ultimate
prestress loss. It is assumed that the creep strain is proportional to the concrete stress,
and the shrinkage stress is independent of concrete stress (Sinno et al. 1970).
Step 2: Initial estimate of the total strain at the level of centroid of prestressing steel,
assuming constant sustained stress immediately after transfer, is calculated using the
following expression.
∞ s
εcs1 = εcr f ci + ε ∞sh (4.179)
140
where:
ε∞cr = Ultimate unit creep strain = 0.00034 in./in.
ε∞sh = Ultimate unit shrinkage strain = 0.000175 in./in.

The above ultimate strain values were prescribed by Sinno et al. (1970) based on
experimental results.
Step 3: The total strain obtained in Step 2 is adjusted by subtracting the elastic strain
rebound as follows.
As 1 ec2
εcs 2 = s
εc1 s
- εc1 Ep + (4.180)
Ec A I
Step 4: The change in concrete stress at the level of centroid of prestressing steel due to
strain adjustment is computed as follows.
1 ec2
f cs = εc2
s
E p As + (4.181)
A I
Step 5: The total strain computed in Step 2 needs to be corrected for the change in the
concrete stress due to creep and shrinkage strains.
∆f cs
εcs 4 = ε∞cr f cis - + ε∞sh (4.182)
2
rebound as follows.
As 1 ec2
εcs5 = ε cs 4 - εcs 4 E p + (4.183)
Ec A I
141
Sinno et al. (1970) recommends stopping the updating of stresses and adjustment
process after Step 6. However, as the difference between the strains obtained in Steps 3
and 6 is not negligible, this process is carried on until the total strain value converges.
Step 7: The change in concrete stress at the level of centroid of prestressing steel is
computed as follows.
1 ec2
f cs1 = ε cs 5 E p As + (4.184)
A I
Step 8: The total strain computed in Step 5 needs to be corrected for the change in the
concrete stress due to creep and shrinkage strains.
∆f cs
εcs 6 = ε∞cr f cis - + ε∞sh (4.185)
2
rebound as follows.
As 1 ec2
εcs 7 = ε cs 6 - ε cs 6 E p + (4.186)
Ec A I
Step 10: Steps 2 through 9 are repeated until the total strain value converges to a
particular value. Then the initial prestress loss, PLi, the final prestress loss, PL , and the
total prestress loss, PL, are calculated using the following formulas
Psi - P
PLi = (4.187)
Psi
s
ε c7 E p As
PL = (4.188)
Psi
Total Prestress loss, PL = PLi + PL (4.189)

142
Step 11: The initial deflection of the girder under self-weight, CDL, is calculated using
the elastic analysis as follows.
5wL4
CDL = (4.190)
384Eci I
where:
CDL = Initial deflection of the girder under self-weight, ft.
w = Self-weight of the girder, klf
L = Total girder length, ft.
Eci = Modulus of elasticity of the girder concrete at release, ksi
I = Moment of inertia of the non-composite precast girder, in.4
Step 13: Step 12: Initial camber due to prestress is calculated using the moment area
method. The following expression is obtained from the M/EI diagram to compute the
camber resulting from the initial prestress.
Cpi = [0.5(P)(ee)(0.5L)2 + 0.5(P)(ec – ee)(0.67)(HD)2
+0.5P (ec – ee) (HDdis)(0.5L + HD)]/(Eci)(I) (4.191)
where:
HD = Hold-down distance from the girder end, ft.
HDdis = Hold-down distance from the center of the girder, ft.
ee = Eccentricity of the prestressing strands at girder end, in.
ec = Eccentricity of the prestressing strands at midspan, in.
L = Overall girder length, ft.
The net initial camber, Ci, is the difference between the upward camber due to
initial prestressing and the downward deflection due to self-weight of the girder.
Ci = Cpi – CDL (4.192)
143
s
Step 14: The ultimate strain in the prestressing steel, e and the ultimate time-dependent
camber, Ct, is evaluated using the following expressions
s
e= f sci /Ec (4.193)
∞ ∆f c1s
cr f cis - + s
e
2
Ct = Ci (1 - PL ) s (4.194)
e
4.5 DESIGN PARAMETERS
4.5.1 General
The parameters considered for the parametric study are presented in Table 4.7.
The span lengths were varied from 90 ft. to the maximum span possible limited by the
release and service concrete strengths. TxDOT’s procedures were used for optimizing
the number of strands and concrete strengths.
Table 4.7. Design Parameters
Parameter Description / Selected Values

AASHTO Standard Specifications, 17th Edition (2002)
Design Codes
AASHTO LRFD Specifications, 3rd Edition (2004)
Girder Section Type C and AASHTO Type IV
Girder Spacing (ft.) 6'-0", 8'-0" and 8'
-8"
90 ft. to maximum span at 10 ft. intervals for Type IV girders
Spans
40 ft. to maximum span at 10 ft. intervals for Type C girders
Strand Diameter (in.) 0.5 and 0.6
Concrete Strength at Varied from 4000 to 6750 psi for design with optimum number
Release, f ci' of strands
Varied from 5000 to 8500 psi for design with optimum number
Concrete Strength at
of strands ( fc' is increased up to 8750 psi for optimization on
Service, fc'
longer spans)
Skew Angle (degrees) 0, 15, 30 and 60
144
The skew angles were varied for LRFD designs to investigate the impact of the
skew which is introduced through the skew reduction factors for live load moments and
skew correction factors for live load shears. The skew does not affect the designs based
on AASHTO Standard Specifications as the distribution factors for live load are
independent of the skew.
4.6 RESULTS AND SAMPLE OUTPUT
4.6.1. General
The parametric study was carried out for several possible cases satisfying the
specified limits. The detailed results from the parametric study are presented in Sections
5 and 6 for AASHTO Type IV girders and for Type C girders, respectively. The output
from the design program is presented in tabular and graphical formats and the impact on
different design parameters is discussed. A sample output from the design program used
in this study is presented in Table 4.8. This particular set of results is for AASHTO Type
IV girders with 0.5 in. diameter strands using AASHTO Standard Specifications. The
other parameters are included in the table.
145
Table 4.8. Sample Output from Design Program.
Parameter Output 1 Output 2 Output 3 Output 4

Girder type (1-Type C and 2-Type IV) 2 2 2 2
Specifications (1-Std. and 2-LRFD) 1 1 1 1
Span, ft. 90 100 110 120
Girder Spacing, ft. 8 8 8 8
Max live load Moment (k-ft.) 1315.25 1494.38 1674.38 1854.38
Live load shear at critical section (kips) 62.32 63.30 64.10 64.77
DFM 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.73
DFV 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.73
Distributed live load moment (k-ft.) 1180.47 1329.87 1478.39 1625.47
Distributed live load shear (kips) 55.93 56.33 56.60 56.77
Governing Moment (1-truck, 2-lane, 3-tandem) 1 1 1 1
Governing Shear (1-truck, 2-lane, 3-tandem) 1 1 1 1
Initial prestress loss, % 7.53 8.37 8.93 9.62
Final prestress loss, % 19.48 22.72 25.22 28.57
'
Required release concrete strength f ci (psi) 4000.00 4478.26 5456.60 6538.36
Required service concrete strength fc' (psi) 5000.00 5000.00 5583.89 7164.74
Required number of strands 30 40 50 64
Strength limit state moment Mu (k-ft.) 4932.01 5821.45 6769.39 7774.57
Moment Resistance Mr (k-ft.) 5728.70 7398.09 8936.60 10836.04
Mu/Mr 0.86 0.79 0.76 0.72
Factored shear at critical section Vu (kips) 222.17 235.11 247.77 260.22
Concrete shear strength Vc (kips) 171.91 190.50 220.63 280.65
Transverse shear reinf. area Av (in.2/ft.) 0.30 0.29 0.22 0.08
Interface Shear Vnh (kips) 246.85 261.24 275.30 289.14
Interface shear reinf. area Avh (in.2/ft.) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
Camber (ft.) 0.16 0.24 0.32 0.40
4.7 DETAILED DESIGN EXAMPLES
4.7.1 General
Two parallel detailed design examples were developed for an AASHTO Type IV
girder bridge using the AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications. The cross section
of the bridge considered for the detailed design examples is shown in Figure 4.15. The
146
detailed design examples are found in Appendix A.1 and Appendix A.2 for Standard and
LRFD Specifications, respectively. The examples use the methodology described in
Section 4.4.
Total Bridge Width

46'-0"
12" Nominal Face of Rail
Total Roadway Width
44'
-0"
Wearing Surface T501 Rail 8"
Deck
1'
-5"
4'
-6" 1.5" AASHTO
Type IV
Girder
3'
-0" 5 Spaces @ 8'
-0" c/c = 40'
-0" 3'
-0"
Figure 4.16. Bridge Cross Section.
The following parameters were used for detailed design examples.

• span length = 110 ft.
• girder spacing = 8 ft.
• strand diameter = 0.5 in.
• deck slab thickness = 8 in.
• wearing surface thickness = 1.5 in.
• skew = 0˚
• relative humidity = 60%.
The major differences occurring in the design due to differences in the
specifications are highlighted. The detailed design examples are made comprehensive
and in easy to follow format. The detailed examples are aimed to be a reference for
bridge engineers and help in the transition from AASHTO Standard Specifications based
design to AASHTO LRFD Specifications based design.
147
5. RESULTS FOR AASHTO TYPE IV GIRDERS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
A parametric study was conducted for AASHTO Type IV prestressed concrete
bridge girders. Several cases were considered based on the parameters summarized in
Table 5.1. The procedure outlined in Section 4 was employed to evaluate the impact of
the AASHTO LRFD Specifications on the design of AASHTO Type IV bridge girders.
The results obtained from the design program for designs based on both the Standard
and LRFD Specifications were validated using TxDOT’s PRSTRS14 (TxDOT 2004)
bridge design software. TxDOT’s procedures were used for optimizing the number of
strands and concrete strengths. This section provides a summary of results of the
parametric study for AASHTO Type IV bridge girders. The impact of LRFD
specifications on various design results is discussed.
Table 5.1. Design Parameters

Design Codes
Girder Spacing (ft.) 6'
-0", 8'
-0" and 8'
-8"
Spans 90 ft. to maximum span at 10 ft. intervals
Concrete Strength at Varied from 4000 to 6750 psi for design with optimum number of
Release, f ci' strands
Varied from 5000 to 8500 psi for design with optimum number of
strands ( f c' may be increased up to 8750 psi for optimization on longer
Service, f c'
spans)
Skew Angle 0°, 15°, 30° and 60°
148
5.2 IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD SPECIFICATIONS

The requirements for service load limit state design, flexural strength limit state
design, transverse shear design, and interface shear design are evaluated in the
parametric study. The designs based on LRFD Specifications are found to be
conservative, in general as compared to the designs based on Standard Specifications.
This conservatism is caused due to the increase in live load moments, more restrictive
limits for service load design, and difference in the shear design approach. The effect of
LRFD Specifications on the maximum allowable span length was investigated. The
effect was found to be small.
The following sections provide the summary of differences observed in the
designs based on Standard and LRFD Specifications. This includes the differences
occurring in the undistributed and distributed live load moments, the distribution factors,
the number of strands required, and required concrete strengths at release and at service.
The differences observed in the flexural strength limit state design are provided in the
following sections. The effect on camber is also evaluated and summarized. The
differences in the transverse shear design and interface shear design are provided in
Section 7.
5.3 IMPACT OF LRFD SPECIFICATIONS ON LIVE LOAD MOMENTS

AND SHEARS
5.3.1 General
The Standard Specifications specify the live load to be taken as an HS-20 truck
load, tandem load, or lane load, whichever produces the maximum effect at the section
considered. The LRFD Specifications specifies a different live load model HL-93, which
is a combination of the HS-20 truck and lane load, or tandem load and lane load,
whichever produces maximum effect at the section of interest. The live load governing
the moments and shears at the sections of interest for the cases considered in the
parametric study was determined and are summarized below. The undistributed live load
149
moments at midspan and shears at critical section were calculated for each case and the
representative differences are presented in this section.
There is a significant difference in the formulas for the distribution and impact
factors specified by the Standard and the LRFD Specifications. The impact factors are
applicable to truck, lane, and tandem loadings for designs based on Standard
Specifications, whereas the LRFD Specifications does not require the lane load to be
increased for the impact loading. The effect of the LRFD Specifications on the
distribution and impact factors is evaluated and the results are summarized. The
combined effect of the undistributed moments and shears and the distribution and impact
factors on the distributed live load moments and shears was observed. The differences
observed in the distributed live load moments at midspan and shears at the critical
sections are presented below.
5.3.2 Governing Live Load for Moments and Shears
The live load producing the maximum moment at mid-span and maximum shears
at the critical section for shear is investigated. The critical section for shear in the
designs based on Standard Specifications is taken as h/2, where h is the depth of
composite section. For designs based on LRFD Specifications the critical section is
calculated using an iterative process specified by the specifications. The governing live
loads are summarized in the Tables 5.2 and 5.3.
150
Table 5.2. Governing Live Load Moments at Midspan and Shears at

Critical Section for Standard Specifications
Strand Girder Span Governing Live Load Governing Live Load
Diameter (in.) Spacing (ft.) (ft.) for Moment for Shear
90
100
110 Truck Loading
6 Truck Loading
120
130
136 Lane Loading
90
0.5 100
8 110 Truck Loading Truck Loading
120
124
90
100
8.67 Truck Loading Truck Loading
110
119
90
100
110
6 Truck Loading Truck Loading
120
130
131
0.6 90
100
110
119
90
8.67 100 Truck Loading Truck Loading
110
115
151
Table 5.3. Governing Live Load Moments at Midspan and Shears at Critical
Section for LRFD Specifications (Skew = 0°)
90
6
0.5 100
110
Truck+Lane Loading Truck+Lane Loading
120
130
133
8 90
100
110
120
8.67 90
100
110
116
6 90
0.6 100
110 Truck+Lane Loading Truck+Lane Loading
120
126
8 90
100
110
116
8.67 90
100
110
113
It was observed that for Standard Specifications based designs, HS-20 Truck
loading always governs the moments at mid-span and shears at critical sections except
for 136 ft. span case. For designs based on LRFD Specifications, combination of Truck
and Lane loading governs for all the cases.
152
5.3.3 Undistributed Live Load Moments and Shears
The difference in the live loads specified by the Standard and the LRFD
Specifications effects the undistributed live load moments and shears. Skew and strand
diameter has no effect on the undistributed live load moments or shears therefore results
for cases with skew angle 0° and strand diameter 0.5 in. are compared in Table 5.4. The
undistributed live load moments are observed to be increasing in the range of 48 percent
to 65 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing when live loads based on LRFD Specifications are
used as compared to the Standard Specifications. This increase was in the range of 48
percent to 61 percent for 8 ft. girder spacing and 48 percent to 56 percent for a 8.67 ft.
girder spacing.
A significant increase was observed in the undistributed shears at critical section.
The increase was found to be in the range of 35 percent to 54 percent for 6 ft. girder
spacing when LRFD Specifications are used as compared to Standard Specifications.
This increase was found to be in the range of 35 percent to 50 percent for 8 ft. girder
spacing and 35 percent to 45 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing. This increase can be
attributed the change in live load and also the shifting of critical section. The critical
section for shear is specified by Standard specifications as h/2, where h is the depth of
composite section. The LRFD Specifications requires the critical section to be calculated
using an iterative process as discussed in Section 4. The difference between the
undistributed moments and shears based on Standard and LRFD Specifications is found
to be increasing with the increase in span length.
153
Table 5.4. Comparison of Undistributed Midspan Live Load Moments and Shears
at Critical Section (Skew = 0°, Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.)
Girder Undistributed Moment (k-ft.) Undistributed Shear (kips)
Spacing Span Difference Difference
(ft.) (ft.) Standard LRFD k-ft. (%)
Standard LRFD
kips (%)
90 1315.2 1943.0 627.8 (47.7) 62.3 83.7 21.4 (34.4)
6
100 1494.4 2271.9 777.5 (52.0) 63.3 88.2 24.9 (39.3)
110 1674.4 2617.6 943.2 (56.3) 64.1 92.6 28.5 (44.4)
120 1854.4 2979.3 1125.0 (60.7) 64.8 96.6 31.9 (49.2)
130 2034.4 3357.1 1322.7 (65.0) 65.3 100.5 35.2 (53.9)
133 - 3473.5 - - 102.5 -
136 2142.4 - - 66.9 - -
8 90 1315.2 1943.0 627.8 (47.7) 62.3 84.0 21.7 (34.8)
100 1494.4 2271.9 777.5 (52.0) 63.3 88.6 25.3 (40.0)
110 1674.4 2617.6 943.2 (56.3) 64.1 92.6 28.5 (44.4)
120 1854.4 2979.3 1125.0 (60.7) 64.8 96.9 32.2 (49.7)
124 1926.4 - - 65.0 - -
8.67 90 1315.2 1943.0 627.8 (47.7) 62.3 84.1 21.8 (34.9)
100 1494.4 2271.9 777.5 (52.0) 63.3 88.7 25.4 (40.1)
110 1674.4 2617.6 943.2 (56.3) 64.1 92.6 28.5 (44.5)
116 - 2832.7 - - 95.4 -
119 1836.4 - - 64.7 - -
5.3.4 Impact Factors
The AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications require that live load moments
and shears be increased for impact or dynamic loading. The Standard Specifications
specifies impact factors that decrease with an increase in span length, whereas the LRFD
Specifications specify a constant value of dynamic loading as 33 percent of the
undistributed live load moment or shear. For fatigue load moment, the LRFD
Specifications specify the impact loading to be 15 percent of the undistributed live load
fatigue moment. The fatigue moments are used to check the fatigue limit state required
by the LRFD Specifications. The LRFD Specifications do not require the lane load
moments and shears to be increased for impact loading.
154
A summary of impact factors and the percent difference relative to Standard

value is provided in Table 5.5. The skew angle and strand diameter do not affect the
impact factor, hence only the cases with skew angle 0° and strand diameter 0.5 in. are
presented. It was observed that the LRFD Specifications provides a larger estimate of
dynamic loading as compared to the Standard Specifications. This difference increases
with increasing span length. The increase in the impact factor is in the range of 42
percent to 68 percent of the impact factors specified by Standard Specifications. This
essentially increases the distributed live load moments for the designs based on LRFD
Specifications as compared to the Standard Specifications.
Table 5.5. Comparison of Live Load Impact Factors

Girder Span Impact Factor Difference
Spacing (ft.) (ft.) Standard LRFD (%)
90 0.23 0.33 41.9
100 0.22 0.33 48.5
110 0.21 0.33 55.1
6 120 0.20 0.33 61.7
130 0.20 0.33 68.3
133 - 0.33 -
136 0.19 - -
90 0.23 0.33 41.9
100 0.22 0.33 48.5
8 110 0.21 0.33 55.1
120 0.20 0.33 61.7
124 0.20 - -
90 0.23 0.33 41.9
100 0.22 0.33 48.5
8.67 110 0.21 0.33 55.1
116 - 0.33 -
119 0.20 - -
155
Figure 5.1. illustrates the impact of the LRFD Specifications on the dynamic load
(impact) factors for a 6 ft. girder spacing. The same trend was observed for girder
spacings of 8 ft. and 8.67 ft.
0.35
0.30
0.25
Impact Factor
0.20
0.15
0.10
Standard LRFD
0.05
0.00
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
Figure 5.1. Impact Factors for AASHTO Standard vs. AASHTO LRFD
Specifications (Girder Spacing = 6 ft., Skew = 0°, Strand Diameter = 0.5 in)
5.3.5 Live Load Distribution Factors
The live load moments and shears, including the dynamic (impact) load effect are
distributed to the individual girders. The Standard Specifications provide a simple
formula for moment distribution factor (DF) as S/11 for prestressed concrete girder
bridges, where S is the girder spacing in ft. The same DF is used for the distribution of
live load shear to the girders. The LRFD Specifications provides more complex formulas
for the distribution of live load moments and shears to individual girders. The effects of
beam and slab stiffness are incorporated into these formulas. The LRFD Specifications
requires the DFs for moment to be reduced and DFs for shear to be corrected for skewed
bridges. Table 5.6 compares the live load moment DFs for the Standard and LRFD
Specifications.
156
Table 5.6. Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs (DFM)

(Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Girder skew = 0° skew = 15° skew = 30° skew = 60°
Spacing Span Std. Diff. Diff. Diff. Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) DFM DFM % DFM % DFM % DFM %
90 0.545 0.552 1.1 0.552 1.1 0.533 -2.3 0.453 -16.9
100 0.545 0.537 -1.6 0.537 -1.6 0.520 -4.7 0.448 -17.8
110 0.545 0.523 -4.0 0.523 -4.0 0.508 -6.9 0.443 -18.7
6 120 0.545 0.512 -6.2 0.512 -6.2 0.498 -8.8 0.439 -19.6
130 0.545 0.501 -8.1 0.501 -8.1 0.488 -10.5 0.434 -20.5
133 - 0.498 - 0.498 - 0.486 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 0.431 -
136 0.545 - - - - - - - -
90 0.727 0.675 -7.2 0.675 -7.2 0.648 -10.9 0.536 -26.3
100 0.727 0.656 -9.8 0.656 -9.8 0.632 -13.1 0.532 -26.9
8 110 0.727 0.639 -12.1 0.639 -12.1 0.618 -15.1 0.527 -27.6
120 0.727 0.625 -14.1 0.625 -14.1 0.605 -16.8 0.522 -28.3
124 0.727 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 0.519 -
90 0.788 0.715 -9.3 0.715 -9.3 0.685 -13.0 0.562 -28.7
100 0.788 0.695 -11.9 0.695 -11.9 0.668 -15.2 0.557 -29.3
110 0.788 0.677 -14.1 0.677 -14.1 0.653 -17.1 0.553 -29.9
8.67 116 - 0.667 - 0.667 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 0.643 - - -
119 0.788 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 0.548 -
121 - - - - - - - 0.547 -
It was observed that the live load moment DFs given by the LRFD Specifications
are typically smaller as compared to those for the Standard Specifications. The
difference increases with an increase in span length because the LRFD DFs decrease
with an increase in the span while span length has no effect on the Standard DFs. The
moment DFs increase with increase in girder spacing for both the AASHTO Standard
and LRFD Specifications. In addition, the difference between the DFs increased for
larger girder spacings. The LRFD live load moment DFs are the same for 0° and 15°
157
skews, but there is a significant change when the skew angles are 30° and 60°. It was observed
that increase in skew angles beyond 30° decreases the moment DFs significantly for AASHTO
Type IV girder bridges. The maximum difference between the Standard and LRFD DFs
was found to be 8 percent for 6ft. girder spacing, 14 percent for 8 ft and 8.67 ft. girder
spacing for the skew angle of 0°. This difference increased to 21 percent for 6 ft., 28 percent
for 8 ft. and 30 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing for a skew angle of 60°.
0.8 0.8
Distribution Factor
Distribution Factor
0.7 0.7
0.6 0.6
0.5 0.5
0.4 0.4
90 100 110 120 130 140 90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.) Span (ft.)
(a) Skew = 0° (b) Skew = 15°
0.8 0.8
Distribution Factor
Distribution Factor
0.7 0.7
0.6 0.6
0.5 0.5
0.4
0.4
90 100 110 120 130 140
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.) Span (ft.)
(c) Skew = 30° (d) Skew = 60°
6 ft. Std 6 ft. LRFD 8 ft. Std.

8 ft. LRFD 8.67 ft. Std. 8.67 ft. LRFD
Figure 5.2. Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs by Skew Angle
(Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
158
Figures 5.2 shows the effect of girder spacing and span length on the moment
DFs for skew angles 0°, 15°, 30° and 60°. Figure 5.3 shows the effect of skew on the
moment DFs for 6 ft., 8 ft. and 8.67 ft. girder spacing.
0.8
Distribution Factor
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
(a) Girder Spacing = 6 ft.
Distribution Factor
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
(b) Girder Spacing = 8 ft.
0.8
Distribution Factor
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
(c) Girder Spacing = 8.67 ft.
Std. LRFD Skew0,15
LRFD Skew 30 LRFD Skew 60
Figure 5.3. Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs by Girder Spacing
159
Table 5.7 and Figure 5.4 provide a summary of shear DFs for the parametric
study with AASHTO Type IV girders. The strand diameter does not affect the DFs for
shear.
Table 5.7. Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs (DFV)
LRFD
Girder skew = 0° skew = 15° Skew = 30° skew = 60°
(ft.) (ft.) DFV DFV % DFV % DFV % DFV %
90 0.545 0.671 22.9 0.699 28.2 0.733 34.3 0.857 57.1
100 0.545 0.671 22.9 0.700 28.4 0.735 34.7 0.863 58.3
110 0.545 0.671 22.9 0.701 28.6 0.737 35.1 0.869 59.3
6 120 0.545 0.671 22.9 0.702 28.7 0.738 35.4 0.874 60.3
130 0.545 0.671 22.9 0.703 28.9 0.740 35.7 0.879 61.2
133 - 0.671 - 0.703 - 0.741 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 0.882 -
136 0.545 - - - - - - - -
90 0.727 0.814 12.0 0.849 16.8 0.890 22.4 1.041 43.1
100 0.727 0.814 12.0 0.851 17.0 0.892 22.7 1.048 44.1
8 110 0.727 0.814 12.0 0.852 17.1 0.895 23.0 1.055 45.1
120 0.727 0.814 12.0 0.853 17.2 0.897 23.3 1.062 46.0
124 0.727 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 1.065 -
90 0.788 0.861 9.3 0.898 14.0 0.941 19.4 1.101 39.6
100 0.788 0.861 9.3 0.899 14.1 0.944 19.7 1.108 40.6
110 0.788 0.861 9.3 0.901 14.3 0.946 20.0 1.116 41.6
8.67 116 - 0.861 - 0.901 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 0.948 - - -
119 0.788 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 1.123 -
121 - - - - - - - 1.123 -
The LRFD live load shear DFs specified by LRFD Specifications are larger as
compared to the Standard Specifications. The DFs increases with an increase in girder
spacing for both specifications and the LRFD DFs approach Standard DFs as the girder
spacing is increased. The span length and skew angle has no impact on the shear
160
distribution factors specified by Standard Specifications. The maximum difference in the

shear distribution factors is found to be 61 percent for 6 ft. spacing, 46 percent for 8 ft.
spacing and 42 percent for the 8.67 ft. spacing.
1.2
1.1
1
Distribution Factor
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
1.2
1.1
1
Distribution Factor
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
Figure 5.4. Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs

161
1.2
1.1
Distribution Factor 1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
Std. LRFD Skew 0 LRFD Skew 15 LRFD Skew 30 LRFD Skew 60
Figure 5.4. (Cont.) Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs

5.3.6 Distributed Live Load Moments and Shears
The combined effect of the impact and distribution factors on the live load
moment and shears is presented in this section. The distributed live load moments are
compared in Table 5.8. The distributed live load moments are the same for 0° and 15°
skew angles for LRFD Specifications because the distribution factors for these two
skews are identical. The distributed live load moments were found to be significantly
larger than those for the Standard Specifications. The distributed live load moments
increase in the range of 48 percent to 52 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing when the skew
angle is 0°. As the girder spacing increases the difference between the distributed live
load moments decreases. The LRFD moments were found to be in the range of 36
percent to 38 percent larger for 8 ft. and 33 percent to 38 percent larger for 8.67 ft. girder
spacing when the skew angle is 0°.
162
The increase in skew angle for and beyond 30° results in decrease in distribution
factors. This causes the live load moments to decrease. The difference between the live
load moments for Standard and LRFD Specifications was found to be in the range of 22
percent to 32 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing when skew angle is 60°. This difference
reduces to the range of 8 percent to 15 percent and 4 percent to 9 percent for 8 ft. and
8.67 ft. girder spacing respectively. The increase in span length increases the difference
between the live load moments specified by the two codes.
Table 5.8. Comparison of Distributed Midspan Live Load Moments (LL Mom.) for
AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications (Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Girder Std.
Span Skew 0° Skew 15° Skew 30° Skew 60°
Spacing LL Mom.
(ft.)
(ft.) (k-ft.) LL Mom. Diff. LL Mom. Diff. LL Mom. Diff. LL Mom. Diff.
(k-ft.) % (k-ft.) % (k-ft.) % (k-ft.) %
90 885.4 1310.7 48.0 1310.7 48.0 1265.8 43.0 1077.3 21.7
100 997.4 1483.8 48.8 1483.8 48.8 1436.8 44.1 1239.9 24.3
110 1108.8 1659.4 49.7 1659.4 49.7 1610.5 45.3 1405.7 26.8
120 1219.1 1837.8 50.7 1837.8 50.7 1787.2 46.6 1574.8 29.2
6
130 1328.5 2019.3 52.0 2019.3 52.0 1966.9 48.1 1747.3 31.5
133 - 2074.3 - 2074.3 - 2021.5 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 1834.9 -
136 1393.7 - - - - - - - -
90 1180.5 1603.8 35.9 1603.8 35.9 1540.3 30.5 1273.9 7.9
100 1329.9 1814.1 36.4 1814.1 36.4 1747.8 31.4 1469.7 10.5
110 1478.4 2027.3 37.1 2027.3 37.1 1958.4 32.5 1669.4 12.9
8
120 1625.5 2243.7 38.0 2243.7 38.0 2172.3 33.6 1872.9 15.2
124 1683.9 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 1976.2 -
90 1279.3 1698.5 32.8 1698.5 32.8 1628.5 27.3 1334.9 4.3
100 1441.2 1920.9 33.3 1920.9 33.3 1847.8 28.2 1541.3 6.9
110 1602.2 2146.2 34.0 2146.2 34.0 2070.3 29.2 1751.7 9.3
116 - 2283.0 - 2283.0 - - - - -
8.67
117 - - - - - 2228.1 - - -
119 1745.7 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 1966.3 -
121 - - - - - - - 1988.0 -
163
The distributed shear force at the critical section due to live load is found to be
increasing significantly when LRFD Specifications are used. The increase in the shear
force can be attributed to the increase in the undistributed shear force due to HL93
loading and the increase in distribution factors. The shear force at the critical section for
LRFD Specifications is found to be increasing in the range of 124 percent to 160 percent
for 6 ft. girder spacing as compared to the Standard specifications. The increase was
found to be in the range of 104 percent to 129 percent for 8 ft. and 99 percent to 115
percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing. The results are presented in Table 5.9.
Table 5.9. Comparison of Distributed Live Load Shear at Critical Section for
Standard and LRFD Specifications (Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Girder Std.
Spacing Shear
(ft.) Shear Diff. Shear Diff. Shear Diff. Shear Diff.
(ft.) (kips)
(kips) % (kips) % (kips) % (kips) %
90 41.9 73.5 75.2 76.7 82.7 80.3 91.5 93.9 123.9
100 42.2 76.5 81.1 79.9 89.2 83.8 98.5 98.5 133.1
110 42.4 79.4 87.0 83.0 95.6 87.2 105.4 102.8 142.3
120 42.6 82.1 92.9 86.0 101.9 90.4 112.4 107.0 151.4
6
130 42.7 84.8 98.7 88.8 108.3 93.6 119.3 111.1 160.5
133 - 85.5 - 89.7 - 94.5 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 113.1 -
136 43.5 - - - - - - - -
90 55.9 89.3 59.6 93.1 66.5 97.5 74.4 114.1 104.0
100 56.3 92.9 65.0 97.1 72.3 101.8 80.8 119.6 112.3
110 56.6 96.4 70.3 100.8 78.1 105.9 87.1 124.9 120.7
8
120 56.8 99.7 75.7 104.4 83.9 109.8 93.4 130.0 129.0
124 56.8 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 132.5 -
90 60.6 94.4 55.7 98.4 62.4 103.1 70.1 120.6 99.0
100 61.0 98.3 61.0 102.6 68.1 107.7 76.4 126.5 107.2
110 61.3 101.9 66.2 106.6 73.8 112.0 82.6 132.1 115.3
116 - 104.1 - 108.9 - - - - -
8.67
117 - - - - - 114.9 - - -
119 61.5 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 137.5 -
121 - - - - - - - 138.0 -
164
5.4 IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD SPECIFICATIONS ON SERVICE LOAD

DESIGN
5.4.1 General
The impact of LRFD Specifications on the service load design results is

discussed in this section. The effect on prestress losses, required number of strands and
the required concrete strengths at service and at release is discussed. The increase in the
live load moment and the change in equations for prestress loss calculations specified by
AASHTO LRFD Specifications results in different service load design requirements.
The change in the service load combination and allowable stress limits also affects the
design. Generally the design requirements for LRFD Specifications were found to be
conservative as compared to Standard Specifications.
5.4.2 Impact on Prestress Losses
The loss in prestress occurs mainly from four sources viz. shrinkage of concrete,
relaxation of steel, elastic shortening of steel and creep of concrete. These losses are
categorized into initial prestress loss and final prestress loss. The initial prestress loss
occurs due to initial relaxation of steel and elastic shortening of prestressing strands. The
final loss occurs due to final relaxation, creep and shrinkage of concrete. Total prestress
loss is the combination of initial and final loss.
5.4.2.1 Prestress Loss Due to Elastic Shortening of Steel
The loss of prestress due to elastic shortening of steel is dependent on the

modulus of the prestressing strands, modulus of concrete at release and the number of
prestressing strands. The modulus of the elasticity of prestressing strands is specified by
Standard specifications as 28000 ksi and LRFD Specifications as 28500 ksi. The
modulus of the concrete depends on the concrete strength at release. The required
concrete strength at release is different for Standard and LRFD Specifications. The
combined effect of these parameters results in a non-uniform trend. The prestress loss
165
due to elastic shortening was found to be increasing for LRFD Specifications based
design, except for a few cases when skew angle was 60°.
Table 5.10. Comparison of Prestress Loss Due to Elastic Shortening (ES) for
LRFD
Girder Std. Skew 0° Skew 15° Skew 30° Skew 60°
Spacing Span ES Diff. Diff. Diff. Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) (ksi) ES (ksi) % ES (ksi) % ES (ksi) % ES (ksi) %
6 90 11.33 12.95 14.3 12.95 14.3 12.95 14.3 11.49 1.4
100 13.28 14.05 5.8 14.05 5.8 13.45 1.3 12.81 -3.5
110 14.16 15.33 8.3 15.33 8.3 15.33 8.2 14.84 4.8
120 15.62 16.97 8.6 16.97 8.6 16.60 6.2 16.20 3.7
130 16.91 18.84 11.4 18.84 11.4 18.44 9.0 17.68 4.5
133 - 19.28 - 19.28 - 19.28 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 18.87 -
136 18.31 - - - - - - - -
8 90 14.02 14.78 5.4 14.78 5.4 14.80 5.6 13.59 -3.0
100 15.95 16.58 4.0 16.58 4.0 16.14 1.2 15.68 -1.7
110 17.24 18.13 5.2 18.13 5.2 17.79 3.2 17.43 1.1
120 18.88 20.11 6.5 20.11 6.5 19.93 5.6 19.07 1.0
124 19.91 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 20.11 -
8.67 90 14.59 15.33 5.1 15.33 5.1 15.36 5.2 14.20 -2.7
100 16.38 17.01 3.8 17.01 3.8 17.00 3.8 16.14 -1.5
110 17.93 19.08 6.4 19.08 6.4 18.80 4.9 17.78 -0.8
116 - 20.14 - 20.14 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 20.10 - - -
119 19.90 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 19.93 -
121 - - - - - - - 20.07 -
The increase in girder spacing resulted in a decrease in the difference between

the loss calculated using the two specifications. The skew angle does not have a well
defined effect on the loss but for skew angle of 60° the loss is found to be decreasing.
This can be attributed to the decrease in the live load moments thereby decreasing the
166
number of prestressing strands and consequently the stress in the concrete. Similar trends
were observed for 0.5 in and 0.6 in. diameter strands. The results for 0.5 in. diameter
strand are presented in Table 5.10.
5.4.2.2 Prestress Loss Due to Initial Steel Relaxation
The loss in prestress due to initial relaxation of steel is specified by LRFD

Specifications as a function of time, jacking and the yield stress of the prestressing
strands. The time for release of prestress is taken as 24 hours. This provides a constant
estimate of initial relaxation loss as 1.98 ksi. This does not have any effect of skew and
strand diameter. The Standard Specifications do not specify a particular formula to
evaluate the initial relaxation loss. Following the TxDOT practices (TxDOT 2001) the
initial relaxation loss is taken as half the total relaxation loss.
It was observed that the prestress loss due to relaxation calculated in accordance
with LRFD Specifications yields a conservative estimate. This conservatism for 0.5 in.
diameter strands is in the range of 36 percent to 148 percent for 6 ft., 62 percent to 223
percent for 8 ft. and 70 percent to 168 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing. The increase in
the initial relaxation loss was found to be in the range of 48 percent to 116 percent for 6
ft., 78 percent to 143 percent for 8 ft. and 72 percent to 168 percent for 8.67 ft. girder
spacing when 0.6 in. diameter strands were used. The conservatism is found to be
increasing with the increase in span and also with the increase in girder spacing. Table
5.11 shows the results for 0.5 in. strand diameter and the results for 0.6 in. strand
diameter are presented in Table 5.12. The cases with only skew angle 0° are compared as
the skew angle has no effect on the initial relaxation loss.
167
Table 5.11. Comparison of Prestress Loss due to Initial Steel Relaxation for
AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications (Skew = 0°, Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
Girder Initial Relaxation
Spacing Span Loss (ksi) Difference
(ft.) (ft.) Standard LRFD %
6 90 1.45 1.98 36.1
100 1.26 1.98 57.5
110 1.17 1.98 69.3
120 0.99 1.98 100.8
130 0.80 1.98 147.5
133 - 1.98 -
136 0.65 - -
8 90 1.22 1.98 61.6
100 1.00 1.98 97.8
110 0.83 1.98 137.4
120 0.61 1.98 223.4
124 0.48 - -
8.67 90 1.16 1.98 70.4
100 0.95 1.98 108.1
110 0.74 1.98 167.4
116 - 1.98 -
119 0.49 - -
168
Table 5.12. Comparison of Prestress Loss due to Initial Steel Relaxation for
Standard and LRFD Specifications (Skew = 0°, Strand Dia. = 0.6 in.)
Girder Initial Relaxation
Spacing Span Loss (ksi) Difference
(ft.) (ft.) Standard LRFD %
6 90 1.34 1.98 48.2
100 1.25 1.98 58.1
110 1.15 1.98 71.8
120 0.91 1.98 116.4
126 - 1.98 -
130 0.78 - -
131 0.71 - -
8 90 1.14 1.98 73.5
100 0.94 1.98 109.7
110 0.82 1.98 142.8
116 - 1.98 -
119 0.59 - -
8.67 90 1.15 1.98 71.6
100 0.86 1.98 130.4
110 0.74 1.98 168.4
113 - 1.98 -
115 0.54 - -
5.4.2.3 Initial Prestress Loss
The initial prestress loss is the combination of the losses due to elastic shortening
and initial steel relaxation. The combined effect of the changes in these two losses was
observed in the initial loss percent calculations between Standard and LRFD
Specifications. The initial loss estimates provided by LRFD Specifications are found to
be conservative as compared to the Standard Specifications.
169
Table 5.13. Comparison of Initial Prestress Loss (%) for AASHTO Standard and
LRFD Specifications (Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
Initial Loss Percent for LRFD
Spacing Span Initial Init. Diff. Init. Diff. Init. Diff. Init. Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) Loss (%) Loss (%) % Loss (%) % Loss (%) % Loss (%) %
6 90 6.31 7.37 16.7 7.37 16.7 7.37 16.7 6.65 5.4
100 7.18 7.92 10.3 7.92 10.3 7.62 6.2 7.30 1.8
110 7.57 8.55 12.9 8.55 12.9 8.55 12.9 8.31 9.7
120 8.20 9.36 14.1 9.36 14.1 9.17 11.8 8.98 9.5
130 8.75 10.28 17.5 10.28 17.5 10.08 15.3 9.71 11.0
133 - 10.50 - 10.50 - 10.50 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 10.30 -
136 9.36 - - - - - - - -
8 90 7.53 8.28 9.9 8.28 9.9 8.29 10.1 7.69 2.2
100 8.37 9.16 9.5 9.16 9.5 8.95 6.9 8.72 4.2
110 8.93 9.93 11.3 9.93 11.3 9.76 9.4 9.59 7.4
120 9.62 10.91 13.4 10.91 13.4 10.82 12.4 10.40 8.0
124 10.07 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 10.91 -
8.67 90 7.78 8.55 9.9 8.55 9.9 8.56 10.0 7.99 2.7
100 8.56 9.38 9.5 9.38 9.5 9.37 9.5 8.95 4.5
110 9.22 10.40 12.8 10.40 12.8 10.26 11.3 9.76 5.9
116 - 10.92 - 10.92 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 10.90 - - -
119 10.07 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 10.82 -
121 - - - - - - - 10.89 -
Except for few cases when skew angle was 60°, the increase in the initial loss
percent was found to be in the range of 7 percent to 11 percent. The skew angle of 30°
does not have a significant effect on initial loss percent however, the skew angle of 60°
was found to decrease the initial loss percent significantly. This trend follows the trend
of the loss due to elastic shortening as it is the major contributor to the initial losses.
170
Table 5.13 presents the results for strand diameter of 0.5 in. Similar trends were
observed for 0.6 in. diameter strands.
12
11
Initial Loss (%)
10
9
8
7
6
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
12
Initial Loss (%)
11
10
9
8
7
6
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
12
Initial Loss (%)
11
10
9
8
7
6
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
Std. LRFD Skew0,15
Figure 5.5. Comparison of Initial Prestress Loss (%) for AASHTO Standard and LRFD
Specifications (Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
171
5.4.2.4 Prestress Loss Due to Shrinkage of Concrete
The Standard and LRFD Specifications prescribe the loss of prestress due to
shrinkage of concrete as a function of relative humidity. For the relative humidity of 60
percent, loss due to shrinkage was found to be 8 ksi for both Standard and LRFD
Specifications for all the cases.
5.4.2.5 Total Prestress Loss Due to Steel Relaxation
The total prestress loss due steel relaxation is the combination of loss due to
initial relaxation and final relaxation of steel. The Standard Specifications specify
empirical formulas to estimate the total loss due to steel relaxation half of which is
considered to be at initial conditions and other half is considered in the final losses. This
methodology is used by TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001). The LRFD
Specifications specify an empirical formula to estimate the final prestress loss due to
steel relaxation. The combined effect of the initial and final loss due to steel relaxation is
presented in this section.
The estimate of total prestress loss due to steel relaxation provided by LRFD
Specifications is found to be significantly conservative as compared to Standard
Specifications. The conservatism is in the range of 78 percent to 135 percent for 6 ft., 94
percent to 182 percent for 8 ft. and 98 percent to 164 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing
when 0.5 in. strands are used. The conservatism increases with the increase in span
length and girder spacing. The increase in skew also increases the conservatism in the
estimation of total relaxation losses. The results for 0.5 in. diameter strands are presented
in Table 5.14. Similar trends were observed for 0.6 in. diameter strands.
172
Table 5.14. Comparison of Total Relaxation Loss (CRS) for AASHTO

LRFD
Spacing Span CRS CRS Diff. CRS Diff. CRS Diff. CRS Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) (ksi) (ksi) % (ksi) % (ksi) % (ksi) %
6 90 2.91 5.18 78.0 5.18 78.0 5.18 78.0 5.46 87.6
100 2.51 4.81 91.2 4.81 91.2 4.98 98.3 5.17 105.6
110 2.34 4.46 90.7 4.46 90.7 4.46 90.8 4.62 97.4
120 1.97 3.94 99.6 3.94 99.6 4.07 106.2 4.20 113.2
130 1.60 3.42 113.8 3.42 113.8 3.53 120.5 3.76 135.0
133 - 3.28 - 3.28 - 3.28 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 3.41 -
136 1.29 - - - - - - - -
90 2.45 4.73 93.1 4.73 93.1 4.73 93.0 5.09 107.7
8 100 2.00 4.22 111.0 4.22 111.0 4.37 118.5 4.53 126.1
110 1.67 3.72 123.0 3.72 123.0 3.85 130.6 3.98 138.5
120 1.22 3.15 157.4 3.15 157.4 3.23 163.7 3.45 182.1
124 0.97 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 3.17 -
8.67 90 2.32 4.58 97.3 4.58 97.3 4.58 97.1 4.93 112.3
100 1.90 4.11 115.9 4.11 115.9 4.11 115.9 4.41 131.5
110 1.48 3.49 135.5 3.49 135.5 3.60 143.1 3.88 162.4
116 - 3.15 - 3.15 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 3.18 - - -
119 0.99 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 3.27 -
121 - - - - - - - 3.22 -
5.4.2.6 Prestress Loss Due to Creep of Concrete
The Standard and LRFD Specifications specify similar expressions for the
estimation of prestress loss due to creep of concrete. The loss due to creep depends on
the concrete stress at the center of gravity (c.g.) of prestressing strands due to dead loads
before and after prestressing. Small difference was observed in the estimates of the loss
due to concrete creep for Standard and LRFD Specifications. The estimate provided by
173
LRFD Specifications is slightly conservative except for cases with skew angle of 60°.
The conservatism decreases with the increase in span and girder spacing. The maximum
difference was found to be 15 percent. The trends for 0.5 in diameter are presented in
Table 5.14 and the trends for 0.6 in. diameter strands were found to be similar.
Table 5.15. Comparison of Prestress Loss due to Creep of Concrete (CRC) for
LRFD
Spacing Span CRC CRC Diff. CRC Diff. CRC Diff. CRC Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) (ksi) (ksi) % (ksi) % (ksi) % (ksi) %
6 90 11.14 12.78 14.8 12.78 14.8 12.78 14.8 11.05 -0.8
100 15.18 16.80 10.7 16.80 10.7 15.03 -1.0 13.23 -12.8
110 16.90 19.99 18.3 19.99 18.3 19.98 18.2 18.35 8.6
120 21.31 25.47 19.5 25.47 19.5 24.02 12.7 22.52 5.7
130 26.18 30.31 15.8 30.31 15.8 29.32 12.0 26.99 3.1
133 - 31.81 - 31.81 - 31.81 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 30.33 -
136 29.55 - - - - - - - -
8 90 14.97 16.60 10.9 16.60 10.9 16.61 11.0 13.01 -13.1
100 20.07 21.43 6.8 21.43 6.8 19.83 -1.2 18.19 -9.4
110 24.16 26.75 10.7 26.75 10.7 25.30 4.7 23.83 -1.4
120 29.76 32.24 8.3 32.24 8.3 31.33 5.3 29.29 -1.6
124 32.86 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 32.00 -
8.67 90 16.34 17.93 9.8 17.93 9.8 17.94 9.8 14.37 -12.0
100 21.18 22.52 6.3 22.52 6.3 22.52 6.3 19.30 -8.9
110 26.53 28.72 8.3 28.72 8.3 27.40 3.3 24.69 -6.9
116 - 32.21 - 32.21 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 31.83 - - -
119 32.47 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 30.67 -
121 - - - - - - - 31.22 -
174
5.4.2.7 Total Prestress Loss
The total loss of prestress is estimated based on Standard and LRFD

Specifications. The combined effect of different losses results in total prestress loss
estimates provided by LRFD Specifications that are slightly conservative as compared to
those provided by Standard Specifications. The conservatism was found to be in the
range of 7 percent to 16 percent for 6 ft., 1 percent to 12 percent for 8 ft. and 1 percent to
11 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing.
Table 5.16. Comparison of Total Prestress Loss Percent for AASHTO Standard
and LRFD Specifications (Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Spacing Span Tot. Loss Tot. Loss Diff. Tot. Loss Diff. Tot. Loss Diff. Tot. Loss Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) (%) (%) % (%) % (%) % (%) %
6 90 16.48 19.22 16.6 19.22 16.6 19.22 16.6 17.78 7.8
100 19.24 21.56 12.0 21.56 12.0 20.47 6.4 19.36 0.6
110 20.44 23.60 15.4 23.60 15.4 23.59 15.4 22.62 10.6
120 23.16 26.85 15.9 26.85 15.9 26.02 12.3 25.15 8.6
130 26.02 29.91 15.0 29.91 15.0 29.28 12.5 27.87 7.1
133 - 30.80 - 30.80 - 30.80 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 29.94 -
136 28.22 - - - - - - - -
8 90 19.48 21.78 11.8 21.78 11.8 21.80 11.9 19.60 0.6
100 22.72 24.81 9.2 24.81 9.2 23.87 5.1 22.91 0.8
110 25.22 27.95 10.8 27.95 10.8 27.13 7.6 26.29 4.2
120 28.57 31.36 9.8 31.36 9.8 30.86 8.0 29.54 3.4
124 30.49 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 31.25 -
90 20.37 22.64 11.1 22.64 11.1 22.66 11.2 20.50 0.6
8.67
100 23.44 25.50 8.8 25.50 8.8 25.50 8.8 23.62 0.8
110 26.64 29.28 9.9 29.28 9.9 28.54 7.2 26.84 0.8
116 - 31.36 - 31.36 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 31.16 - - -
119 30.30 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 30.55 -
121 - - - - - - - 30.87 -
175
35
Total Loss (%)

30
25
20
15
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
35
Total Loss (%)
30
25
20
15
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
35
Total Loss (%)
30
25
20
15
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
Std. LRFD Skew0,15 LRFD Skew 30 LRFD Skew 60
Figure 5.6. Comparison of Total Prestress Loss (%) for AASHTO Standard and LRFD
176
The conservatism was found to be decreasing with the increase in span length,
skew angle and girder spacing. The results for 0.5 in. diameter strands are presented in
Table 5.15 and Figure 5.6.
5.4.3. Impact on the Required Number of Prestressing Strands
The number of strands required depends on the allowable stress limits and the
stresses caused due to dead load and live load. There is a change in the allowable stress
limits in LRFD Specifications and the live load stresses are also different. The Service
III limit state that checks the bottom tensile stresses also impacts the prestressing strand
requirements. The difference in the prestress losses is another factor that effects the final
strand requirements. Strength limit state controls the number of strands only for one
case when span length is 90 ft. with 6 ft. girder spacing.
The LRFD Specifications require larger number of strands for most of the cases
for 0.5 in diameter strands. The difference in the required number of strands by LRFD
and Standard Specifications increases with the increase in span length and decreases
with the increase in girder spacing and skew angle. For a few cases with skew angle of
60° the number of strands required by LRFD Specifications was found to be lesser than
that of Standard Specifications. The difference was found to be in the range of -6 percent
to 13 percent for 6 ft., -7 percent to 9 percent for 8 ft. and -7 percent to 7 percent for 8.67
ft. girder spacing. The results for 0.5 in diameter strands are presented in Table 5.16.
Similar trends were found for 0.6 in. diameter strands. The results for 0.6 in. diameter
strands are presented in Table 5.17. Figures 5.7 and 5.8 illustrate the comparison of
strand requirement for Standard and LRFD specifications.
177
Table 5.17. Comparison of Required Number of Strands for AASHTO Standard

LRFD
Girder Skew 0° Skew 15° Skew 30° Skew 60°
Spacing Span No. of No. of Diff. No. of Diff. No. of Diff. No. of Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) Strands Strands % Strands % Strands % Strands %
6 90 24 26 8.3 26 8.3 26 8.3 24 0.0
100 32 34 6.3 34 6.3 32 0.0 30 -6.3
110 38 42 10.5 42 10.5 42 10.5 40 5.3
120 48 54 12.5 54 12.5 52 8.3 50 4.2
130 60 68 13.3 68 13.3 66 10.0 62 3.3
133 - 74 - 74 - 74 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 72 -
136 70 - - - - - - - -
8 90 30 32 6.7 32 6.7 32 6.7 28 -6.7
100 40 42 5.0 42 5.0 40 0.0 38 -5.0
110 50 54 8.0 54 8.0 52 4.0 50 0.0
120 64 70 9.4 70 9.4 68 6.3 64 0.0
124 74 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 74 -
8.67 90 32 34 6.3 34 6.3 34 6.3 30 -6.3
100 42 44 4.8 44 4.8 44 4.8 40 -4.8
110 54 58 7.4 58 7.4 56 3.7 52 -3.7
116 - 68 - 68 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 68 - - -
119 70 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 68 -
121 - - - - - - - 70 -
178

LRFD
6 90 18 18 0.0 18 0.0 18 0.0 18 0.0
100 22 24 9.1 24 9.1 22 0.0 22 0.0
110 26 30 15.4 30 15.4 30 15.4 28 7.7
120 34 36 5.9 36 5.9 36 5.9 34 0.0
126 - 42 - 42 - - - - -
127 - - - - - 42 - - -
130 40 - - - - - - 42 5.0
131 42 - - - - - - - -
8 90 22 22 0.0 22 0.0 22 0.0 20 -9.1
100 28 30 7.1 30 7.1 28 0.0 26 -7.1
110 34 36 5.9 36 5.9 36 5.9 34 0.0
116 - 42 - 42 - 40 - - -
119 42 - - - - - - 42 0.0
8.67 90 22 24 9.1 24 9.1 24 9.1 22 0.0
100 30 30 0.0 30 0.0 30 0.0 28 -6.7
110 36 38 5.6 38 5.6 38 5.6 36 0.0
113 - 42 - 42 - - - - -
114 - - - - - 42 - - -
115 42 - - - - - - - -
117 - - - - - - - 42 -
179
80
Number of Strands
70
60
50
40
30
20
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
80
70
Number of Strands
60
50
40
30
20
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
80
70
Number of Strands
60
50
40
30
20
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
Figure 5.7. Comparison of Required Number of Strands for AASHTO Standard and
180
50
Number of Strands
40
30
20
10
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
50
Number of Strands
40
30
20
10
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
50
Number of Strands
40
30
20
10
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
181
5.4.4 Impact on Concrete Strengths
5.4.4.1 Concrete Strength at Release
The optimized concrete strength at release depends on the stresses due to

prestressing and the self weight of the girder. As there was a slight increase in the
number of strands required for LRFD Specifications a subsequent increase in the
required concrete strength at release was observed.
Table 5.19. Comparison of Concrete Strength at Release (f’ci) for AASHTO

LRFD
Spacing Span f’ci Diff. Diff. Diff. f’ci Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) (psi) f’ci (psi) % f’ci (psi) % F’ci (psi) % (psi) %
6 90 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
100 4000.0 4009.7 0.2 4009.7 0.2 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
110 4244.3 4739.7 11.7 4739.7 11.7 4739.8 11.7 4481.4 5.6
120 5246.7 5930.6 13.0 5930.6 13.0 5692.1 8.5 5453.4 3.9
130 6403.0 6510.0 1.7 6510.0 1.7 6506.0 1.6 6318.9 -1.3
133 - 6655.0 - 6655.0 - 6655.0 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 6598.7 -
136 6613.4 - - - - - - - -
8 90 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
100 4478.3 4707.7 5.1 4707.7 5.1 4450.0 -0.6 4191.4 -6.4
110 5456.6 5893.2 8.0 5893.2 8.0 5655.3 3.6 5417.0 -0.7
120 6538.4 6582.9 0.7 6582.9 0.7 6471.2 -1.0 6482.5 -0.9
124 6750.8 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 6624.7 -
8.67 90 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
100 4739.1 4964.5 4.8 4964.5 4.8 4964.6 4.8 4450.0 -6.1
110 5939.6 6057.8 2.0 6057.8 2.0 5837.0 -1.7 5655.4 -4.8
116 - 6603.4 - 6603.4 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 6561.0 - - -
119 6716.0 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 6471.2 -
121 - - - - - - - 6538.9 -
182
The minimum strength at release was considered to be 4000 psi. For 90 ft. span
length it was observed that minimum concrete strength governs. The LRFD
Specifications yields a slightly conservative estimate of the concrete strength at release.
The maximum difference was found to be 12 percent. The concrete strength at release is
limited to 6750 psi. and in most of the cases it governs the maximum span length. The
results for 0.5 in. diameter strands are presented in Table 5.19.
5.4.4.2 Concrete Strength at Service
The concrete strength at service is affected by the stresses at the midspan due to
prestressing force, dead loads, superimposed loads and live loads. The concrete strength
at service is limited to 8750 psi. However, this limitation does not affect the maximum
span length as the initial concrete strength approaches its limits earlier than the final
concrete strength. The minimum strength was considered as 5000 psi and for span
lengths less than 110 ft. it was observed that this limit controls. Also the concrete
strength at service cannot be smaller than the concrete strength at release. This limitation
governs for a few cases for 0.5 in diameter strands and most of the cases for 0.6 in.
diameter strands.
The LRFD Specifications do not have a significant effect on the concrete

strength at service. A small reduction in the required concrete strength was observed for
most of the cases, maximum difference being 9 percent. The results for 0.5 in. diameter
strands are presented in Table 5.20.
183
Table 5.20. Comparison of Concrete Strength at Service (f’c) for AASHTO

LRFD
Spacing Span Diff. Diff. Diff. Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) f’c (psi) f’c (psi) % f’c (psi) % f’c (psi) % f’c (psi) %
6 90 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
6 100 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
6 110 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
6 120 5955.5 5930.6 -0.4 5930.6 -0.4 5692.1 -4.4 5453.4 -8.4
6 130 7384.6 6833.0 -7.5 6833.0 -7.5 7215.8 -2.3 6699.9 -9.3
6 133 - 8619.5 - 8619.5 - 7683.3 - - -
6 135 - - - - - - - 7937.6 -
6 136 8621.6 - - - - - - - -
8 90 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
8 100 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
8 110 5583.9 5893.2 5.5 5893.2 5.5 5655.3 1.3 5417.0 -3.0
8 120 7164.7 7598.9 6.1 7598.9 6.1 7639.9 6.6 6482.5 -9.5
8 124 8306.4 - - - - - - - -
8 125 - - - - - - - 8305.0 -
8.67 90 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
8.67 100 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
8.67 110 5939.6 6057.8 2.0 6057.8 2.0 5837.0 -1.7 5655.4 -4.8
8.67 116 - 6780.5 - 6780.5 - - - - -
8.67 117 - - - - - 7261.9 - - -
8.67 119 7602.4 - - - - - - - -
8.67 120 - - - - - - - 7222.7 -
8.67 121 - - - - - - - 7806.4 -
5.4.5 Impact of AASHTO LRFD on Maximum Span Length
The maximum span lengths are limited by the concrete strength at release of
6750 psi and concrete strength at service of 8750 psi. The maximum span is not
governed by maximum number of strands for any of the cases considered for the
parametric study. The maximum allowable concrete strengths are reached when the
strand number was in the range of 70 to 74, whereas AASHTO Type IV girder can hold
up to 102 strands. Thus by relaxing the limit on concrete strengths longer spans can be
184
achieved. The LRFD Specifications have a reducing effect on the maximum span length.
This is due to a slightly conservative estimate of the concrete strengths which reaches
the limits earlier than the Standard Specifications. However, the difference between the
maximum span lengths was found to be negligible. The difference was in the range of
-4 percent to 2 percent for all the cases with strand diameter of 0.5 in. and 0.6 in. The
results for maximum span length are presented in Table 5.21.
Table 5.21. Comparison of Maximum Span Lengths for AASHTO Standard and
LRFD Specifications
LRFD
Std. Skew 0° Skew 15° Skew 30° Skew 60°
Strand Girder Max. Max. Max. Max. Max.
Dia. Spacing Span Span Diff. Span Diff. Span Diff. Span Diff.
(in.) (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) (%) (ft.) (%) (ft.) (%) (ft.) (%)
0.5 6 136 133 -2.2 133 -2.2 133 -2.2 135 -0.7
8 124 120 -3.2 120 -3.2 120 -3.2 125 0.8
8.67 119 116 -2.5 116 -2.5 117 -1.7 121 1.7
0.6 6 131 126 -3.8 126 -3.8 127 -3.1 130 -0.8
8 119 116 -2.5 116 -2.5 116 -2.5 119 0.0
8.67 115 113 -1.7 113 -1.7 114 -0.9 117 1.7
185
5.5 IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD SPECIFICATIONS ON FLEXURAL

STRENGTH LIMIT STATE
5.5.1 General
The impact of LRFD Specifications on the requirements of ultimate flexural

strength limit state design is discussed in following section. The change in the load
combination, the required concrete strengths and the number of strands from service
limit state effects the ultimate flexural strength limit. The impact of change in the
definition of the rectangular section behavior and flanged section behavior in LRFD
Specifications is discussed. The reinforcement limits have also been changed in the
LRFD specifications, however for all the cases of Standard and LRFD Specifications the
sections are found to be under reinforced.
5.5.2 Impact on Design Moment
The load combinations for ultimate limit state are significantly changed from
Standard to LRFD Specifications. The load factors for moments due to live load and
dead loads except wearing surface load specified by LRFD Specifications are smaller
than the Standard Specifications. The load factor for moment due to wearing surface
load is increased in the LRFD Specifications. The live load moments specified by LRFD
specifications are larger than that of Standard Specifications. The combined effect of
these two changes results in the design moments that are comparable.
The LRFD Specifications yields design moments that are in general slightly
conservative as compared to the Standard Specifications. The conservatism is found to
decrease with the increase in span length, girder spacing and skew angle beyond 30°.
The design moments for skew angle of 60° are less conservative as compared to the
Standard Specifications. The difference in the design moments was found to be in the
range of -2 percent to 8 percent for 6 ft., -8 percent to 4 percent for 8 ft. and -10 percent
to 3 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing. The strand diameter does not have any effect on
186
the design moments. The comparison of the design moments specified by Standard and
LRFD specifications is presented in Table 5.22.
Table 5.22. Comparison of Factored Ultimate Moment (Mu) for AASHTO

LRFD
Spacing Span Mu Mu Diff. Mu Diff. Mu Diff. Mu Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) (k-ft.) (k-ft.) % (k-ft.) % (k-ft.) % (k-ft.) %
6 90 3960.7 4278.7 8.0 4278.7 8.0 4200.0 6.0 3869.9 -2.3
100 4690.2 5053.6 7.7 5053.6 7.7 4971.5 6.0 4626.8 -1.4
110 5470.3 5884.6 7.6 5884.6 7.6 5799.2 6.0 5440.7 -0.5
120 6299.9 6771.2 7.5 6771.2 7.5 6682.6 6.1 6310.9 0.2
130 7179.5 7713.7 7.4 7713.7 7.4 7622.1 6.2 7237.7 0.8
133 - 8007.3 - 8007.3 - 7914.9 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 7722.4 -
136 7731.2 - - - - - - - -
8 90 4932.0 5117.6 3.8 5117.6 3.8 5006.4 1.5 4540.0 -7.9
100 5821.5 6035.1 3.7 6035.1 3.7 5919.1 1.7 5432.5 -6.7
110 6769.4 7017.9 3.7 7017.9 3.7 6897.3 1.9 6391.5 -5.6
120 7774.6 8065.2 3.7 8065.2 3.7 7940.3 2.1 7416.3 -4.6
124 8192.8 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 7953.5 -
8.67 90 5232.1 5365.6 2.6 5365.6 2.6 5243.0 0.2 4728.9 -9.6
100 6169.1 6323.7 2.5 6323.7 2.5 6195.8 0.4 5659.4 -8.3
110 7166.6 7349.4 2.6 7349.4 2.6 7216.6 0.7 6659.1 -7.1
116 - 7996.9 - 7996.9 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 7971.0 - - -
119 8114.9 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 7727.0 -
121 - - - - - - - 7837.6 -
5.5.3 Impact on Section Behavior
The impact of LRFD Specifications on the section behavior is discussed in this

section. The Standard Specifications defines a section to be behaving as a rectangular
187
section if the depth of equivalent stress block is less than the thickness of compression
flange (slab). The LRFD Specifications use the location of neutral axis to categorize the
section behavior as rectangular or flanged. The section is defined to be rectangular if the
neutral axis lies in the compression flange (slab). The expression specified by LRFD
Specifications for the determination of depth of neutral axis is different from the
Standard Specifications. The location of the stress block and neutral axis for Standard
and LRFD Specifications is presented in Figures 5.- and 5.-.
The flanged section behavior is categorized into two cases for Standard
Specifications. The first case when the depth of stress block is less than the sum of the
slab and girder flange thickness and the second case when the depth of stress block
exceeds the sum of the thickness of slab and girder flange. It was observed that for
Standard Specifications most of the sections have rectangular section behavior and for
few cases when the span length is larger than 120 ft. the stress block enters the girder
flange. The stress block does not enter the web portion of the girder for any of the cases
considered in the parametric study.
The flanged section behavior is divided into three categories for LRFD
specifications. The first case when the neutral axis lies in the flange of the girder, the
second case when the neutral axis lies in the fillet portion of the girder and the third case
when the neutral axis lies in the web of the girder. It was observed that for span lengths
up to 110 ft. the section behaves as a rectangular section for most cases. For span lengths
up to 120 ft. the neutral axis lies in the girder flange and thereafter in the fillet portion of
the girder. The neutral axis does not lie in the girder web for any of the cases considered
for this study.
188
Table 5.23. Section Behavior for AASHTO Standard and LRFD

Girder Standard LRFD Section Behavior
Span
Spacing Section
(ft.) Skew 0° Skew 15° Skew 30° Skew 60°
(ft.) Behavior
6 90 Rec. Rec. Rec. Rec. Rec.
100 Rec. Rec. Rec. Rec. Rec.
* * *
110 Rec. Flanged Flanged Flanged Rec.
* * * *
120 Rec. Flanged Flanged Flanged Flanged
* ** ** ** **
130 Flanged Flanged Flanged Flanged Flanged
** ** **
133 - Flanged Flanged Flanged -
**
135 - - - - Flanged
*
136 Flanged - - - -
8 90 Rec. Rec. Rec. Rec. Rec.
* * * *
120 Rec. Flanged Flanged Flanged Flanged
*
124 Flanged - - - -
*
125 - - - - Flanged
8.67 90 Rec. Rec. Rec. Rec. Rec.
* *
116 - Flanged Flanged - -
*
117 - - - Flanged -
119 Rec. - - - -
*
120 - - - - Flanged
*
121 - - - - Flanged
Notes:
*
1) Flanged : The section behaves as a flanged section with neutral axis lying in the girder
flange for LRFD Specifications and stress block lying in the girder flange for Standard
Specifications.
**
2) Flanged : The section behaves as a flanged section with neutral axis lying in the fillet
area of the girder for LRFD Specifications and stress block lying in the fillet area of the
girder for Standard Specifications.
189
16
14
12
a (in.)
10
8 Slab Ends
6
4
2
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
16
14
12
10
a (in.)
8 Slab Ends
6
4
2
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
16
14
12
10
a (in.)
8
Slab Ends
6
4
2
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
Figure 5.9. Comparison of depth of equivalent stress block (in.) for AASHTO Standard
190
24
20
16 Gir. Flange Ends
c (in.) 12
8 Slab Ends
4
0
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
24
20
16 Gir. Flange Ends
c (in.)
12
8 Slab Ends
4
0
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
24
20
16 Gir. Flange Ends

c (in.)
12
8 Slab Ends
4
0
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
Figure 5.10. Comparison of depth of Neutral Axis (in.) for AASHTO Standard and LRFD
191
5.5.4 Impact on Moment Resistance
The change in the concrete strength at service and the number of strands affects
the moment resistance capacity of the section. The change in expression for evaluation
of effective prestress in the prestressing strands also has an effect on the ultimate
moment resistance of the section.
Table 5.24. Comparison of Moment Resistance (Mr) for AASHTO Standard and
LRFD
Spacing Span Mr Mr Diff. Mr Diff. Mr Diff. Mr Diff.
6 90 4616.7 4946.8 7.2 4946.8 7.2 4946.8 7.2 4606.8 -0.2
100 5962.4 6273.2 5.2 6273.2 5.2 5946.6 -0.3 5616.7 -5.8
110 6923.2 7421.7 7.2 7421.7 7.2 7421.7 7.2 7205.9 4.1
120 8400.9 8870.0 5.6 8870.0 5.6 8645.8 2.9 8416.9 0.2
130 9959.0 10004.7 0.5 10004.7 0.5 9883.1 -0.8 9557.1 -4.0
133 - 10391.0 - 10391.0 - 10303.4 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 10242.8 -
136 10964.0 - - - - - - - -
8 90 5728.7 6059.9 5.8 6059.9 5.8 6059.9 5.8 5371.2 -6.2
100 7398.1 7695.8 4.0 7695.8 4.0 7379.1 -0.3 7060.0 -4.6
110 8936.6 9489.1 6.2 9489.1 6.2 9200.8 3.0 8910.2 -0.3
120 10836.0 11018.7 1.7 11018.7 1.7 10872.3 0.3 10515.9 -3.0
124 11857.1 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 11278.7 -
8.67 90 6099.1 6430.4 5.4 6430.4 5.4 6430.4 5.4 5740.4 -5.9
100 7760.2 8058.9 3.9 8058.9 3.9 8058.9 3.9 7420.0 -4.4
110 9589.7 10113.7 5.5 10113.7 5.5 9838.6 2.6 9268.1 -3.4
116 - 11078.3 - 11078.3 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 11081.2 - - -
119 11608.2 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 11081.0 -
121 - - - - - - - 11240.0 -
192
The moment resistance specified by LRFD Specifications was found to be

slightly conservative as compared to the Standard specifications for most of the cases
with 6 ft. girder spacing. For other girder spacing, the moment resistance specified by
LRFD Specifications is less conservative as compared to the Standard Specifications.
The conservatism was found to be increasing with increase in span length and decreasing
with the increase in girder spacing and skew angle. For skew angle of 60° the moment
resistance was found to be less conservative as compared to the Standard Specifications.
Table 5.25. Comparison of Mu/Mr ratio for AASHTO Standard and LRFD
LRFD
(ft.) (ft.) Mu/Mr Mu/Mr % Mu/Mr % Mu/Mr % Mu/Mr %
6 90 0.86 0.86 0.8 0.86 0.8 0.85 -1.0 0.84 -2.1
100 0.79 0.81 2.4 0.81 2.4 0.84 6.3 0.82 4.7
110 0.79 0.79 0.3 0.79 0.3 0.78 -1.1 0.76 -4.4
120 0.75 0.76 1.8 0.76 1.8 0.77 3.1 0.75 0.0
130 0.72 0.77 6.9 0.77 6.9 0.77 7.0 0.76 5.1
133 - 0.77 - 0.77 - 0.77 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 0.75 -
136 0.71 - - - - - - - -
8 90 0.86 0.84 -1.9 0.84 -1.9 0.83 -4.0 0.85 -1.8
100 0.79 0.78 -0.3 0.78 -0.3 0.80 1.9 0.77 -2.2
110 0.76 0.74 -2.4 0.74 -2.4 0.75 -1.0 0.72 -5.3
120 0.72 0.73 2.0 0.73 2.0 0.73 1.8 0.71 -1.7
124 0.69 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 0.71 -
8.67 90 0.86 0.83 -2.7 0.83 -2.7 0.82 -5.0 0.82 -4.0
100 0.79 0.78 -1.3 0.78 -1.3 0.77 -3.3 0.76 -4.1
110 0.75 0.73 -2.8 0.73 -2.8 0.73 -1.9 0.72 -3.9
116 - 0.72 - 0.72 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 0.72 - - -
119 0.70 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 0.70 -
121 - - - - - - - 0.70 -
193
0.90
0.85
Mu/Mr
0.80
0.75
0.70
0.65
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)

0.90
0.85
0.80
Mu/Mr
0.75
0.70
0.65
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
0.90
0.85
0.80
Mu/Mr
0.75
0.70
0.65
90 100 110 120 130 140
Span (ft.)
Figure 5.11. Comparison of Mu/Mr ratio for Standard and LRFD Specifications
194
The difference between the moment resistance capacities predicted by Standard

and LRFD Specifications is found to be in the range of -4 percent to 7 percent for 6 ft., -
5 percent to 2 percent for 8 ft. and -4 percent to -3 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing.
The comparison of the moment capacities is presented in Table 5.24. The impact of
LRFD specifications on the Mu/Mr ratio is also investigated. This ratio signifies the level
of safety at the ultimate conditions. A well defined trend was not observed for this ratio,
however very small difference was observed between the Mu/Mr ratios for two
specifications. The comparison is presented in Table 5.25 and the results are illustrated
in Figure 5.11.
5.6 IMPACT OF LRFD SPECIFICATIONS ON CAMBER

The camber was calculated using the Hyperbolic Functions method proposed by
Sinno et al. (1968). This method is used by TxDOT for the evaluation of camber. As the
camber is evaluated using the same methodology for both the specifications, a small
difference between the cambers is observed. The results for the camber are summarized
in Table 5.26. The cambers for LRFD designs were larger as compared to those for
standard designs. This increase is due to larger required concrete strength at release,
which increases the modulus of elasticity of the concrete at release. The maximum
difference in the camber is 21 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing, 13 percent for 8 ft. girder
spacing and 11 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing.
195
Table 5.26. Comparison of Camber (Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)

LRFD
Girder Std.
Spacing Camber
(ft.) Camber Diff. Camber Diff. Camber Diff. Camber Diff.
(ft.) (ft.)
(ft.) % (ft.) % (ft.) % (ft.) %
90 0.12 0.12 3.1 0.12 3.1 0.12 3.1 0.11 -1.3
-
100
0.17 0.19 11.5 0.19 11.5 0.17 -1.6 0.15 15.1
110 0.21 0.25 20.3 0.25 20.3 0.25 20.3 0.23 9.3
6 120 0.28 0.34 21.1 0.34 21.1 0.32 14.0 0.30 6.8
130 0.36 0.36 2.3 0.36 2.3 0.36 2.2 0.35 -1.6
133 - 0.33 - 0.33 - 0.34 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 0.33 -
136 0.34 - - - - - - - -
-
90
0.16 0.18 10.0 0.18 10.0 0.18 10.0 0.14 13.3
100 0.24 0.26 5.9 0.26 5.9 0.24 -1.8 0.22 -9.6
8 110 0.32 0.35 8.3 0.35 8.3 0.33 3.4 0.32 -1.7
120 0.40 0.38 -4.1 0.38 -4.1 0.38 -3.8 0.39 -1.3
124 0.37 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 0.36 -
-
90
0.18 0.19 8.5 0.19 8.5 0.19 8.5 0.16 11.8
100 0.26 0.28 5.1 0.28 5.1 0.28 5.1 0.24 -8.9
110 0.36 0.36 2.0 0.36 2.0 0.35 -1.6 0.33 -6.4
8.67 116 - 0.39 - 0.39 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 0.38 - - -
119 0.39 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 0.38 -
121 - - - - - - - 0.38 -
5.7 IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD ON SHEAR DESIGN

The LRFD Specifications employs a different methodology for the transverse
shear design as compared to the Standard Specifications. This difference in the
methodology impacted the transverse shear design significantly. The transverse shear
reinforcement area was found to be increasing significantly as compared to the Standard
196
Specifications. The interface shear reinforcement area was found to be increasing

significantly for the LRFD Specifications. These changes in the transverse and interface
shear reinforcements are addressed in Section 7. The results and comparison is also
presented in Section 7.
197
6. RESULTS FOR TYPE C GIRDERS
6.1 INTRODUCTION
A parametric study was conducted for Type C prestressed concrete bridge
girders. Several cases were considered based on the parameters summarized in Table
6.1. The procedure outlined in Section 4 was employed to evaluate the impact of the
AASHTO LRFD Specifications on the design of Type C bridge girders. The results
obtained from the design program for designs based on both the Standard and LRFD
Specifications were validated using TxDOT’s PRSTRS14 (TxDOT 2004) bridge design
software. TxDOT’s procedures were used for optimizing the number of strands and
concrete strengths. This section provides a summary of results of the parametric study
for Type C bridge girders. The impact of LRFD specifications on various design results
is discussed.
Table 6.1. Design Parameters for Type C Girder

Design Codes
Girder Spacing (ft.) 6'
-0", 8'
-0" and 8'
-8"
Spans 40 ft. to maximum span at 10 ft. intervals
Concrete Strength at Varied from 4000 to 6750 psi for design with optimum number of
Release, f ci' strands
Varied from 5000 to 8500 psi for design with optimum number of
strands ( f c' may be increased up to 8750 psi for optimization on longer
Service, f c'
spans)
Skew Angle 0°, 15°, 30° and 60°
198
6.2 IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD SPECIFICATIONS

The requirements for service load limit state design, flexural strength limit state
design, transverse shear design, and interface shear design are evaluated in the
parametric study. The designs based on LRFD Specifications are found to be
conservative, in general as compared to the designs based on Standard Specifications.
This conservatism is caused due to the increase in live load moments, more restrictive
limits for service load design, and difference in the shear design approach. The effect of
LRFD Specifications on the maximum allowable span length was investigated. The
effect was found to be small.
The following sections provide the summary of differences observed in the
designs based on Standard and LRFD Specifications. This includes the differences
occurring in the undistributed and distributed live load moments, the distribution factors,
the number of strands required, and required concrete strengths at release and at service.
The differences observed in the flexural strength limit state design are provided in the
following sections. The effect on camber is also evaluated and summarized. The
differences in the transverse shear design and interface shear design are provided in
Section 7.
6.3 IMPACT OF LRFD SPECIFICATIONS ON LIVE LOAD MOMENTS

AND SHEARS
6.3.1 General
The Standard Specifications specify the live load to be taken as an HS-20 truck
load, tandem load, or lane load, whichever produces the maximum effect at the section
considered. The LRFD Specifications specifies a different live load model HL-93, which
is a combination of the HS-20 truck and lane load, or tandem load and lane load,
whichever produces maximum effect at the section of interest. The live load governing
the moments and shears at the sections of interest for the cases considered in the
parametric study was determined and are summarized below. The undistributed live load
199
moments at midspan and shears at critical section were calculated for each case and the
representative differences are presented in this section.
There is a significant difference in the formulas for the distribution and impact
factors specified by the Standard and the LRFD Specifications. The impact factors are
applicable to truck, lane, and tandem loadings for designs based on Standard
Specifications, whereas the LRFD Specifications does not require the lane load to be
increased for the impact loading. The effect of the LRFD Specifications on the
distribution and impact factors is evaluated and the results are summarized. The
combined effect of the undistributed moments and shears and the distribution and impact
factors on the distributed live load moments and shears was observed. The differences
observed in the distributed live load moments at midspan and shears at the critical
sections are presented below.
6.3.2 Governing Live Load for Moments and Shears
The live load producing the maximum moment at mid-span and maximum shears
at the critical section for shear is investigated. The critical section for shear in the
designs based on Standard Specifications is taken as h/2, where h is the depth of
composite section. For designs based on LRFD Specifications the critical section is
calculated using an iterative process specified by the specifications. The governing live
loads are summarized in the Tables 6.2 and 6.3.
200
Table 6.2. Governing Live Load Moments at Midspan and Shears at

Critical Section for Standard Specifications for Type C Girder
40
50
60
80
90
96
40
50
0.5
60
70
80
83
40
50
70
80
40
50
60
80
90
95
40
50
0.6
60
70
80
82
40
50
70
79
201
Table 6.3. Governing Live Load Moments at Midspan and Shears at Critical
Section for LRFD Specifications for Type C Girder (Skew = 0°)
Strand Girder Span Governing Live Load for Governing Live Load
Diameter (in.) Spacing (ft.) (ft.) Moment for Shear
40 Tandem+Lane Loading
50
60
6 70 Truck+Lane Loading
Truck+Lane Loading
80
90
95
50
0.5
60
8 Truck+Lane Loading
80
83
50
8.67 60 Truck+Lane Loading
Truck+Lane Loading
70
80
50
60
6 70 Truck+Lane Loading
Truck+Lane Loading
80
90
92
0.6 50
60
80
82
50
8.67
Truck+Lane Loading
70
79
202
It was observed that for Standard Specifications based designs, HS-20 Truck
loading always governs the moments at mid-span and shears at critical sections. For
designs based on LRFD Specifications, combination of Truck and Lane loading governs
for all the cases, except for 40 ft. span, where the combination of Tandem and Lane
loading governs the live moments.
6.3.3 Undistributed Live Load Moments and Shears
The difference in the live loads specified by the Standard and the LRFD
Specifications effects the undistributed live load moments and shears. Skew and strand
diameter has no effect on the undistributed live load moments or shears therefore results
for cases with skew angle 0° and strand diameter 0.5 in. are compared in Table 6.4. The
undistributed live load moments are observed to be increasing in the range of 30 percent
to 48 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing when live loads based on LRFD Specifications are
used as compared to the Standard Specifications. This increase was in the range of 30
percent to 45 percent for 8 ft. girder spacing and 30 percent to 44 percent for a 8.67 ft.
girder spacing.
An increase was observed in the undistributed shears at critical section. The

increase was found to be in the range of 9 percent to 38 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing
when LRFD Specifications are used as compared to Standard Specifications. This
increase was found to be in the range of 9 percent to 35 percent for 8 ft. girder spacing
and 9 percent to 33 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing. This increase can be attributed the
change in live load and also the shifting of critical section. The critical section for shear
is specified by Standard specifications as h/2, where h is the depth of composite section.
The LRFD Specifications requires the critical section to be calculated using an iterative
process as discussed in Section 4. The difference between the undistributed moments
and shears based on Standard and LRFD Specifications is found to be increasing with
the increase in span length.
203
Table 6.4. Comparison of Undistributed Midspan Live Load Moments and Shears
at Critical Section for Type C Girder (Skew = 0°, Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.)
Girder Undistributed Moment (k-ft.) Undistributed Shear (kips)
Spacing Span Difference Difference
(ft.) (ft.) Standard LRFD k-ft. (%)
Standard LRFD
kips (%)
40 424.2 551.6 127.3 (30.0) 50.9 55.2 4.4 (8.6)
50 602.4 791.3 188.8 (31.3) 55.2 63.8 8.6 (15.6)
60 780.6 1055.2 274.6 (35.2) 58.1 70.7 12.7 (21.8)
70 958.8 1335.1 376.3 (39.2) 60.1 76.6 16.5 (27.4)
6
80 1137.0 1631.1 494.0 (43.4) 61.6 81.8 20.2 (32.8)
90 1315.2 1943.0 627.8 (47.7) 62.8 86.7 23.9 (38.1)
95 - 2105.0 - - 89.2 -
96 1422.4 - - 63.4 - -
40 424.2 551.6 127.3 (30.0) 50.9 55.2 4.4 (8.6)
50 602.4 791.3 188.8 (31.3) 55.2 64.0 8.8 (15.9)
60 780.6 1055.2 274.6 (35.2) 58.1 70.8 12.7 (21.9)
8
70 958.8 1335.1 376.3 (39.2) 60.1 76.7 16.6 (27.6)
80 1137.0 1631.1 494.0 (43.4) 61.6 81.9 20.3 (33.0)
83 1190.5 1723.0 532.5 (44.7) 62.0 83.5 21.5 (34.7)
40 424.2 551.6 127.3 (30.0) 50.9 55.2 4.4 (8.6)
50 602.4 791.3 188.8 (31.3) 55.2 64.0 8.7 (15.8)
8.67 60 780.6 1055.2 274.6 (35.2) 58.1 70.8 12.7 (21.9)
70 958.8 1335.1 376.3 (39.2) 60.1 76.7 16.6 (27.6)
80 1137.0 1631.1 494.0 (43.4) 61.6 82.0 20.4 (33.1)
6.3.4 Impact Factors
The AASHTO Standard and LRFD Specifications require that live load moments
and shears be increased for impact or dynamic loading. The Standard Specifications
specifies impact factors that decrease with an increase in span length, whereas the LRFD
Specifications specify a constant value of dynamic loading as 33 percent of the
undistributed live load moment or shear. For fatigue load moment, the LRFD
Specifications specify the impact loading to be 15 percent of the undistributed live load
fatigue moment. The fatigue moments are used to check the fatigue limit state required
by the LRFD Specifications. The LRFD Specifications do not require the lane load
moments and shears to be increased for impact loading.
204
A summary of impact factors and the percent difference relative to Standard

value is provided in Table 6.5. The skew angle and strand diameter do not affect the
impact factor, hence only the cases with skew angle 0° and strand diameter 0.5 in. are
presented. It was observed that the LRFD Specifications provides a larger estimate of
dynamic loading as compared to the Standard Specifications. This difference increases
with increasing span length. The increase in the impact factor is in the range of 10
percent to 42 percent of the impact factors specified by Standard Specifications. This
essentially increases the distributed live load moments for the designs based on LRFD
Specifications as compared to the Standard Specifications.
Table 6.5. Comparison of Live Load Impact Factors for Type C Girder
Girder Span Impact Factor
Difference
Spacing (ft.) (ft.) Standard LRFD (%)
40 0.30 0.33 10.0
50 0.29 0.33 15.5
60 0.27 0.33 22.1
70 0.26 0.33 28.7
6
80 0.24 0.33 35.3
90 0.23 0.33 41.9
95 - 0.33 -
96 0.23 - -
40 0.30 0.33 10.0
50 0.29 0.33 15.5
60 0.27 0.33 22.1
8
70 0.26 0.33 28.7
80 0.24 0.33 35.3
83 0.24 0.33 37.3
40 0.30 0.33 10.0
50 0.29 0.33 15.5
8.67 60 0.27 0.33 22.1
70 0.26 0.33 28.7
80 0.24 0.33 35.3
205
Figure 6.1. illustrates the impact of the LRFD Specifications on the dynamic load
(impact) factors for a 6 ft. girder spacing. The same trend was observed for girder
spacings of 8 ft. and 8.67 ft.
0.35
0.30
0.25
Impact Factor
0.20
0.15
0.10
Standard LRFD
0.05
0.00
40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Span (ft.)
Figure 6.1. Impact Factors for AASHTO Standard vs. AASHTO LRFD
Specifications for Type C Girder
(Girder Spacing = 6 ft., Skew = 0°, Strand Diameter = 0.5 in)
6.3.5 Live Load Distribution Factors
The live load moments and shears, including the dynamic (impact) load effect are
distributed to the individual girders. The Standard Specifications provide a simple
formula for moment distribution factor (DF) as S/11 for prestressed concrete girder
bridges, where S is the girder spacing in ft. The same DF is used for the distribution of
live load shear to the girders. The LRFD Specifications provides more complex formulas
for the distribution of live load moments and shears to individual girders. The effects of
beam and slab stiffness are incorporated into these formulas. The LRFD Specifications
requires the DFs for moment to be reduced and DFs for shear to be corrected for skewed
bridges. Table 6.6 compares the live load moment DFs for the Standard and LRFD
Specifications.
206
Table 6.6. Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs (DFM) for Type C Girder
LRFD
(ft.) (ft.) DFM DFM % DFM % DFM % DFM %
40 0.545 0.632 15.8 0.632 15.8 0.600 9.9 0.466 -14.6
50 0.545 0.594 9.0 0.594 9.0 0.569 4.4 0.463 -15.1
60 0.545 0.566 3.8 0.566 3.8 0.545 0.0 0.457 -16.1
70 0.545 0.543 -0.4 0.543 -0.4 0.526 -3.6 0.451 -17.4
6 80 0.545 0.525 -3.8 0.525 -3.8 0.509 -6.7 0.444 -18.6
90 0.545 0.509 -6.7 0.509 -6.7 0.495 -9.2 0.437 -19.8
95 - 0.502 - 0.502 - 0.489 - - -
96 0.545 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 0.432 -
40 0.727 0.776 6.7 0.776 6.7 0.730 0.4 0.547 -24.8
50 0.727 0.729 0.2 0.729 0.2 0.693 -4.7 0.543 -25.3
60 0.727 0.693 -4.7 0.693 -4.7 0.664 -8.8 0.540 -25.8
8 70 0.727 0.665 -8.6 0.665 -8.6 0.639 -12.1 0.534 -26.6
80 0.727 0.641 -11.9 0.641 -11.9 0.619 -14.9 0.527 -27.5
83 0.727 0.635 -12.7 0.635 -12.7 0.614 -15.6 - -
87 - - - - - - - 0.522 -
40 0.788 0.822 4.3 0.822 4.3 0.772 -2.0 0.573 -27.3
50 0.788 0.772 -2.0 0.772 -2.0 0.733 -7.0 0.567 -28.0
60 0.788 0.734 -6.8 0.734 -6.8 0.702 -11.0 0.565 -28.3
8.67 70 0.788 0.704 -10.7 0.704 -10.7 0.676 -14.2 0.560 -29.0
80 0.788 0.679 -13.9 0.679 -13.9 0.654 -17.0 0.553 -
81 - - - - - 0.653 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 0.550 -
It was observed that the live load moment DFs given by the LRFD Specifications
are smaller as compared to those for the Standard Specifications for most of the cases.
The difference increases with an increase in span length because the LRFD DFs decrease
with an increase in the span while span length has no effect on the Standard DFs. The
moment DFs increase with increase in girder spacing for both the AASHTO Standard
and LRFD Specifications. In addition, the difference between the DFs increased for
207
larger girder spacings. The LRFD live load moment DFs are the same for 0° and 15°
skews, but there is a significant change when the skew angles are 30° and 60°. It was observed
that increase in skew angles beyond 30° decreases the moment DFs significantly for Type C
girder bridges. The maximum difference between the Standard and LRFD DFs was found
to be 16 percent for 6ft. girder spacing, 14 percent for 8 ft and 8.67 ft. girder spacing for
the skew angle of 0°. This difference increased to 20 percent for 6 ft., 28 percent for 8 ft. and
30 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing for a skew angle of 60°. Figure 6.3 shows the effect of
skew on the moment DFs for 6 ft., 8 ft. and 8.67 ft. girder spacing.
0.9
0.8
Distribution Factor
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Span (ft.)
0.9
Distribution Factor
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Span (ft.)
208
0.9
0.8
Distribution Factor 0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Span (ft.)
Std. LRFD Skew0,15
Figure 6.2. Comparison of Live Load Moment DFs by Girder Spacing for Type C
Girder (Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
Table 6.7 and Figure 6.4 provide a summary of shear DFs for the parametric
study with Type C girders. The strand diameter does not affect the DFs for shear.
209
Table 6.7. Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs (DFV) for Type C Girder
LRFD
(ft.) (ft.) DFV DFV % DFV % DFV % DFV %
40 0.545 0.671 22.9 0.700 28.4 0.735 34.7 0.863 58.3
50 0.545 0.671 22.9 0.703 28.8 0.739 35.6 0.877 60.8
60 0.545 0.671 22.9 0.704 29.1 0.743 36.3 0.889 63.0
70 0.545 0.671 22.9 0.706 29.4 0.747 37.0 0.900 65.0
6 80 0.545 0.671 22.9 0.708 29.7 0.750 37.5 0.909 66.7
90 0.545 0.671 22.9 0.709 30.0 0.753 38.1 0.918 68.3
95 - 0.671 - 0.710 - 0.754 - - -
96 0.545 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 0.925 -
40 0.727 0.814 12.0 0.851 17.0 0.892 22.7 1.049 44.2
50 0.727 0.814 12.0 0.853 17.3 0.898 23.5 1.065 46.5
60 0.727 0.814 12.0 0.855 17.6 0.903 24.1 1.080 48.5
8 70 0.727 0.814 12.0 0.857 17.9 0.907 24.7 1.093 50.2
80 0.727 0.814 12.0 0.859 18.2 0.911 25.3 1.104 51.8
83 0.727 0.814 12.0 0.860 18.2 0.912 25.4 - -
87 - - - - - - - 1.112 -
40 0.788 0.861 9.3 0.899 14.1 0.944 19.7 1.109 40.7
50 0.788 0.861 9.3 0.902 14.5 0.950 20.5 1.127 42.9
60 0.788 0.861 9.3 0.905 14.8 0.955 21.1 1.142 44.9
8.67 70 0.788 0.861 9.3 0.907 15.0 0.959 21.7 1.155 46.6
80 0.788 0.861 9.3 0.909 15.3 0.963 22.2 1.168 -
81 - - - - - 0.964 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 1.173 -
The LRFD live load shear DFs specified by LRFD Specifications are larger as
compared to the Standard Specifications. The DFs increases with an increase in girder
spacing for both specifications and the LRFD DFs approach Standard DFs as the girder
spacing is increased. The span length and skew angle has no impact on the shear
distribution factors specified by Standard Specifications. The maximum difference in the
210
shear distribution factors is found to be 68 percent for 6 ft. spacing, 52 percent for 8 ft.
spacing and 47 percent for the 8.67 ft. spacing.
1.2
1.1
Distribution Factor
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Span (ft.)
1.2
1.1
1
Distribution Factor
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Span (ft.)
Figure 6.3. Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs for Type C Girder
211
1.2
1.1
1
Distribution Factor
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Span (ft.)
Std. LRFD Skew 0 LRFD Skew 15 LRFD Skew 30 LRFD Skew 60
Figure 6.3. (Cont.) Comparison of Live Load Shear DFs for Type C Girder
6.3.6 Distributed Live Load Moments and Shears
The combined effect of the impact and distribution factors on the live load
moment and shears is presented in this section. The distributed live load moments are
compared in Table 6.8. The distributed live load moments are the same for 0° and 15°
skew angles for LRFD Specifications because the distribution factors for these two
skews are identical. The distributed live load moments were found to be significantly
larger than those for the Standard Specifications. The distributed live load moments
increase in the range of 37 percent to 45 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing when the skew
angle is 0°. As the girder spacing increases the difference between the distributed live
load moments decreases. The LRFD moments were found to be in the range of 25
percent to 34 percent larger for 8 ft. and 22 percent to 31 percent larger for 8.67 ft. girder
spacing when the skew angle is 0°.
212
The increase in skew angle for and beyond 30° results in decrease in distribution
factors. This causes the live load moments to decrease. The difference between the live
load moments for Standard and LRFD Specifications was found to be in the range of 7
percent to 17 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing when skew angle is 60°. This difference
reduces to the range of -7 percent to 2.5 percent and -11 percent to -3 percent for 8 ft.
and 8.67 ft. girder spacing respectively. The increase in span length increases the
difference between the live load moments specified by the two codes.
Table 6.8. Comparison of Distributed Midspan Live Load Moments (LL Mom.) for
Standard and LRFD Specifications for Type C Girder (Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
skew = 0° skew = 15° skew = 30° skew = 60°
Girder Std. LL LL LL
Spacing Span LL Mom. Mom. Diff. Mom. Diff. Mom. Diff. LL Mom. Diff.
40 302.1 438.4 45.1 438.4 45.1 416.2 37.8 323.3 7.0
50 423.3 587.4 38.8 587.4 38.8 562.5 32.9 457.7 8.1
60 541.8 741.6 36.9 741.6 36.9 714.2 31.8 599.3 10.6
70 658.1 895.4 36.1 895.4 36.1 866.0 31.6 742.8 12.9
6 80 772.5 1050.8 36.0 1050.8 36.0 1019.6 32.0 889.0 15.1
90 885.4 1208.8 36.5 1208.8 36.5 1176.1 32.8 1038.7 17.3
95 - 1288.6 - 1288.6 - 1255.1 - - -
96 952.5 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 1160.4 -
40 402.9 538.3 33.6 538.3 33.6 507.0 25.8 375.2 -6.9
50 564.3 720.3 27.6 720.3 27.6 684.9 21.4 536.6 -4.9
60 722.4 908.1 25.7 908.1 25.7 869.4 20.4 706.9 -2.1
8 70 877.5 1095.2 24.8 1095.2 24.8 1053.7 20.1 879.6 0.2
80 1030.0 1283.8 24.6 1283.8 24.6 1239.9 20.4 1055.6 2.5
83 1075.4 1341.1 24.7 1341.1 24.7 1296.5 20.6 - -
87 - - - - - - - 1181.4 -
40 436.6 570.7 30.7 570.7 30.7 536.0 22.8 390.6 -10.5
50 611.6 763.2 24.8 763.2 24.8 724.2 18.4 560.6 -8.3
60 782.9 961.9 22.9 961.9 22.9 919.2 17.4 740.0 -5.5
8.67 70 950.9 1159.7 22.0 1159.7 22.0 1114.0 17.1 922.1 -3.0
80 1116.3 1359.2 21.8 1359.2 21.8 1310.7 17.4 1107.6 -
81 - - - - - 1330.7 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 1202.2 -
213
The distributed shear force at the critical section due to live load is found to be
increasing significantly when LRFD Specifications are used. The increase in the shear
force can be attributed to the increase in the undistributed shear force due to HL93
loading and the increase in distribution factors. The shear force at the critical section for
LRFD Specifications is found to be increasing in the range of 53 percent to 140 percent
for 6 ft. girder spacing as compared to the Standard specifications. The increase was
found to be in the range of 33 percent to 110 percent for 8 ft. and 30 percent to 95
percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing. The results are presented in Table 6.9.
Table 6.9. Comparison of Distributed Live Load Shear at Critical Section for
LRFD
Girder Std. skew = 0° skew = 15° skew = 30° skew = 60°
Spacing Span Shear Shear Diff. Shear Diff. Shear Diff. Shear Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) (kips) (kips) % (kips) % (kips) % (kips) %
40 36.2 52.8 45.8 55.2 52.3 57.9 59.8 68.0 87.7
50 38.8 58.8 51.7 61.6 58.9 64.9 67.2 77.0 98.4
60 40.3 63.5 57.6 66.7 65.6 70.4 74.7 84.2 109.0
70 41.3 67.5 63.6 71.0 72.2 75.2 82.2 90.5 119.5
6 80 41.9 71.0 69.5 74.9 78.9 79.4 89.6 96.2 129.9
90 42.3 74.2 75.5 78.4 85.5 83.3 97.0 101.5 140.2
95 - 75.7 - 80.1 - 85.1 - - -
96 42.4 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 105.6 -
40 48.3 64.1 32.8 67.0 38.7 70.3 45.5 82.6 71.0
50 51.7 71.4 38.1 74.8 44.7 78.8 52.3 93.5 80.7
60 53.7 77.1 43.6 81.0 50.8 85.5 59.2 102.3 90.4
8 70 55.0 82.0 49.0 86.3 56.9 91.3 66.0 110.0 99.9
80 55.8 86.2 54.4 90.9 62.9 96.4 72.7 116.9 109.4
83 56.0 87.4 56.0 92.3 64.7 97.9 74.8 - -
87 - - - - - - - 121.4 -
40 52.3 67.8 29.6 70.8 35.3 74.3 42.0 87.3 66.8
50 56.0 75.5 34.8 79.1 41.2 83.3 48.6 98.8 76.3
60 58.2 81.6 40.1 85.7 47.1 90.4 55.3 108.2 85.7
8.67 70 59.6 86.7 45.4 91.2 53.0 96.5 61.9 116.3 95.0
80 60.5 91.1 50.7 96.2 59.0 102.0 68.5 123.6 -
81 - - - - - 102.5 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 127.0 -
214
6.4 IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD SPECIFICATIONS ON SERVICE LOAD

DESIGN
6.4.1 General
The impact of LRFD Specifications on the service load design results is

discussed in this section. The effect on prestress losses, required number of strands and
the required concrete strengths at service and at release is discussed. The increase in the
live load moment and the change in equations for prestress loss calculations specified by
AASHTO LRFD Specifications results in different service load design requirements.
The change in the service load combination and allowable stress limits also affects the
design. Generally the design requirements for LRFD Specifications were found to be
conservative as compared to Standard Specifications.
6.4.2 Impact on Prestress Losses
The loss in prestress occurs mainly from four sources viz. shrinkage of concrete,
relaxation of steel, elastic shortening of steel and creep of concrete. These losses are
categorized into initial prestress loss and final prestress loss. The initial prestress loss
occurs due to initial relaxation of steel and elastic shortening of prestressing strands. The
final loss occurs due to final relaxation, creep and shrinkage of concrete. Total prestress
loss is the combination of initial and final loss.
6.4.2.1 Initial Prestress Loss
The initial prestress loss is the combination of the losses due to elastic shortening
and initial steel relaxation. The combined effect of the changes in these two losses was
observed in the initial loss percent calculations between Standard and LRFD
Specifications. The initial loss estimates provided by LRFD Specifications are found to
be conservative as compared to the Standard Specifications.
215
Table 6.10. Comparison of Initial Prestress Loss (%) for AASHTO Standard and
LRFD Specifications for Type C Girder (Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Girder Std. Init.
Spacing Span Initial Init. Diff. Init. Diff. Loss Diff. Init. Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) Loss (%) Loss (%) % Loss (%) % (%) % Loss (%) %
40 6.5 6.2 -5.3 6.2 -5.3 6.2 -5.3 6.2 -5.3
50 6.3 6.6 5.0 6.6 5.0 6.6 5.0 6.6 5.0
60 7.0 7.4 6.0 7.4 6.0 7.4 5.7 7.4 5.7
70 7.9 8.5 6.6 8.5 6.6 8.5 6.6 8.0 1.0
6 80 8.6 9.5 10.7 9.5 10.7 9.5 10.7 9.2 7.1
90 9.5 10.5 10.3 10.5 10.3 10.4 10.3 10.2 7.9
95 - 11.0 - 11.0 - 10.9 - - -
96 10.0 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 11.0 -
40 7.0 6.9 -1.3 6.9 -1.3 6.9 -1.3 6.2 -11.6
50 6.8 7.7 13.0 7.7 13.0 7.2 5.6 6.6 -2.8
60 7.8 8.3 6.5 8.3 6.5 8.3 6.5 7.8 0.4
8 70 8.8 9.4 7.4 9.4 7.4 9.4 7.4 9.1 3.9
80 9.7 10.4 8.2 10.4 8.2 10.4 8.2 10.2 5.9
83 9.9 10.9 10.0 10.9 10.0 10.8 8.4 - -
87 - - - - - - - 10.9 -
40 7.0 6.9 -1.3 6.9 -1.3 6.9 -1.3 6.2 -11.7
50 7.2 7.7 6.1 7.7 6.1 7.7 6.1 7.2 -0.9
60 7.8 8.3 6.4 8.3 6.4 8.3 6.4 7.9 0.7
8.67 70 9.0 9.7 7.6 9.7 7.6 9.7 7.6 9.4 4.4
80 10.0 10.8 8.6 10.8 8.6 10.8 8.5 10.4 -
81 - - - - - 11.0 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 11.0 -
Except for few cases when skew angle was 60°, the increase in the initial loss
percent was found to be in the range of 5 percent to 11 percent. The skew angle of 30°
does not have a significant effect on initial loss percent however, the skew angle of 60°
was found to decrease the initial loss percent significantly. This trend follows the trend
of the loss due to elastic shortening as it is the major contributor to the initial losses.
Table 6.10 presents the results for strand diameter of 0.5 in. Similar trends were
observed for 0.6 in. diameter strands.
216
6.4.2.2 Total Prestress Loss
The total loss of prestress is estimated based on Standard and LRFD

Specifications. The combined effect of different losses results in total prestress loss
estimates provided by LRFD Specifications that are slightly conservative as compared to
those provided by Standard Specifications. The conservatism was found to be in the
range of 8 percent to 11 percent for 6 ft., 3 percent to 18 percent for 8 ft. and 3 percent to
7 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing.
Table 6.11. Comparison of Total Prestress Loss Percent for AASHTO Standard
and LRFD Specifications for Type C Girder (Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Spacing Span Tot. Loss Tot. Loss Diff. Tot. Loss Diff. Tot. Loss Diff. Tot. Loss Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) (%) (%) % (%) % (%) % (%) %
40 17.1 16.3 -4.7 16.3 -4.7 16.3 -4.7 16.3 -4.7
50 15.6 17.0 8.4 17.0 8.4 17.0 8.4 17.0 8.4
60 17.5 18.8 7.4 18.8 7.4 18.8 7.3 18.8 7.3
70 20.8 22.0 5.8 22.0 5.8 22.0 5.8 20.3 -2.2
6 80 23.0 25.6 11.1 25.6 11.1 25.6 11.1 24.2 5.1
90 27.2 29.5 8.1 29.5 8.1 29.4 8.1 28.3 3.9
95 - 32.3 - 32.3 - 31.4 - - -
96 30.2 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 31.6 -
40 18.6 18.1 -2.6 18.1 -2.6 18.1 -2.6 16.0 -14.0
50 17.0 20.1 17.9 20.1 17.9 18.3 7.7 16.5 -3.2
60 20.4 21.6 6.0 21.6 6.0 21.6 6.1 19.9 -2.3
8 70 24.2 25.3 4.7 25.3 4.7 25.3 4.7 24.0 -1.0
80 28.3 29.3 3.7 29.3 3.7 29.3 3.7 28.2 -0.5
83 29.8 31.8 6.5 31.8 6.5 30.8 3.3 - -
87 - - - - - - - 30.9 -
40 18.5 18.0 -2.6 18.0 -2.6 18.0 -2.6 15.9 -14.1
50 18.7 19.9 6.8 19.9 6.8 19.9 6.8 18.2 -2.6
60 20.2 21.4 6.1 21.4 6.1 21.4 6.1 19.7 -2.2
8.67 70 25.3 26.5 4.4 26.5 4.4 26.5 4.4 25.1 -1.0
80 30.2 31.2 3.3 31.2 3.3 31.1 3.2 29.0 -
81 - - - - - 31.9 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 32.0 -
217
The conservatism was found to be decreasing with the increase in span length,
skew angle and girder spacing. The results for 0.5 in. diameter strands are presented in
Table 6.11.
6.4.3. Impact on the Required Number of Prestressing Strands
The number of strands required depends on the allowable stress limits and the
stresses caused due to dead load and live load. There is a change in the allowable stress
limits in LRFD Specifications and the live load stresses are also different. The Service
III limit state that checks the bottom tensile stresses also impacts the prestressing strand
requirements. The difference in the prestress losses is another factor that effects the final
strand requirements. Strength limit state controls the number of strands for case when
span length is lesser than 60 ft.
The LRFD Specifications require the same number of strands as Standard

Specifications for most of the cases for 0.5 in diameter strands. For the cases with skew
angle of 60° the number of strands required by LRFD Specifications was found to be
lesser than that of Standard Specifications. The difference was found to be in the range
of 2 to 4 strands. The results for 0.5 in diameter strands are presented in Table 6.16.
Similar trends were found for 0.6 in. diameter strands. The results for 0.6 in. diameter
strands are presented in Table 6.17. Figures 6.4 illustrates the comparison of strand
requirement for Standard and LRFD Specifications.
218

LRFD
40 10 8 -20.0 8 -20.0 8 -20.0 8 -20.0
50 10 10 0.0 10 0.0 10 0.0 10 0.0
60 14 14 0.0 14 0.0 14 0.0 14 0.0
70 20 20 0.0 20 0.0 20 0.0 18 -10.0
6 80 26 28 7.7 28 7.7 28 7.7 26 0.0
90 36 38 5.6 38 5.6 38 5.6 36 0.0
95 - 46 - 46 - 44 - - -
96 44 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 46 -
40 12 10 -16.7 10 -16.7 10 -16.7 8 -33.3
50 12 14 16.7 14 16.7 12 0.0 10 -16.7
60 18 18 0.0 18 0.0 18 0.0 16 -11.1
8 70 26 26 0.0 26 0.0 26 0.0 24 -7.7
80 36 36 0.0 36 0.0 36 0.0 34 -5.6
83 40 42 5.0 42 5.0 40 0.0 - -
87 - - - - - - - 42 -
40 12 10 -16.7 10 -16.7 10 -16.7 8 -33.3
50 14 14 0.0 14 0.0 14 0.0 12 -14.3
60 18 18 0.0 18 0.0 18 0.0 16 -11.1
8.67 70 28 28 0.0 28 0.0 28 0.0 26 -7.1
80 40 40 0.0 40 0.0 40 0.0 36 -
81 - - - - - 42 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 44 -
219

LRFD
6 40 6 6 0.0 6 0.0 6 0.0 6 0.0
6 50 10 8 -20.0 8 -20.0 8 -20.0 6 -40.0
6 60 10 10 0.0 10 0.0 10 0.0 10 0.0
6 70 14 14 0.0 14 0.0 14 0.0 14 0.0
6 80 18 20 11.1 20 11.1 20 11.1 18 0.0
6 90 24 26 8.3 26 8.3 26 8.3 24 0.0
6 92 - 28 - 28 - - - - -
6 93 - - - - - 28 - - -
6 95 30 - - - - - - - -
6 96 - - - - - - - 30.0 -
8 40 6 6 0.0 6 0.0 6 0.0 6 0.0
8 50 10 10 0.0 10 0.0 10 0.0 8 -20.0
8 60 12 12 0.0 12 0.0 12 0.0 12 0.0
8 70 18 18 0.0 18 0.0 18 0.0 16 -11.1
8 80 24 26 8.3 26 8.3 24 0.0 22.0 -8.3
8 82 26 28 7.7 28 7.7 - - - -
8 83 - - - - - 28 - - -
8 87 - - - - - - - 30 -
8.67 40 10 8 -20.0 8 -20.0 6 -40.0 6 -40.0
8.67 50 10 10 0.0 10 0.0 10 0.0 8 -20.0
8.67 60 14 14 0.0 14 0.0 14 0.0 12 -14.3
8.67 70 20 20 0.0 20 0.0 20 0.0 18 -10.0
8.67 79 26 26 0.0 26 0.0 - - - -
8.67 80 - - - - - 28.0 - 24.0 -
8.67 83 - - - - - - - 28.0 -
220
50
Number of Strands
40
30
20
10
0
40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Span (ft.)
50
Number of Strands
40
30
20
10
0
40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Span (ft.)
50
40
Number of Strands
30
20
10
0
40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Span (ft.)
221
6.4.4 Impact on Concrete Strengths
6.4.4.1 Concrete Strength at Release
The optimized concrete strength at release depends on the stresses due to

prestressing and the self weight of the girder. As there was a slight increase in the
number of strands required for LRFD Specifications a subsequent small increase in the
required concrete strength at release was observed.
Table 6.14. Comparison of Concrete Strength at Release (f’ci) for AASHTO

LRFD
(ft.) (ft.) f’ci (psi) f’ci (psi) % f’ci (psi) % F’ci (psi) % f’ci (psi) %
40 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
50 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
60 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
70 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
6 80 4261.9 4606.2 8.1 4606.2 8.1 4606.2 8.1 4222.7 -0.9
90 5658.0 5935.4 4.9 5935.4 4.9 5935.7 4.9 5593.8 -1.1
95 - 6886.5 - 6886.5 - 6617.6 - - -
96 6654.7 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 6739.8 -
40 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
50 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
60 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
8 70 4640.5 4598.8 -0.9 4598.8 -0.9 4598.8 -0.9 4213.6 -9.2
80 6088.5 6021.1 -1.1 6021.1 -1.1 6021.1 -1.1 5678.2 -6.7
83 6624.5 6852.9 3.4 6852.9 3.4 6546.8 -1.2 - -
87 - - - - - - - 6681.0 -
40 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
50 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
60 4000.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0 4000.0 0.0
8.67 70 5029.6 4982.2 -0.9 4982.2 -0.9 4982.3 -0.9 4598.8 -8.6
80 6749.1 6669.9 -1.2 6669.9 -1.2 6670.2 -1.2 6021.4 -
81 - - - - - 6935.6 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 7073.0 -
222
The minimum strength at release was considered to be 4000 psi. For span lengths
less than 70 ft., it was observed that minimum concrete strength governs. The LRFD
Specifications yields a slightly conservative estimate of the concrete strength at release.
The maximum difference was found to be 8 percent. The concrete strength at release is
limited to 6750 psi. and in most of the cases it governs the maximum span length. The
results for 0.5 in. diameter strands are presented in Table 6.14.
6.4.4.2 Concrete Strength at Service
The concrete strength at service is affected by the stresses at the midspan due to
prestressing force, dead loads, superimposed loads and live loads. The concrete strength
at service is limited to 8750 psi. However, this limitation does not affect the maximum
span length as the initial concrete strength approaches its limits earlier than the final
concrete strength. The minimum strength was considered as 5000 psi and for span
lengths less than 80 ft. it was observed that this limit controls. Also the concrete strength
at service cannot be smaller than the concrete strength at release. This limitation governs
for a few cases for 0.5 in diameter strands and several cases for 0.6 in. diameter strands.
The LRFD Specifications do not have a significant effect on the concrete

strength at service. A small reduction in the required concrete strength was observed for
few cases, maximum difference being 10 percent. The results for 0.5 in. diameter strands
are presented in Table 6.15.
223
Table 6.15. Comparison of Concrete Strength at Service (f’c) for AASHTO

LRFD
(ft.) (ft.) f’c (psi) f’c (psi) % f’c (psi) % f’c (psi) % f’c (psi) %
40 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
50 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
60 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
70 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
6 80 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
90 6375.5 6526.0 2.4 6526.0 2.4 5935.7 -6.9 5702.7 -10.6
95 - 6886.5 - 6886.5 - 8012.2 - - -
96 7754.7 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 7877.3 -
40 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
50 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
60 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
8 70 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
80 6088.5 6804.5 11.8 6804.5 11.8 6021.1 -1.1 5678.2 -6.7
83 6624.5 6852.9 3.4 6852.9 3.4 6546.8 -1.2 - -
87 - - - - - - - 7344.9 -
40 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
50 5000.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
60 5000.0 5177.9 3.6 5177.9 3.6 5000.0 0.0 5000.0 0.0
8.67 70 5029.6 5000.0 -0.6 5000.0 -0.6 5000.0 -0.6 5000.0 -0.6
80 6749.1 6669.9 -1.2 6669.9 -1.2 6670.2 -1.2 6021.4 -
81 - - - - - 6935.6 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 7073.0 -
6.4.5 Impact of AASHTO LRFD on Maximum Span Length
The maximum span lengths are limited by the concrete strength at release of
6750 psi and concrete strength at service of 8750 psi. The maximum span is not
governed by maximum number of strands for any of the cases considered for the
parametric study. The maximum allowable concrete strengths are reached when the
strand number was in the range of 42 to 44, whereas Type C girder can hold up to 74
strands. Thus by relaxing the limit on concrete strengths longer spans can be achieved.
224
The LRFD Specifications have a reducing effect on the maximum span length in few
cases and no effect in others when the skew angle is less than 60 degrees. This is due to
a slightly conservative estimate of the concrete strengths which reaches the limits earlier
than the Standard Specifications. The maximum span length for skew angle of 60
degrees is larger as compared to those possible by Standard Specifications. However, the
difference between the maximum span lengths was found to be negligible. The
difference was in the range of -3 percent to 6 percent for all the cases with strand
diameter of 0.5 in. and 0.6 in. The results for maximum span length are presented in
Table 6.16.
Table 6.16. Comparison of Maximum Span Lengths for AASHTO Standard and
LRFD Specifications for Type C Girder
LRFD
Std. Skew 0° Skew 15° Skew 30° Skew 60°
Strand Girder Max. Max. Max. Max. Max.
Dia. Spacing Span Span Diff. Span Diff. Span Diff. Span Diff.
(in.) (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) (%) (ft.) (%) (ft.) (%) (ft.) (%)
6 96 95 -1.0 95 -1.0 95 -1.0 98 2.1
0.5 8 83 83 0.0 83 0.0 83 0.0 87 4.8
8.67 80 80 0.0 80 0.0 81 1.3 85 6.3
6 95 92 -3.2 92 -3.2 93 -2.1 96 1.1
0.6 8 82 82 0.0 82 0.0 83 1.2 87 6.1
8.67 79 79 0.0 79 0.0 80 1.3 83 5.1
6.5 IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD SPECIFICATIONS ON FLEXURAL

STRENGTH LIMIT STATE
6.5.1 General
The impact of LRFD Specifications on the requirements of ultimate flexural

strength limit state design is discussed in following section. The change in the load
combination, the required concrete strengths and the number of strands from service
limit state effects the ultimate flexural strength limit. The impact of change in the
definition of the rectangular section behavior and flanged section behavior in LRFD
225
Specifications is discussed. The reinforcement limits have also been changed in the
LRFD specifications, however for all the cases of Standard and LRFD Specifications the
sections are found to be under reinforced.
6.5.2 Impact on Design Moment
The load combinations for ultimate limit state are significantly changed from
Standard to LRFD Specifications. The load factors for moments due to live load and
dead loads except wearing surface load specified by LRFD Specifications are smaller
than the Standard Specifications. The load factor for moment due to wearing surface
load is increased in the LRFD Specifications. The live load moments specified by LRFD
specifications are larger than that of Standard Specifications. The combined effect of
these two changes results in the design moments that are comparable.
The LRFD Specifications yields design moments that are in general slightly
smaller as compared to the Standard Specifications. The difference is found to decrease
with the increase in span length, girder spacing and skew angle beyond 30°. The
difference in the design moments was found to be in the range of -25 percent to 7
percent for 6 ft., -25 percent to 2 percent for 8 ft. and -25 percent to 8 percent for 8.67 ft.
girder spacing. The strand diameter does not have any effect on the design moments.
The comparison of the design moments specified by Standard and LRFD specifications
is presented in Table 6.17.
226
Table 6.17. Comparison of Factored Ultimate Moment (Mu) for AASHTO

LRFD
Spacing Span Mu Mu Diff. Mu Diff. Mu Diff. Mu Diff.
40 1167.1 1072.3 -8.1 1072.3 -8.1 1033.6 -11.4 870.9 -25.4
50 1415.1 1513.4 6.9 1513.4 6.9 1469.6 3.9 1286.0 -9.1
60 1897.7 2003.5 5.6 2003.5 5.6 1955.4 3.0 1753.9 -7.6
70 2417.6 2533.9 4.8 2533.9 4.8 2482.4 2.7 2266.2 -6.3
6 80 2975.4 3106.9 4.4 3106.9 4.4 3052.3 2.6 2823.3 -5.1
90 3571.8 3723.7 4.3 3723.7 4.3 3666.3 2.6 3425.8 -4.1
95 - 4048.8 - 4048.8 - 3990.2 - - -
96 3948.6 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 3941.4 -
40 1360.7 1309.0 -3.8 1309.0 -3.8 1254.0 -7.8 1023.4 -24.8
50 1820.9 1844.0 1.3 1844.0 1.3 1782.0 -2.1 1522.0 -16.4
60 2434.4 2437.5 0.1 2437.5 0.1 2369.6 -2.7 2084.7 -14.4
8 70 3092.0 3079.0 -0.4 3079.0 -0.4 3006.2 -2.8 2700.8 -12.7
80 3794.6 3771.1 -0.6 3771.1 -0.6 3694.1 -2.6 3371.0 -11.2
83 4014.3 3988.9 -0.6 3988.9 -0.6 3910.7 -2.6 - -
87 - - - - - - - 3872.5 -
40 1420.8 1381.1 -2.8 1381.1 -2.8 1320.5 -7.1 1065.9 -25.0
50 1804.7 1944.0 7.7 1944.0 7.7 1875.7 3.9 1588.8 -12.0
60 2603.1 2567.8 -1.4 2567.8 -1.4 2492.9 -4.2 2178.7 -16.3
8.67 70 3302.7 3241.5 -1.9 3241.5 -1.9 3161.3 -4.3 2824.6 -14.5
80 4049.2 3967.8 -2.0 3967.8 -2.0 3883.0 -4.1 3526.9 -
81 - - - - - 3958.1 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 3899.3 -
6.5.3 Impact on Moment Resistance
The change in the concrete strength at service and the number of strands affects
the moment resistance capacity of the section. The change in expression for evaluation
of effective prestress in the prestressing strands also has an effect on the ultimate
moment resistance of the section.
227
Table 6.18. Comparison of Moment Resistance (Mr) for AASHTO Standard and
LRFD
Spacing Span Mr Mr Diff. Mr Diff. Mr Diff. Mr Diff.
40 1228.2 1236.5 0.7 1236.5 0.7 1236.5 0.7 1236.5 0.7
50 1538.3 1536.3 -0.1 1536.3 -0.1 1536.3 -0.1 1536.3 -0.1
60 2101.2 2097.5 -0.2 2097.5 -0.2 2097.5 -0.2 2097.5 -0.2
70 2919.6 2912.9 -0.2 2912.9 -0.2 2912.9 -0.2 2644.6 -9.4
6 80 3666.5 3897.5 6.3 3897.5 6.3 3897.5 6.3 3656.3 -0.3
90 4805.1 5001.1 4.1 5001.1 4.1 5001.1 4.1 4789.3 -0.3
95 - 5601.9 - 5601.9 - 5469.9 - - -
96 5596.9 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 5603.0 -
40 1587.0 1547.9 -2.5 1547.9 -2.5 1547.9 -2.5 1244.0 -21.6
50 1837.5 2120.0 15.4 2120.0 15.4 1835.4 -0.1 1547.9 -15.8
60 2685.8 2681.3 -0.2 2681.3 -0.2 2681.3 -0.2 2402.0 -10.6
8 70 3739.3 3730.7 -0.2 3730.7 -0.2 3730.7 -0.2 3475.7 -7.0
80 4940.9 4926.8 -0.3 4926.8 -0.3 4926.8 -0.3 4698.0 -4.9
83 5379.7 5571.2 3.6 5571.2 3.6 5363.3 -0.3 - -
87 - - - - - - - 5571.2 -
40 1482.6 1550.6 4.6 1550.6 4.6 1550.6 4.6 1245.7 -16.0
50 1984.8 2125.3 7.1 2125.3 7.1 2125.3 7.1 1839.2 -7.3
60 2694.1 2689.9 -0.2 2689.9 -0.2 2689.9 -0.2 2408.8 -10.6
8.67 70 4012.5 4003.4 -0.2 4003.4 -0.2 4003.4 -0.2 3748.3 -6.6
80 5418.9 5403.0 -0.3 5403.0 -0.3 5403.0 -0.3 4959.4 -
81 - - - - - 5614.7 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 5824.1 -
The moment resistance specified by LRFD Specifications was found to be equal

to the resistance provided by the Standard specifications for most of the cases with 6 ft.
girder spacing. For other girder spacing, the moment resistance specified by LRFD
Specifications is less conservative as compared to the Standard Specifications. The
conservatism was found to be increasing with increase in span length and decreasing
with the increase in girder spacing and skew angle. For skew angle of 60° the moment
resistance was found to be smaller as compared to the Standard Specifications.
228
The difference between the moment resistance capacities predicted by Standard

and LRFD Specifications is found to be in the range of -9.4 percent to 6 percent for 6 ft.,
-21 percent to 15 percent for 8 ft. and -16 percent to 7 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing.
The comparison of the moment capacities is presented in Table 6.18.
6.6 IMPACT OF LRFD SPECIFICATIONS ON CAMBER
The camber was calculated using the Hyperbolic Functions method proposed by
Sinno et al. (1968). This method is used by TxDOT for the evaluation of camber. As the
camber is evaluated using the same methodology for both the specifications, a small
difference between the cambers is observed. The results for the camber are summarized
in Table 6.19. The cambers for LRFD designs were generally smaller as compared to
those for standard designs. This decrease is due to larger prestress losses, which
decreases the prestressing force in the girder. The maximum difference in the camber is
22 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing, 13 percent for 8 ft. girder spacing and 11 percent for
8.67 ft. girder spacing.
229
Table 6.19. Comparison of Camber for Type C Girder (Strand Dia. = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Spacing Span Camber Camber Diff. Camber Diff. Camber Diff. Camber Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) % (ft.) % (ft.) % (ft.) %
40 0.041 0.032 -22.3 0.032 -22.3 0.032 -22.3 0.032 -22.3
50 0.052 0.052 0.2 0.052 0.2 0.052 0.2 0.052 0.2
60 0.090 0.087 -2.9 0.087 -2.9 0.089 -1.1 0.089 -1.1
70 0.156 0.153 -1.4 0.153 -1.4 0.153 -1.4 0.129 -17.3
6 80 0.220 0.241 9.4 0.241 9.4 0.241 9.4 0.216 -1.8
90 0.312 0.327 4.5 0.327 4.5 0.331 5.9 0.310 -0.7
95 - 0.372 - 0.372 - 0.355 - - -
96 0.366 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 0.365 -
40 0.049 0.041 -16.3 0.041 -16.3 0.041 -16.3 0.032 -35.3
50 0.065 0.077 18.1 0.077 18.1 0.064 -0.9 0.051 -20.8
60 0.124 0.123 -1.2 0.123 -1.2 0.123 -1.2 0.108 -13.4
8 70 0.211 0.207 -1.6 0.207 -1.6 0.207 -1.6 0.192 -9.0
80 0.313 0.302 -3.6 0.302 -3.6 0.308 -1.8 0.293 -6.4
83 0.342 0.347 1.3 0.347 1.3 0.336 -1.9 - -
87 - - - - - - - 0.348 -
40 0.049 0.041 -16.2 0.041 -16.2 0.041 -16.2 0.032 -35.3
50 0.076 0.077 0.3 0.077 0.3 0.077 0.3 0.064 -15.9
60 0.124 0.122 -1.8 0.122 -1.8 0.123 -1.2 0.106 -14.6
8.67 70 0.229 0.225 -1.5 0.225 -1.5 0.225 -1.5 0.207 -9.4
80 0.337 0.330 -1.9 0.330 -1.9 0.330 -1.8 0.308 -
81 - - - - - 0.345 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 0.365 -
6.7 IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD ON SHEAR DESIGN
The LRFD Specifications employs a different methodology for the transverse

shear design as compared to the Standard Specifications. This difference in the
methodology impacted the transverse shear design significantly. The transverse shear
reinforcement area was found to be increasing significantly as compared to the Standard
Specifications. The interface shear reinforcement area was found to be increasing
significantly for the LRFD Specifications. These changes in the transverse and interface
shear reinforcements and results are addressed in Section 7.
230
7. SHEAR DESIGN
7.1 INTRODUCTION
The transverse shear design and the interface shear design are the two areas
where significant differences between Standard and LRFD designs were observed in the
parametric study results. These differences are caused due to a significant increase in the
shear force specified by LRFD Specifications. The increase in concrete strength and the
new approach for transverse shear design in the LRFD Specifications also affect the
transverse shear design. The Standard Specifications uses a constant angle truss analogy
for its shear provisions whereas, the LRFD specifications uses Modified Compression
Field Theory (MCFT) based on variable angle truss analogy for shear provisions. The
interface shear design in LRFD Specifications is based on the pure shear friction model
whereas Standard Specifications uses empirical formulas for iinterface shear design
provisions. This section includes the results for the interface and transverse shear design
from the parametric study. Guidelines are also included on each of the two areas to help
in the transition from Standard to LRFD design.
7.2 IMPACT OF LRFD SPECIFICATIONS ON TRANSVERSE SHEAR

DESIGN
7.2.1 General
This section includes a brief background of MCFT and the results for the
transverse shear design for Standard and LRFD designs. Based on the results
recommendations and guidelines are provided for implementation of LRFD
Specifications in bridge design.
231
7.2.2. Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT)
Modified Compression Field Theory is one of the methods for sectional analysis
based on equilibrium, compatibility and stress-strain relationships. MCFT is a rational
method, based on variable angle truss analogy (as compared to the constant 45° truss
analogy used by traditional theories). MCFT provides a unified method for design,
applicable to both the prestressed and nonprestressed concrete members. MCFT
accounts for the tension in the longitudinal reinforcement due to shear and the stress
transfer across the cracks. MCFT takes into account the shear stress and strain conditions
at the section. The shear strength of concrete is determined using a factor , which
indicates the ability of diagonally cracked concrete to transfer tension. The angle of
inclination of diagonal compressive stress, is used to determine the critical section for
shear. If is taken as 45° and as 2, this theory yields same results as 45° truss analogy,
used in the Standard specifications. The use of MCFT in the LRFD Specifications results
in a shear design procdure which is entirely different form the Standard Specifications.
The LRFD Specifications has provided an extensive background of the mechanics and
development of MCFT model, which can be very useful for bridge engineers to
understand and implement the MCFT in shear designs.
The transverse shear design using MCFT results in a very complex design
process. The MCFT is not suitable for routine bridge design. A research is being carried
out at University of Illinois, to develop simplified shear design procedures for the use of
bridge engineers. These formulas can be helpful for TxDOT engineers, if their
applicability to the typical Texas bridges is verified. A similar research is being carried
out at the Purdue University to establish simplified design expressions for shear design.
232
7.2.3 Impact on AASHTO Type IV Bridge Design
The transverse shear reinforcement area is found to be increasing significantly

for LRFD designs for most of the cases. A comparison of the transverse shear
reinforcement area for Standard and LRFD designs is presented in Table 7.1. The
transverse shear reinforcement is found to be increasing in the range of -2.6 percent to
314 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing. The difference increases with an increase in the span
length. This difference is found to be in the range of -29 percent to 423 percent for 8 ft.
girder spacing and -40 percent to 66 percent for 8.67 ft. girder spacing.
Table 7.1. Comparison of Transverse Shear Reinforcement Area (Av)

LRFD
Spacing Span Av Av Diff. Av Diff. Av Diff. Av Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) (in.2/ft.) (in.2/ft.) % (in.2/ft.) % (in.2/ft.) % (in.2/ft.) %
90 0.13 0.13 -2.6 0.14 7.0 0.16 17.7 0.21 60.7
100 0.11 0.17 47.3 0.18 58.3 0.20 71.8 0.25 120.7
110 0.09 0.20 113.0 0.21 128.5 0.23 146.4 0.29 213.0
6 120 0.08 0.21 163.1 0.23 183.0 0.25 216.7 0.33 314.0
130 0.08 0.21 167.5 0.23 188.4 0.23 190.4 0.32 301.7
133 - 0.17 - 0.19 - 0.25 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 0.32 -
136 0.08 - - - - - - - -
90 0.30 0.22 -28.5 0.23 -23.6 0.25 -18.1 0.31 3.4
100 0.29 0.26 -10.4 0.27 -4.5 0.29 1.9 0.36 26.5
8 110 0.22 0.26 16.4 0.28 24.8 0.31 39.3 0.40 79.4
120 0.08 0.27 242.8 0.29 267.5 0.30 280.9 0.42 423.3
124 0.08 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 0.42 -
90 0.36 0.24 -33.7 0.26 -29.2 0.27 -24.1 0.34 -5.2
100 0.34 0.28 -17.6 0.30 -12.6 0.32 -6.8 0.40 15.7
110 0.26 0.28 6.6 0.30 14.3 0.33 26.1 0.42 62.4
8.67 116 - 0.30 - 0.32 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 0.33 - - -
119 0.08 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 0.44 -
121 - - - - - - - 0.44 -
233
7.2.4 Impact on Type C Bridge Design
The transverse shear reinforcement area is found to be increasing significantly

for LRFD designs for most of the cases. A comparison of the transverse shear
reinforcement area for Standard and LRFD designs is presented in Table 7.2. The
transverse shear reinforcement is found to be increasing in the range of 40 percent to 475
percent for 6 ft. girder spacing. This difference is found to be in the range of -44 percent
to 610 percent for 8 ft. girder spacing and -60 percent to 100 percent for 8.67 ft. girder
spacing.
Table 7.2. Comparison of Transverse Shear Reinforcement Area (Av) for Type C
Girder (Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Spacing Span Std. Av Diff. Av Diff. Av Diff. Av Diff.
(ft.) (ft.) Av (in.2/ft.) (in.2/ft.) % (in.2/ft.) % (in.2/ft.) % (in.2/ft.) %
40 0.07 0.10 38.8 0.10 38.8 0.10 38.8 0.10 38.8
50 0.15 0.23 50.8 0.26 69.5 0.28 84.0 0.36 136.2
60 0.07 0.21 193.3 0.24 237.0 0.27 279.2 0.36 419.9
70 0.17 0.19 15.2 0.21 25.8 0.23 38.0 0.31 85.9
6 80 0.09 0.24 163.7 0.26 186.2 0.28 212.4 0.37 316.2
90 0.07 0.22 209.2 0.24 241.9 0.29 312.7 0.40 475.0
95 - 0.24 - 0.27 - 0.24 - - -
96 0.07 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 0.39 -
40 0.07 0.26 265.8 0.28 305.0 0.30 328.8 0.10 41.3
50 0.18 0.30 70.1 0.33 89.2 0.10 -43.8 0.10 -43.8
60 0.25 0.24 -5.5 0.26 2.3 0.28 10.9 0.50 98.9
8 70 0.19 0.29 51.7 0.32 63.6 0.34 77.5 0.45 132.8
80 0.07 0.28 298.6 0.30 335.6 0.36 419.3 0.50 610.1
83 0.07 0.29 320.4 0.32 359.5 0.36 420.2 - -
87 - - - - - - - 0.48 -
40 0.12 0.10 -18.7 0.10 -18.7 0.10 -18.7 0.10 -18.7
50 0.25 0.37 50.4 0.41 65.3 0.44 76.3 0.10 -60.1
60 0.32 0.26 -18.1 0.28 -11.6 0.31 -2.2 0.60 87.4
8.67 70 0.24 0.32 38.2 0.35 48.8 0.38 61.0 0.49 109.7
80 0.07 0.32 361.0 0.35 399.3 0.38 443.5 0.53 -
81 - - - - - 0.38 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 0.52 -
234
7.3 IMPACT OF LRFD SPECIFICATIONS ON INTERFACE SHEAR

DESIGN
7.3.1 General
This section includes the results for the interface shear design for Standard and
LRFD designs. The LRFD Specifications provide the cohesion and friction factors for
two cases one, when the interface is roughened and another when the interface is not
roughened. Both these cases were evaluated and the results are summarized. The
proposed provions to be included in LRFD Specifications are also investigated.
7.3.2 Impact on AASHTO Type IV Bridge Design
The interface shear reinforcement area is found to be increasing significantly for

LRFD designs for the case when the interface is roughened. A comparison of the
interface shear reinforcement area for Standard and LRFD designs is presented in Table
7.3. The interface shear reinforcement area is found to be increasing in the range of 0
percent to 145 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing. This difference is found to be in the range
of 16 percent to 218 percent for 8 ft. girder spacing and 40 percent to 192 percent for
235
Table 7.3. Comparison of Interface Shear Reinforcement Area (Avh) with

Roughened Interface (Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Spacing Span Avh Avh Diff. Avh Diff. Avh Diff. Avh Diff.
90 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.24 21.4
100 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.29 46.9
110 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.22 9.2 0.25 23.9 0.35 76.2
6 120 0.20 0.26 29.2 0.29 43.6 0.31 57.0 0.43 114.6
130 0.20 0.31 55.3 0.34 71.2 0.37 84.8 0.49 145.6
133 - 0.35 - 0.38 - 0.41 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 0.55 -
136 0.20 - - - - - - - -
90 0.20 0.23 16.0 0.26 28.9 0.29 43.6 0.39 94.7
100 0.20 0.28 41.8 0.31 56.1 0.34 70.2 0.46 128.6
8 110 0.20 0.34 69.3 0.37 85.1 0.40 101.3 0.53 166.4
120 0.20 0.45 124.0 0.48 142.3 0.51 155.5 0.64 217.9
124 0.20 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 0.74 -
90 0.20 0.27 33.8 0.30 47.5 0.33 63.2 0.44 118.1
100 0.20 0.32 61.0 0.35 76.1 0.39 93.5 0.51 153.7
110 0.20 0.38 90.7 0.42 107.5 0.45 124.1 0.58 192.4
8.67 116 - 0.45 - 0.49 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 0.54 - - -
119 0.20 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 0.71 -
121 - - - - - - - 0.73 -

LRFD designs for the case of unroughened interface. A comparison of the interface
shear reinforcement area for Standard and LRFD designs is presented in Table 7.4. The
interface shear reinforcement area is found to be increasing in the range of 75 percent to
392 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing. This difference is found to be in the range of 180
percent to 513 percent for 8 ft. girder spacing and 200 percent to 470 percent for 8.67 ft.
girder spacing.
236
Table 7.4. Comparison of Interface Shear Reinforcement Area (Avh) without

Roughened Interface (Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
90 0.20 0.35 75.2 0.39 92.7 0.42 112.5 0.57 185.6
100 0.20 0.42 110.1 0.46 129.4 0.50 149.0 0.66 228.2
110 0.20 0.49 144.1 0.53 165.3 0.58 189.8 0.75 276.9
6 120 0.20 0.60 198.7 0.65 222.7 0.69 245.0 0.88 341.0
130 0.20 0.68 242.2 0.74 268.6 0.78 291.3 0.99 392.7
133 - 0.75 - 0.80 - 0.86 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 1.09 -
136 0.20 - - - - - - - -
90 0.20 0.55 176.7 0.60 198.1 0.65 222.7 0.82 307.9
100 0.20 0.64 219.7 0.69 243.5 0.73 267.1 0.93 364.4
8 110 0.20 0.73 265.5 0.78 291.8 0.84 318.8 1.05 427.3
120 0.20 0.91 356.6 0.97 387.2 1.02 409.2 1.23 513.1
124 0.20 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 1.39 -
90 0.20 0.61 206.3 0.66 229.2 0.71 255.4 0.89 346.8
100 0.20 0.70 251.6 0.75 276.8 0.81 305.9 1.01 406.2
110 0.20 0.80 301.2 0.86 329.2 0.91 356.9 1.14 470.7
8.67 116 - 0.92 - 0.98 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 1.06 - - -
119 0.20 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 1.35 -
121 - - - - - - - 1.39 -
7.3.3 Impact on Type C Bridge Design

LRFD designs for the case when the interface is roughened. A comparison of the
interface shear reinforcement area for Standard and LRFD designs is presented in Table
7.5. The interface shear reinforcement area is found to be increasing in the range of 2
percent to 411 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing. This difference is found to be in the range
237
of 67 percent to 330 percent for 8 ft. girder spacing and 87 percent to 284 percent for
Table 7.5. Comparison of Interface Shear Reinforcement Area (Avh) for Type C
Girder with Roughened Interface (Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Girder Std.
40 0.14 0.14 1.4 0.16 14.3 0.18 29.1 0.26 84.5
50 0.14 0.21 49.7 0.23 65.6 0.26 83.9 0.35 152.3
60 0.14 0.27 95.3 0.30 114.2 0.33 135.9 0.44 217.2
70 0.14 0.33 136.9 0.36 158.6 0.40 183.7 0.52 273.3
6 80 0.14 0.40 183.6 0.43 208.5 0.47 237.2 0.61 339.0
90 0.14 0.47 234.8 0.51 263.1 0.55 295.8 0.72 411.6
95 - 0.53 - 0.58 - 0.61 - - -
96 0.17 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 0.83 -
40 0.14 0.23 67.2 0.26 82.7 0.28 100.8 0.37 166.4
50 0.14 0.33 133.4 0.35 153.0 0.38 171.2 0.49 248.4
60 0.14 0.40 186.0 0.43 209.1 0.47 235.7 0.60 330.9
8 70 0.20 0.48 145.5 0.52 164.7 0.56 186.9 0.71 265.5
80 0.26 0.56 117.6 0.61 134.3 0.66 153.5 0.83 221.7
83 0.29 0.60 110.3 0.65 126.2 0.69 141.4 - -
87 - - - - - - - 0.92 -
40 0.14 0.26 86.8 0.28 103.2 0.31 122.3 0.41 191.8
50 0.14 0.36 156.2 0.39 176.8 0.42 200.7 0.54 284.5
60 0.18 0.44 143.8 0.47 162.8 0.51 184.8 0.65 263.6
8.67 70 0.25 0.52 109.0 0.56 124.9 0.61 143.2 0.77 208.7
80 0.32 0.62 92.3 0.67 106.6 0.72 123.1 0.90 -
81 - - - - - 0.73 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 0.98 -

LRFD designs for the case of unroughened interface. A comparison of the interface
shear reinforcement area for Standard and LRFD designs is presented in Table 7.6. The
interface shear reinforcement area is found to be increasing in the range of 152 percent
to 836 percent for 6 ft. girder spacing. This difference is found to be in the range of 263
238
percent to 700 percent for 8 ft. girder spacing and 294 percent to 624 percent for 8.67 ft.
girder spacing.
Girder without Roughened Interface (Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Girder Std.
40 0.14 0.35 152.4 0.38 173.8 0.42 198.6 0.55 290.9
50 0.14 0.47 232.8 0.50 259.3 0.55 289.8 0.71 403.8
60 0.14 0.57 308.9 0.62 340.3 0.67 376.6 0.86 511.9
70 0.14 0.67 378.2 0.72 414.4 0.78 456.1 0.99 605.4
6 80 0.14 0.78 456.0 0.84 497.5 0.90 545.3 1.14 715.0
90 0.14 0.90 541.3 0.96 588.5 1.04 643.0 1.31 836.1
95 - 1.00 - 1.08 - 1.13 - - -
96 0.17 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 1.50 -
40 0.14 0.51 261.9 0.54 287.9 0.59 317.9 0.74 427.4
50 0.14 0.66 372.3 0.71 404.9 0.75 435.3 0.93 564.0
60 0.14 0.78 460.0 0.84 498.5 0.90 542.8 1.12 701.4
8 70 0.20 0.92 368.9 0.98 400.9 1.05 437.8 1.31 568.9
80 0.26 1.06 307.8 1.13 335.5 1.21 367.6 1.50 481.1
83 0.29 1.12 291.4 1.19 317.8 1.27 343.1 - -
87 - - - - - - - 1.66 -
40 0.14 0.55 294.6 0.59 322.1 0.64 353.8 0.80 469.6
50 0.14 0.71 410.3 0.76 444.7 0.82 484.5 1.01 624.1
60 0.18 0.84 371.6 0.90 403.3 0.96 440.0 1.20 571.3
8.67 70 0.25 0.99 294.9 1.06 321.3 1.13 351.9 1.41 461.1
80 0.32 1.15 256.7 1.23 280.6 1.32 308.1 1.61 -
81 - - - - - 1.34 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 1.75 -
239
7.3.4 Proposed Interface Shear Design Provisions
New interface shear design provisions are proposed to be adopted by LRFD

Specifications in 2007. These design provions were evaluated and the Standard design
results were compared to the results from the proposed provisions. The results for
AASHTO Type IV and Type C girders are summarized in Tables 7.7 and 7.8.
Table 7.7. Comparison of Interface Shear Reinforcement Area (Avh) for

Proposed Provisions (Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
90 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
100 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
110 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
6 120 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
130 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
133 - 0.20 - 0.20 - 0.20 - - -
135 - - - - - - - 0.20 -
136 0.20 - - - - - - - -
90 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
100 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
8 110 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
120 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
124 0.20 - - - - - - - -
125 - - - - - - - 0.20 -
90 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
100 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
110 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0 0.20 0.0
8.67 116 - 0.20 - 0.20 - - - - -
117 - - - - - 0.20 - - -
119 0.20 - - - - - - - -
120 - - - - - - - 0.20 -
121 - - - - - - - 0.20 -
240
It was observed that the proposed provisions significantly reduce the interface
shear reinforcement area requirement. The interface shear reinforcement requirement
from the proposed provisions is same as that required by the Standard Specifications for
all the cases for Type IV girders and most of the cases for Type C girders. The variation
in the interface shear requirement for Type C girders is small.
Girder for Proposed Provisions (Strand Diameter = 0.5 in.)
LRFD
Girder Std.
40 0.14 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0
50 0.14 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0
60 0.14 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0
70 0.14 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0
6 80 0.14 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0
90 0.14 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.21 51.6
95 - 0.14 - 0.14 - 0.14 - - -
96 0.17 - - - - - - - -
98 - - - - - - - 0.33 -
40 0.14 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0
50 0.14 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0
60 0.14 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0
8 70 0.20 0.14 -28.4 0.14 -28.4 0.14 -28.4 0.21 7.6
80 0.26 0.14 -45.9 0.14 -45.9 0.15 -41.2 0.33 27.0
83 0.29 0.14 -51.0 0.14 -50.0 0.19 -34.9 - -
87 - - - - - - - 0.42 -
40 0.14 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0
50 0.14 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0 0.14 0.0
60 0.18 0.14 -21.7 0.14 -21.7 0.14 -21.7 0.15 -18.4
8.67 70 0.25 0.14 -44.1 0.14 -44.1 0.14 -44.1 0.27 7.6
80 0.32 0.14 -56.6 0.16 -49.8 0.22 -33.3 0.39 -
81 - - - - - 0.23 - - -
85 - - - - - - - 0.47 -
241
8. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1 SUMMARY
The main objective of this study was to develop guidelines to help TxDOT adopt
and implement the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications with a focus on
AASHTO Type IV and Type C prestressed concrete bridge girders. Several tasks were
performed to accomplish this objective. First, a review of the available literature on the
development of AASHTO LRFD Specifications was carried out. A brief summary of the
findings was documented. Second, detailed design examples were generated as a
reference for bridge engineers to follow step by step designs based on the Standard and
LRFD Specifications. Major differences in the designs using AASHTO Standard and
LRFD Specifications were highlighted. Third, the simplification made by TxDOT in the
bridge design by using the modular ratio between slab and girder concrete as unity was
evaluated for its applicability when using the AASHTO LRFD Specifications. Fourth, a
parametric study based on parameters representative of Texas bridges was conducted to
investigate the impact of the AASHTO LRFD Specifications on the design as compared
to the AASHTO Standard Specifications. The impact of the LRFD Specifications on
service design, ultimate flexural design, shear design, and camber was evaluated. Fifth,
based on the results from parametric study, areas where major differences were
occurring in the design were identified as the transverse and interface shear design.
Additional information and recommendations for these critical design issues were
provided to help in the implementation of the LRFD Specifications in bridge designs by
bridge engineers.
The following significant changes were found between the Standard and LRFD
Specifications.
1. The live load model has changed significantly. The standard specifications
use the greater of HS-20 truck or lane loading for live load. The LRFD
Specifications use a HL-93 model, which is greater of the combination of
HS-20 truck and lane loading and tandem and lane loading.
242
2. The dynamic load (impact) factor has changed. The impact factor is specified
as 33 percent of live load in the LRFD Specifications which is significantly
greater than the impact factors obtained in the Standard design.
3. The load combinations provided by the LRFD Specifications are different
from those specified by the Standard Specifications. A new load
combination, Service III, is specified by the LRFD Specifications for the
tensile stress check in prestressed concrete members. A factor of 0.8 is
applied to the live load moments in this load combination. This decreases the
design tensile stress in the girder, neutralizing the effect of increased live load
moments. The load factors for the ultimate flexural design load combination,
Strength I are less than the ones provided by the Standard Specifications.
8.2 CONCLUSIONS
Major conclusions from this study are provided in this section.
8.2.1 Parametric Study
The following conclusions were derived from the parametric study for AASHTO
Type IV and Type C girders.
1. Typically the combination of truck and lane load governs the LRFD
designs. The tandem load and the lane load specified by the LRFD
Specifications are different from those specified by the Standard
Specifications.
2. The HL-93 load yields significantly larger moments and shears as
compared to the HS-20 truck load.
3. The live load moment and shear distribution factors (DFs) have changed
significantly. The DFs provided by the LRFD specifications are restrictive
and can be used only if the specified limits are satisfied. The live load
moment DFs specified by the LRFD Specifications are smaller as compared
to the Standard DFs.
243
4. The live load shear DFs specified by LRFD are typically larger as
compared to the Standard DFs. The skew reduction factors are applied to
the live load moment DFs and a skew correction is applied to the shear
DFs.
5. The distributed live load moments for LRFD designs are greater than the
Standard designs. The distributed shear increased significantly as compared
to the Standard Specifications.
6. The initial and final prestress losses in the LRFD designs are slightly
greater than the ones obtained in the Standard designs.
7. The required number of strands in the LRFD design is slightly larger as
compared to the Standard design. This increase is due to the increase in
prestress losses and live load moments.
8. The required concrete strengths at release and at service in the LRFD
designs are slightly greater than the ones obtained in the Standard design.
This increase is due to the increase in the number of strands, which increase
the stresses in the girder, requiring larger concrete strengths.
9. The overall impact of LRFD Specifications on the service load design of
the prestressed concrete bridges is very small. The LRFD designs are
generally slightly conservative as compared to the Standard designs.
10. The effect of the LRFD Specifications on the maximum span length is
negligible. Slightly smaller span lengths are possible using the LRFD
Specifications for skew angles less than 30 degrees. However, slightly
larger span lengths are possible when the skew angle of 60 degrees is used.
This is due to the significant decrease in live load moments for skew angles
greater than 30 degrees.
11. The effect of LRFD Specifications on the ultimate flexural design is
negligible. A small variation is observed in the design flexural moment and
the flexural moment resistance as compared to the Standard designs.
244
12. A significant change was observed in the transverse shear design. The area
of transverse reinforcement increased up to 300 percent in few cases. This
increase in the transverse shear reinforcement is caused due to significant
increase in the live load shear and a different methodology for transverse
shear used in the LRFD Specifications. The LRFD Specifications uses
Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT) for its shear provisions
whereas the Standard Specifications uses constant angle truss analogy.
13. The interface shear reinforcement area increased significantly for LRFD
designs. The increase is up to 300% in some cases and 200% in most cases.
This increase is caused due to conservative cohesion and friction factors
specified by LRFD Specifications, based on pure friction model. However,
the interface shear provisions proposed to be included in the LRFD
Specifications in 2007 yields the shear reinforcement area which is
comparable to the Standard Specifications.
8.2.2. Effect of Modular Ratio
The following are the findings from the evaluation of the TxDOT practice of not
updating the modular ratio between slab and girder concrete in the design process
1. The impact of this practice is negligible in most of the cases. In few cases
however a small difference was found, where the design using TxDOT
methodology is on the unconservative side.
2. The LRFD live load moment and shear DFs were found to be decreasing by
a small amount and consequently the live load moments and shears
decreased slightly when the modular ratio was updated.
3. The service load design parameters, required number of strands, required
concrete strengths at service and at release were found to be increasing by a
small amount in few cases. There was no effect of updating the modular
ratio for most of the cases.
245
4. The interface shear design is not affected by the process of updating the
modular ratio. However the transverse shear reinforcement area
requirement decreased for a few cases due to increase in concrete strengths,
which subsequently increases the shear capacity of concrete.
5. The camber is found to be decreasing for a few cases, due to increase in the
concrete strength which subsequently increases the elastic modulus of the
concrete.
8.3 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

1. Presently the LRFD Specifications are calibrated for the ultimate flexural
design. The service load design needs to be calibrated to obtain a true
reliability based specifications.
2. The live load DFs specified by LRFD Specifications are very restrictive.
More research is needed to expand the approximate DFs specified by
LRFD Specifications, to a wide range of bridge configurations.
3. The transverse shear design using MCFT is very complex design process.
The MCFT is not suitable for routine bridge design. Simplified formulas
could be helpful for the bridge engineers for transverse shear design.
Research is being carried on at University of Illinois to arrive at simplified
shear formulas. However, research is needed to find the applicability of any
simplified formulas for typical Texas bridges.
4. The interface shear provisions proposed to be included in the LRFD
Specifications in 2007 can be used after its inclusion into LRFD. However,
for the bridge designs until then interface shear design criteria is needed to
be evolved based on past experience and research studies on typical Texas
bridges.
246
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253
APPENDIX A
DETAILED DESIGN EXAMPLES FOR INTERIOR AASHTO TYPE
IV PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE GIRDER

254
Appendix A.1
Detailed Example for Interior AASHTO Type IV

Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girder Design using
255
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A.1.1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................260
A.1.2 DESIGN PARAMETERS..................................................................................260
A.1.3 MATERIAL PROPERTIES...............................................................................261
A.1.4 CROSS-SECTION PROPERTIES FOR A TYPICAL INTERIOR GIRDER ..262
A.1.4.1 Non-Composite Section ......................................................................262
A.1.4.2 Composite Section...............................................................................263
A.1.4.2.1 Effective Web Width..........................................................263
A.1.4.2.2 Effective Flange Width ......................................................264
A.1.4.2.3 Modular Ratio between Slab
and Girder Concrete ...........................................................264
A.1.4.2.4 Transformed Section Properties ..........................................264
A.1.5 SHEAR FORCES AND BENDING MOMENTS .............................................266
A.1.5.1 Shear Forces and Bending Moments due to Dead Loads....................266
A.1.5.1.1 Dead Loads........................................................................266
A.1.5.1.2 Superimposed Dead Loads ................................................266
A.1.5.1.3 Shear Forces and Bending Moments.................................266
A.1.5.2 Shear Forces and Bending Moments due to Live Load ......................268
A.1.5.2.1 Live Load ..........................................................................268
A.1.5.2.2 Live Load Distribution Factor
for a Typical Interior Girder..............................................269
A.1.5.2.3 Live Load Impact ..............................................................269
A.1.5.3 Load Combination ...............................................................................270
A.1.6 ESTIMATION OF REQUIRED PRESTRESS..................................................271
A.1.6.1 Service Load Stresses at Midspan .......................................................271
A.1.6.2 Allowable Stress Limit ........................................................................273
A.1.6.3 Required Number of Strands ...............................................................273
A.1.7 PRESTRESS LOSSES .......................................................................................276
A.1.7.1 Iteration 1 ............................................................................................276
A.1.7.1.1 Concrete Shrinkage ............................................................276
A.1.7.1.2 Elastic Shortening...............................................................276
A.1.7.1.3 Creep of Concrete...............................................................277
A.1.7.1.4 Relaxation of Prestressing Steel .........................................278
A.1.7.1.5 Total Losses at Transfer .....................................................281
A.1.7.1.6 Total Losses at Service.......................................................281
A.1.7.1.7 Final Stresses at Midspan ...................................................282
A.1.7.1.8 Initial Stresses at Hold-Down Point ...................................283
A.1.7.2 Iteration 2 .............................................................................................284
256
A.1.7.2.4 Relaxation of Pretensioning Steel ......................................287

A.1.7.2.6 Total Losses at Service.......................................................288
A.1.7.2.9 Initial Stresses at Girder End..............................................291
A.1.7.3 Iteration 3 ............................................................................................294
A.1.7.3.4 Relaxation of Pretensioning Steel ......................................296
A.1.7.3.6 Total Losses at Service Loads ............................................297
A.1.7.3.9 Initial Stresses at Girder End..............................................300
A.1.8 STRESS SUMMARY ........................................................................................304
A.1.8.1 Concrete Stresses at Transfer ..............................................................304
A.1.8.1.1 Allowable Stress Limits ....................................................304
A.1.8.1.2 Stresses at Girder End .......................................................304
A.1.8.1.3 Stresses at Transfer Length Section ..................................305
A.1.8.1.4 Stresses at Hold-Down Points ...........................................306
A.1.8.1.5 Stresses at Midspan ...........................................................307
A.1.8.1.6 Stress Summary at Transfer...............................................308
A.1.8.2 Concrete Stresses at Service Loads .....................................................308
A.1.8.2.1 Allowable Stress Limits ....................................................308
A.1.8.2.2 Final Stresses at Midspan ..................................................309
A.1.8.2.3 Summary of Stresses at Service Loads..............................311
A.1.8.2.4 Composite Section Properties ...........................................311
A.1.9 FLEXURAL STRENGTH .................................................................................313
A.1.10 DUCTILITY LIMITS .......................................................................................316
A.1.10.1 Maximum Reinforcement....................................................................316
A.1.10.2 Minimum Reinforcement ....................................................................316
A.1.11 SHEAR DESIGN ..............................................................................................317
A.1.12 HORIZONTAL SHEAR DESIGN ...................................................................326
A.1.13 PRETENSIONED ANCHORAGE ZONE .......................................................329
A.1.13.1 Minimum Vertical Reinforcement .....................................................329
A.1.13.2 Confinement Reinforcement ..............................................................330
A.1.14 CAMBER AND DEFLECTIONS.....................................................................330
A.1.14.1 Maximum Camber..............................................................................330
A.1.14.2 Deflection due to Slab Weight ...........................................................337
A.1.14.3 Deflections due to Superimposed Dead Loads...................................338
A.1.14.4 Total Deflection due to Dead Loads...................................................339
257
A.1.15 COMPARISON OF RESULTS FROM DETAILED DESIGN AND PSTRS14

........................................................................................................................................340
258
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE Page
A.1.2.1 Bridge Cross-Section Details .......................................................................260
A.1.2.2 Girder End Details........................................................................................261
A.1.4.1 Section Geometry and Strand Pattern for AASHTO Type IV Girder..........263
A.1.4.2 Composite Section........................................................................................265
A.1.6.1 Initial Strand Arrangement...........................................................................275
A.1.7.1 Final Strand Pattern at Midspan ...................................................................302
A.1.7.2 Final Strand Pattern at Girder End ...............................................................302
A.1.7.3 Longitudinal Strand Profile..........................................................................303

259
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE Page
A.1.4.1 Section Properties of AASHTO Type IV Girder .........................................262
A.1.4.2 Properties of Composite Section ..................................................................264
A.1.5.1 Shear Forces and Bending Moments due to Dead and Superimposed Dead
Loads ............................................................................................................267
A.1.5.2 Distributed Shear Forces and Bending Moments due to Live Load ............270
A.1.6.1 Summary of Stresses due to Applied Loads.................................................273
A.1.7.1 Summary of Top and Bottom Stresses at Girder End for Different Harped
Strand Positions and Corresponding Required Concrete Strengths .............292
A.1.8.1 Properties of Composite Section ..................................................................312
A.1.15.1 Comparison of the Results from PSTRS14 Program with Detailed Design
Example........................................................................................................340
260
A.1 Interior AASHTO Type IV Prestressed Concrete Bridge

Girder Design using AASHTO Standard Specifications
A.1.1
INTRODUCTION Following is a detailed example showing sample calculations for
the design of a typical interior AASHTO Type IV prestressed
concrete girder supporting a single span bridge. The design is
based on the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway
Bridges, 17th Edition, 2002 (AASHTO 2002). The guidelines
provided by the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001)
are considered in the design. The number of strands and
concrete strength at release and at service are optimized using
the TxDOT methodology.
A.1.2
DESIGN The bridge considered for this design example has a span length of
110 ft. (c/c pier distance), a total width of 46 ft. and total roadway
PARAMETERS
width of 44 ft. The bridge superstructure consists of six AASHTO
Type IV girders spaced 8 ft. center-to-center, designed to act
compositely with an 8 in. thick cast-in-place (CIP) concrete deck.
The wearing surface thickness is 1.5 in., which includes the
thickness of any future wearing surface. T501 type rails are
considered in the design. The design live load is taken as either HS
20-44 truck or HS 20-44 lane load, whichever produces larger
effects. A relative humidity (RH) of 60 percent is considered in the
design. The bridge cross-section is shown in Figure A.1.2.1.
Total Bridge Width

46'-0"
Total Roadway Width
44'-0"
1'-5" Deck
4'-6" 1.5" AASHTO

Type IV
Girder
3'-0" 5 Spaces @ 8'-0" c/c = 40'-0" 3'-0"
Figure A.1.2.1. Bridge Cross-Section Details.

261
The following calculations for design span length and the overall
girder length are based on Figure A.1.2.2.
Figure A.1.2.2. Girder End Details

(TxDOT Standard Drawing 2001).
Span Length (c/c piers) = 110'-0"

From Figure A.1.2.2
Overall girder length = 110'-0" – 2(2") = 109'-8" = 109.67 ft.
Design Span = 110'-0" – 2(8.5") = 108'-7" = 108.583 ft. (c/c of
bearing)
A.1.3
MATERIAL Cast-in-place slab:
PROPERTIES Thickness, ts = 8.0 in.
Concrete strength at 28 days, f c′ = 4000 psi
Thickness of asphalt-wearing surface (including any future

wearing surface), tw = 1.5 in.
Unit weight of concrete, wc = 150 pcf
Precast girders: AASHTO Type IV

Concrete strength at release, f ci′ = 4000 psi (This value is taken
as an initial estimate and will be finalized based on optimum
design.)
262
Concrete strength at 28 days, f c′ = 5000 psi (This value is taken as

initial estimate and will be finalized based on optimum design.)
Concrete unit weight, wc = 150 pcf
Pretensioning Strands: 0.5 in. diameter, seven wire low-relaxation

Area of one strand = 0.153 in.2
Ultimate stress, f s′ = 270,000 psi
Yield strength, f y* = 0.9 f s′ = 243,000 psi [STD Art. 9.1.2]
Initial pretensioning, fsi = 0.75 f s′ [STD Art. 9.15.1]

= 202,500 psi
Modulus of Elasticity, Es = 28,000 ksi [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.2]

Nonprestressed reinforcement: Yield strength, fy = 60,000 psi
Unit weight of asphalt-wearing surface = 140 pcf
[TxDOT recommendation]
T501 type barrier weight = 326 plf /side
A.1.4
CROSS-SECTION
PROPERTIES FOR A
TYPICAL INTERIOR
GIRDER
A.1.4.1
Non-Composite The section properties of an AASHTO Type IV girder as described
Section in the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001) are provided
in Table A.1.4.1. The section geometry and strand pattern is shown
in Figure A.1.4.1.
Table A.1.4.1. Section Properties of AASHTO Type IV Girder

yt yb Area I Wt./lf
2 4
in. in. in. in. lbs
29.25 24.75 788.4 260,403 821
where
I = Moment of inertia about the centroid of the non-
263
yb = Distance from centroid to the extreme bottom fiber of

the non-composite precast girder, in.
yt = Distance from centroid to the extreme top fiber of the

non-composite precast girder, in.
Sb = Section modulus referenced to the extreme bottom fiber

of the non-composite precast girder, in.3
= I/yb = 260,403/24.75 = 10,521.33 in.3
St = Section modulus referenced to the extreme top fiber of

the non-composite precast girder, in.3
= I/yt = 260,403/29.25 = 8902.67 in.3
8 in.
20 in.
6 in.
8 in.
23 in.
54 in.
9 in.
26 in.
Figure A.1.4.1. Section Geometry and Strand Pattern for AASHTO

Type IV Girder [Adapted from TxDOT Bridge Design Manual
(TxDOT 2001)].
A.1.4.2
Composite Section
A.1.4.2.1 [STD Art. 9.8.3]
Effective Web Width Effective web width of the precast girder is lesser of:
[STD Art. 9.8.3.1]
be = 6 × (flange thickness on either side of the web) + web + fillets
= 6(8 + 8) + 8 + 2(6) = 116 in.
or, be = Total top flange width = 20 in. (controls)
Effective web width, be = 20 in.

264
A.1.4.2.2
Effective Flange The effective flange width is lesser of: [STD Art. 9.8.3.2]
Width
108.583(12 in./ft.)
¼ span length of girder: = 325.75 in.
4
6×(effective slab thickness on each side of the effective web width)

+ effective web width: 6(8 + 8) + 20 = 116 in.
One-half the clear distance on each side of the effective web width
+ effective web width: For interior girders this is equivalent to the
center-to-center distance between the adjacent girders.
8(12 in./ft.) + 20 in. = 96 in. (controls)
Effective flange width = 96 in.
A.1.4.2.3
Modular Ratio Following the TxDOT Design Manual (TxDOT 2001)
between Slab and recommendation (pg. 7-85), the modular ratio between the slab and
Girder Concrete the girder concrete is taken as 1. This assumption is used for service
load design calculations. For flexural strength limit design, shear
design, and deflection calculations, the actual modular ratio based
on optimized concrete strengths is used. The composite section is
shown in Figure A.1.4.2 and the composite section properties are
presented in Table A.1.4.2.
Ec for slab
n= =1
Ec for girder
where n is the modular ratio between slab and girder concrete, and
Ec is the elastic modulus of concrete.
A.1.4.2.4
Transformed Section Transformed flange width = n × (effective flange width)
Properties = (1)(96) = 96 in.
Transformed Flange Area = n × (effective flange width)(ts)

= (1)(96) (8) = 768 in.2
Table A.1.4.2. Properties of Composite Section.

Transformed Area yb Ayb A(ybc - yb)2 I I + A(ybc - yb)2
A (in.2) in. in. 3
in. 4
in.4
Girder 788.4 24.75 19,512.9 212,231.53 260,403.0 472,634.5
Slab 768.0 58.00 44,544.0 217,868.93 4096.0 221,964.9
1556.4 64,056.9 694,599.5
265
Ac = Total area of composite section = 1556.4 in.2
hc = Total height of composite section = 54 in. + 8 in. = 62 in.
Ic = Moment of inertia about the centroid of the composite

section = 694,599.5 in.4
ybc = Distance from the centroid of the composite section to

extreme bottom fiber of the precast girder, in.
= 64,056.9/1,556.4 = 41.157 in.
ytg = Distance from the centroid of the composite section to

extreme top fiber of the precast girder, in.
= 54 - 41.157 = 12.843 in.
ytc = Distance from the centroid of the composite section to

extreme top fiber of the slab, in.
= 62 - 41.157 = 20.843 in.
Sbc = Section modulus of composite section referenced to the

extreme bottom fiber of the precast girder, in.3
= Ic/ybc = 694,599.5/41.157 = 16,876.83 in.3
Stg = Section modulus of composite section referenced to the top

fiber of the precast girder, in.3
= Ic/ytg = 694,599.5/12.843 = 54,083.9 in.3
Stc = Section modulus of composite section referenced to the top

fiber of the slab, in.3
= Ic/ytc = 694,599.5/20.843 = 33,325.31 in.3
8'-0"
1'-8" 8"
c.g. of composite
section
5'-2"
4'-6"
ybc = 3'-5"
Figure A.1.4.2. Composite Section.

266
A.1.5
SHEAR FORCES AND The self-weight of the girder and the weight of the slab act on the
BENDING MOMENTS non-composite simple span structure, while the weight of the
barriers, future wearing surface, and live load including impact load
act on the composite simple span structure.
A.1.5.1
Shear Forces and
Bending Moments
due to Dead Loads
A.1.5.1.1 Dead loads acting on the non-composite structure:
Dead Loads
Self-weight of the girder = 0.821 kips/ft.
[TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001)]
Weight of cast-in-place deck on each interior girder

8 in.
= (0.150 kcf) (8 ft.) = 0.800 kips/ft.
12 in./ft.
Total dead load on non-composite section

= 0.821 + 0.800 = 1.621 kips/ft.
A.1.5.1.2
Superimposed The dead loads placed on the composite structure are distributed
Dead Loads equally among all the girders.
[STD Art. 3.23.2.3.1.1 & TxDOT Bridge Design Manual pg. 6-13]
Weight of T501 rails or barriers on each girder

326 plf /1000
= 2 = 0.109 kips/ft./girder
6 girders
Weight of 1.5 in. wearing surface

1.5 in.
= (0.140 kcf) = 0.0175 ksf. This is applied over the
12 in./ft.
entire clear roadway width of 44'-0".
(0.0175 ksf)(44.0 ft.)
Weight of wearing surface on each girder =
6 girders
= 0.128 kips/ft./girder
Total superimposed dead load = 0.109 + 0.128 = 0.237 kips/ft.
A.1.5.1.3
Shear forces and bending moments for the girder due to dead loads,
Shear Forces and
superimposed dead loads at every tenth of the design span, and at
Bending Moments critical sections (hold-down point or harp point and critical section
267
for shear) are provided in this section. The bending moment (M) and
shear force (V) due to uniform dead loads and uniform
superimposed dead loads at any section at a distance x from the
centerline of bearing are calculated using the following formulas,
where the uniform dead load is denoted as w.
M = 0.5wx(L - x)
V = w(0.5L - x)
The critical section for shear is located at a distance hc/2 from the
face of the support. However, as the support dimensions are not
specified in this study, the critical section is measured from the
centerline of bearing. This yields a conservative estimate of the
design shear force.
Distance of critical section for shear from centerline of bearing

= 62/2 = 31 in. = 2.583 ft.
As per the recommendations of the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual

(Chap. 7, Sec. 21), the distance of the hold-down (HD) point from
the centerline of bearing is taken as the lesser of:
[0.5 × (span length) – (span length/20)] or [0.5 × (span length) – 5 ft.]
108.583 108.583 108.583

- = 48.862 ft. or - 5 = 49.29 ft.
2 20 2
HD = 48.862 ft.
The shear forces and bending moments due to dead loads and
superimposed dead loads are shown in Table A.1.5.1.
Table A.1.5.1. Shear Forces and Bending Moments due to Dead and Superimposed Dead Loads.
Distance Dead Load
from Superimposed
Girder Slab Total Dead Load
Bearing Section Dead Loads
Centerline x/ L Weight Weight
x Shear Moment Shear Moment Shear Moment Shear Moment
ft. kips k-ft. kips k-ft. kips k-ft. kips k-ft.
0.000 0.000 44.57 0.00 43.43 0.00 12.87 0.00 100.87 0.00
2.583 0.024 (hc/2) 42.45 112.39 41.37 109.52 12.25 32.45 96.07 254.36
10.858 0.100 35.66 435.59 34.75 424.45 10.29 125.74 80.70 985.78
21.717 0.200 26.74 774.38 26.06 754.58 7.72 223.54 60.52 1752.51
32.575 0.300 17.83 1016.38 17.37 990.38 5.15 293.40 40.35 2300.16
43.433 0.400 8.91 1161.58 8.69 1131.87 2.57 335.32 20.17 2628.76
48.862 0.450 (HD) 4.46 1197.87 4.34 1167.24 1.29 345.79 10.09 2710.90
54.292 0.500 0.00 1209.98 0.00 1179.03 0.00 349.29 0.00 2738.29
268
A.1.5.2
Shear Forces and The AASHTO Standard Specifications require the live load to be
Bending Moments taken as either HS 20-44 standard truck loading, lane loading, or
due to Live Load tandem loading-whichever yields the largest moments and shears.
A.1.5.2.1 For spans longer than 40 ft., tandem loading does not govern; thus
Live Load only HS 20-44 truck loading and lane loading are investigated here.
[STD Art. 3.7.1.1]
The unfactored bending moments (M) and shear forces (V) due to
HS 20-44 truck loading on a per-lane-basis are calculated using the
following formulas given in the PCI Design Manual (PCI 2003).
Maximum bending moment due to HS 20-44 truck load

For x/L = 0 – 0.333
72( x)[( L - x) - 9.33]
M=
L
For x/L = 0.333 – 0.5
72( x)[( L - x) - 4.67]
M= - 112
L
Maximum shear force due to HS 20-44 truck load

For x/L = 0 – 0.5
72[( L - x) - 9.33]
V=
L
The bending moments and shear forces due to HS 20-44 lane load
are calculated using the following formulas given in the PCI Design
Manual (PCI 2003).
Maximum bending moment due to HS 20-44 lane load

P ( x)( L - x)
M= + 0.5( w)( x)( L - x)
L
Maximum shear force due to HS 20-44 lane load
Q( L - x) L
V= + ( w)( - x)
L 2
where
x = Distance from the centerline of bearing to the section at
which bending moment or shear force is calculated, ft.
L = Design span length = 108.583 ft.
P = Concentrated load for moment = 18 kips
Q = Concentrated load for shear = 26 kips
w = Uniform load per linear foot of lane = 0.64 klf

269
Shear force and bending moment due to live load including impact
loading is distributed to individual girders by multiplying the
distribution factor and the impact factor as follows.
Bending moment due to live load including impact load

MLL+I = (live load bending moment per lane) (DF) (1+I)
Shear force due to live load including impact load

VLL+I = (live load shear force per lane) (DF) (1+I)
where DF is the live load distribution factor, and I is the live load
impact factor.
A.1.5.2.2
Live Load The live load distribution factor for moment, for a precast
Distribution Factor prestressed concrete interior girder, is given by the following
for a Typical Interior expression:
Girder S 8.0 [STD Table 3.23.1]
DFmom = = = 1.4545 wheels/girder
5.5 5.5
where
S = Average spacing between girders in feet = 8 ft.
The live load distribution factor for an individual girder is obtained
as DF = DFmom/2 = 0.727 lanes/girder.
For simplicity of calculation and because there is no significant

difference, the distribution factor for moment is used also for shear
as recommended by the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (Chap. 6,
Sec. 3, TxDOT 2001).
A.1.5.2.3 [STD Art. 3.8]

Live Load Impact The live load impact factor is given by the following expression:
50
I= [STD Eq. 3-1]
L + 125
where
I = Impact fraction to a maximum of 30 percent
L = Design span length in feet = 108.583 ft. [STD Art. 3.8.2.2]
50
I= = 0.214
108.583 + 125
The impact factor for shear varies along the span according to the
location of the truck, but the impact factor computed above is also
used for shear for simplicity as recommended by the TxDOT Bridge
Design Manual (TxDOT 2001).
270
The distributed shear forces and bending moments due to live load
are provided in Table A.1.5.2.
Table A.1.5.2. Distributed Shear Forces and Bending Moments due to Live Load.
Distance HS 20-44 Truck Loading (controls) HS 20-44 Lane Loading
from Live Load + Live Load +
Bearing Section Live Load Live Load
x/L Impact Impact
Centerline
x Shear Moment Shear Moment Shear Moment Shear Moment
0.000 0.000 65.81 0.00 58.11 0.00 60.75 0.00 53.64 0.00
2.583 0.024 (hc/2) 64.10 165.57 56.60 146.19 58.47 133.00 51.63 117.44
10.858 0.100 58.61 636.44 51.75 561.95 51.20 515.46 45.20 455.13
21.717 0.200 51.41 1116.52 45.40 985.84 41.65 916.38 36.77 809.12
32.575 0.300 44.21 1440.25 39.04 1271.67 32.10 1202.75 28.34 1061.97
43.433 0.400 37.01 1629.82 32.68 1439.05 22.55 1374.57 19.91 1213.68
48.862 0.450 (HD) 33.41 1671.64 29.50 1475.97 17.77 1417.52 15.69 1251.60
54.292 0.500 29.81 1674.37 26.32 1478.39 13.00 1431.84 11.48 1264.25
A.1.5.3
Load Combination [STD Art. 3.22]
This design example considers only the dead and vehicular live
loads. The wind load and the earthquake load are not included in the
design, which is typical for the design of bridges in Texas. The
general expression for group loading combinations for service load
design (SLD) and load factor design (LFD) considering dead and
live loads is given as:
Group (N) = [ D ×D+ L × (L + I)]

where:
N = Group number
= Load factor given by STD Table 3.22.1.A.
= Coefficient given by STD Table 3.22.1.A.
D = Dead load
L = Live load
I = Live load impact
271
Various group combinations provided by STD Table. 3.22.1.A are

investigated, and the following group combinations are found to be
applicable in the present case.
For service load design

Group I: This group combination is used for design of members for
100 percent basic unit stress. [STD Table 3.22.1A]
= 1.0
D = 1.0
L = 1.0
Group (I) = 1.0 × (D) + 1.0 × (L+I)
For load factor design

Group I: This load combination is the general load combination for
load factor design relating to the normal vehicular use of the bridge.
[STD Table 3.22.1A]
= 1.3
D= 1.0 for flexural and tension members.
L = 1.67
Group (I) = 1.3[1.0 × (D) + 1.67 × (L+I)]
A.1.6
ESTIMATION OF
REQUIRED PRESTRESS
A.1.6.1
Service Load The required number of strands is usually governed by concrete
Stresses at Midspan tensile stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at midspan section.
The service load combination, Group I, is used to evaluate the
bottom fiber stresses at the midspan section. The calculation for
compressive stress in the top fiber of the girder at midspan section
under Group I service load combination is shown in the following
section.
Tensile stress at bottom fiber of the girder at midspan due to applied

loads
M g + M S M SDL + M LL+I
fb = +
Sb Sbc
Compressive stress at top fiber of the girder at midspan due to

applied loads
M g + M S M SDL + M LL+I
ft = +
St Stg
272
where:
fb = Concrete stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at the
midspan section, ksi
ft = Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder at the

midspan section, ksi
Mg = Moment due to girder self-weight at the midspan

section of the girder = 1209.98 k-ft.
MS = Moment due to slab weight at the midspan section of

the girder = 1179.03 k-ft.
MSDL = Moment due to superimposed dead loads at the midspan

section of the girder = 349.29 k-ft.
MLL+I = Moment due to live load including impact load at the

midspan section of the girder = 1478.39 k-ft.

of the non-composite precast girder = 10,521.33 in.3

the non-composite precast girder = 8902.67 in.3

extreme bottom fiber of the precast girder
= 16,876.83 in.3
Stg = Section modulus of composite section referenced to the

top fiber of the precast girder = 54,083.9 in.3
Substituting the bending moments and section modulus values, the

stresses at bottom fiber (fb) and top fiber (ft) of the girder at the
midspan section are:
(1209.98 + 1179.03)(12 in./ft.) (349.29 + 1478.39)(12 in./ft.)

fb = +
10,521.33 16,876.83
= 4.024 ksi
(1209.98 + 1179.03)(12 in./ft.) (349.29 + 1478.39)(12 in./ft.)

ft = +
8902.67 54,083.9
= 3.626 ksi
273
The stresses at the top and bottom fibers of the girder at the hold-
down point, midspan and top fiber of the slab are calculated in a
similar fashion as shown above and summarized in Table A.1.6.1.
Table A.1.6.1. Summary of Stresses due to Applied Loads.

Stresses in Girder Stresses in
Slab at
Load Stress at Hold-Down (HD) Stress at Midspan Midspan
Top Fiber Bottom Fiber Top Fiber Bottom Fiber Top Fiber
(psi) (psi) (psi) (psi) (psi)
Girder Self-weight 1614.63 -1366.22 1630.94 -1380.03 -
Slab Weight 1573.33 -1331.28 1589.22 -1344.73 -
Superimposed Dead Load 76.72 -245.87 77.50 248.35 125.77
Total Dead Load 3264.68 -2943.37 3297.66 -2973.10 125.77
Live Load 327.49 -1049.47 328.02 -1051.19 532.35
Total Load 3592.17 -3992.84 3625.68 -4024.29 658.12
(Negative values indicate tensile stresses)
A.1.6.2
At service load conditions, the allowable tensile stress for members
Allowable Stress with bonded prestressed reinforcement is:
Limit
1
Fb = 6 f c′ = 6 5000 = 0.4242 ksi [STD Art. 9.15.2.2]
1000
A.1.6.3 Required precompressive stress in the bottom fiber after losses:

Required Number of
Strands Bottom tensile stress – allowable tensile stress at final = fb – F b
fb-reqd. = 4.024 – 0.4242 = 3.60 ksi
Assuming the eccentricity of the prestressing strands at midspan (ec)

as the distance from the centroid of the girder to the bottom fiber of
the girder (PSTRS 14 methodology, TxDOT 2001)
ec = yb = 24.75 in.
Bottom fiber stress due to prestress after losses:

P P e
fb = se + se c
A Sb
where:
A = Area of girder cross-section = 788.4 in.2

274
Required pretension is calculated by substituting the corresponding

values in the above equation as follows:
Pse P (24.75)
3.60 = + se
788.4 10,521.33
Solving for Pse,
Pse = 994.27 kips
Assuming final losses = 20 percent of initial prestress, fsi (TxDOT

2001)
Assumed final losses = 0.2(202.5) = 40.5 ksi
The prestress force per strand after losses

= (cross-sectional area of one strand) [fsi – losses]
= 0.153(202.5 – 40.5] = 24.78 kips
Number of prestressing strands required = 994.27/24.78 = 40.12
Try 42 – 0.5 in. diameter, 270 ksi low-relaxation strands as an initial

estimate.
Strand eccentricity at midspan after strand arrangement

12(2+4+6) + 6(8)
ec = 24.75 - = 20.18 in.
42
Available prestressing force

Pse = 42(24.78) = 1040.76 kips
Stress at bottom fiber of the girder at midspan due to prestressing,

after losses
1040.76 1040.76(20.18)
fb = +
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.320 + 1.996 = 3.316 ksi < fb-reqd. = 3.60 ksi

estimate.

12(2+4+6) + 8(8)
ec = 24.75 - = 20.02 in.
44

Pse = 44(24.78) = 1090.32 kips
275

after losses
1090.32 1090.32(20.02)
fb = +
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.383 + 2.074 = 3.457 ksi < fb-reqd. = 3.60 ksi

estimate
Effective strand eccentricity at midspan after strand arrangement

12(2+4+6) + 10(8)
ec = 24.75 - = 19.88 in.
46
Available prestressing force is:
Pse = 46(24.78) = 1139.88 kips

after losses
1139.88 1139.88(19.88)
fb = +
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.446 + 2.153 = 3.599 ksi ~ fb-reqd. = 3.601 ksi
Therefore, 46 strands are used as a preliminary estimate for the

number of strands. The strand arrangement is shown in Figure
A.1.6.1.
Number of Distance
Strands from bottom
(in.)
10 8
12 6
12 4
12 2
Figure A.1.6.1. Initial Strand Arrangement.
The distance from the centroid of the strands to the bottom fiber of
the girder (ybs) is calculated as:
ybs = yb – ec = 24.75 – 19.88 = 4.87 in.

276
A.1.7 [STD Art. 9.16.2]

PRESTRESS LOSSES Total prestress losses = SH + ES + CRC + CRS [STD Eq. 9-3]
where:
SH = Loss of prestress due to concrete shrinkage, ksi
ES = Loss of prestress due to elastic shortening, ksi
CRC = Loss of prestress due to creep of concrete, ksi
CRS = Loss of prestress due to relaxation of pretensioning

steel, ksi
Number of strands = 46
A number of iterations based on TxDOT methodology (TxDOT
2001) will be performed to arrive at the optimum number of strands,
required concrete strength at release ( f ci′ ), and required concrete
strength at service ( f c′ ).
A.1.7.1
Iteration 1
A.1.7.1.1 [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.1]
Concrete Shrinkage For pretensioned members, the loss in prestress due to concrete
shrinkage is given as:
SH = 17,000 – 150 RH [STD Eq. 9-4]
where:
RH is the relative humidity = 60 percent
1
SH = [17,000 – 150(60)] = 8.0 ksi
1000
A.1.7.1.2 [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.2]

Elastic Shortening For pretensioned members, the loss in prestress due to elastic
shortening is given as:
E
ES = s f cir [STD Eq. 9-6]
Eci
where:
fcir = Average concrete stress at the center of gravity of the
pretensioning steel due to the pretensioning force and the
dead load of girder immediately after transfer, ksi
P P e 2 (M g )ec
= si + si c -
A I I
277
Psi = Pretension force after allowing for the initial losses, kips
As the initial losses are unknown at this point, 8 percent initial

loss in prestress is assumed as a first estimate.
Psi = (number of strands)(area of each strand)[0.92(0.75 f s′ )]

= 46(0.153)(0.92)(0.75)(270) = 1311.18 kips
Mg = Moment due to girder self-weight at midspan, k-ft.

= 1209.98 k-ft.
ec = Eccentricity of the prestressing strands at the midspan

= 19.88 in.
1311.18 1311.18(19.88) 2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.88)

fcir = + -
788.4 260,403 260,403
= 1.663 + 1.990 – 1.108 = 2.545 ksi
Initial estimate for concrete strength at release, f ci′ = 4000 psi
Modulus of elasticity of girder concrete at release is given as:

Eci = 33(wc)3/2 fci′ [STD Eq. 9-8]
1
= [33(150)3/2 4000 ] = 3834.25 ksi
1000
Modulus of elasticity of prestressing steel, Es = 28,000 ksi
Prestress loss due to elastic shortening is:

28,000
ES = (2.545) = 18.59 ksi
3834.25
A.1.7.1.3 [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.3]

Creep of The loss in prestress due to the creep of concrete is specified to be
Concrete calculated using the following formula:
CRC = 12fcir – 7fcds [STD Eq. 9-9]

where:
fcds = Concrete stress at the center of gravity of the prestressing
steel due to all dead loads except the dead load present at
the time the prestressing force is applied, ksi
M e M (y - y )
= S c + SDL bc bs
I Ic
278
MSDL = Moment due to superimposed dead load at midspan

section = 349.29 k-ft.
MS = Moment due to slab weight at midspan section

= 1179.03 k-ft.

extreme bottom fiber of the precast girder = 41.157 in.
ybs = Distance from center of gravity of the prestressing

strands at midspan to the bottom fiber of the girder
= 24.75 – 19.88 = 4.87 in.
I = Moment of inertia of the non-composite section

= 260,403 in.4
Ic = Moment of inertia of composite section = 694,599.5 in.4
1179.03(12 in./ft.)(19.88) 349.29(12 in./ft.)(41.157 - 4.87)

fcds = +
260,403 694,599.5
= 1.080 + 0.219 = 1.299 ksi
Prestress loss due to creep of concrete is:

CRC = 12(2.545) – 7(1.299) = 21.45 ksi
A.1.7.1.4 [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.4]

Relaxation of For pretensioned members with 270 ksi low-relaxation strands, the
Prestressing Steel prestress loss due to relaxation of prestressing steel is calculated
using the following formula.
CRS = 5000 – 0.10ES – 0.05(SH + CRC) [STD Eq. 9-10A]

where the variables are the same as defined in Section A.1.7
expressed in psi units.
1
CRS = [5000 – 0.10(18,590) – 0.05(8000 + 21,450)]
1000
= 1.669 ksi
The PCI Design Manual (PCI 2003) considers only the elastic
shortening loss in the calculation of total initial prestress loss,
whereas, the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (pg. 7-85, TxDOT
2001) recommends that 50 percent of the final steel relaxation loss
shall also be considered for calculation of total initial prestress loss
given as:
[elastic shortening loss + 0.50(total steel relaxation loss)]
279
Using the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001)

recommendations, the initial prestress loss is calculated as follows.
1
(ES + CRS )100
Initial prestress loss = 2
0.75f ′s
[18.59 + 0.5(1.669)]100
= = 9.59% > 8% (assumed value of
0.75(270)
initial prestress loss)
Therefore, another trial is required assuming 9.59 percent initial

prestress loss.
The change in initial prestress loss will not affect the prestress loss
due to concrete shrinkage. Therefore, the next trials will involve
updating the losses due to elastic shortening, steel relaxation, and
creep of concrete.
Based on the initial prestress loss value of 9.59 percent, the

pretension force after allowing for the initial losses is calculated as
follows.

= 46(0.153)(0.904)(0.75)(270) = 1288.38 kips
Loss in prestress due to elastic shortening is:

E
ES = s f cir
Eci
Psi Psi ec2 ( M g )ec

fcir = + -
A I I
1288.38 1288.38(19.88) 2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.88)

fcir = + -
788.4 260,403 260,403
= 1.634 + 1.955 – 1.108 = 2.481 ksi
Es = 28,000 ksi
Eci = 3834.25 ksi
28,000
ES = (2.481) = 18.12 ksi
3834.25
Loss in prestress due to creep of concrete

CRC = 12fcir – 7fcds
280
The value of fcds is independent of the initial prestressing force value

and will be the same as calculated in Section A.1.7.1.3.
fcds = 1.299 ksi
CRC = 12(2.481) – 7(1.299) = 20.68 ksi
Loss in prestress due to relaxation of steel

CRS = 5000 – 0.10 ES – 0.05(SH + CRC)
1
= [5000 – 0.10(18,120) – 0.05(8000 + 20,680)]
1000
= 1.754 ksi
1
(ES + CRS )100
0.75f s′
[18.12 + 0.5(1.754)]100
= = 9.38% < 9.59% (assumed value
0.75(270)
for initial prestress loss)

prestress loss.

follows.
Psi = (number of strands)(area of each strand)[ 0.906 (0.75 f s′ )]

= 46(0.153)(0.906)(0.75)(270) = 1291.23 kips
Loss in prestress due to elastic shortening

E
ES = s f cir
Eci

fcir = + -
A I I
1291.23 1291.23(19.88)2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.88)

fcir = + -
788.4 260,403 260,403
= 1.638 + 1.960 – 1.108 = 2.490 ksi
Es = 28,000 ksi
Eci = 3834.25 ksi
28,000
ES = (2.490) = 18.18 ksi
3834.25
281

fcds = 1.299 ksi
CRC = 12(2.490) – 7(1.299) = 20.79 ksi

CRS = 5000 – 0.10 ES – 0.05(SH + CRC)
1
= [5000 – 0.10(18,180) – 0.05(8000 + 20,790)]
1000
= 1.743 ksi
1
(ES + CRS )100
0.75f s′
[18.18 + 0.5(1.743)]100
= = 9.41% 9.38% (assumed value
0.75(270)
of initial prestress loss)
A.1.7.1.5 1
Total prestress loss at transfer = (ES + CRs )
Total Losses at 2
Transfer = [18.18 + 0.5(1.743)] = 19.05 ksi
Effective initial prestress, fsi = 202.5 – 19.05 = 183.45 ksi
Psi = Effective pretension after allowing for the initial prestress loss
= (number of strands)(area of strand)(fsi)
= 46(0.153)(183.45) = 1291.12 kips
A.1.7.1.6
Total Losses at Loss in prestress due to concrete shrinkage, SH = 8.0 ksi
Service
Loss in prestress due to elastic shortening, ES = 18.18 ksi
Loss in prestress due to creep of concrete, CRC = 20.79 ksi
Loss in prestress due to steel relaxation, CRS = 1.743 ksi
Total final loss in prestress = SH + ES + CRC + CRS
= 8.0 + 18.18 + 20.79 + 1.743 = 48.71 ksi
48.71(100)
or, = 24.06 %
0.75(270)
Effective final prestress, fse = 0.75(270) – 48.71 = 153.79 ksi
282
Pse = Effective pretension after allowing for the final prestress loss
= (number of strands)(area of strand)(effective final prestress)
= 46(0.153)(153.79) = 1082.37 kips
A.1.7.1.7
Final Stresses at The number of strands is updated based on the final stress at the
Midspan bottom fiber of the girder at the midspan section.
Final stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at the midspan section
due to effective prestress, fbf, is calculated as follows.
Pse Pse ec 1082.37 1082.37 (19.88)

fbf = + = +
A Sb 788.4 10,521.33
= 1.373 + 2.045 = 3.418 ksi < fb-reqd. = 3.600 ksi (N.G)
(fb-reqd. calculations are presented in Section A.1.6.3)
Try 48 – 0.5 in. diameter, 270 ksi low-relaxation strands
Eccentricity of prestressing strands at midspan

12(2+4+6) + 10(8) + 2(10)
ec = 24.75 - = 19.67 in.
48
Effective pretension after allowing for the final prestress loss

Pse = 48(0.153)(153.79) = 1129.43 kips
Final stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at midspan section due
to effective prestress
1129.43 1129.43 (19.67)
fbf = +
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.432 + 2.11 = 3.542 ksi < fb-reqd. = 3.600 ksi (N.G.)
Try 50 – 0.5 in. diameter, 270 ksi low-relaxation strands

12(2+4+6) + 10(8) + 4(10)
ec = 24.75 - = 19.47 in.
50

Pse = 50(0.153)(153.79) = 1176.49 kips
283
Final stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at midspan section due
to effective prestress
1176.49 1176.49 (19.47)
fbf = +
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.492 + 2.177 = 3.669 ksi > fb-reqd. = 3.600 ksi (O.K.)
Therefore use 50 – 0.5 in. diameter, 270 ksi low-relaxation strands.
Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder due to effective

prestress and applied loads
P P e 1176.49 1176.49 (19.47)
ftf = se - se c + ft = - + 3.626
A St 788.4 8902.67
= 1.492 - 2.573 + 3.626 = 2.545 ksi
(ft calculations are presented in Section A.1.6.1)
A.1.7.1.8
Initial Stresses at
The concrete strength at release, f ci′ , is updated based on the initial
Hold-Down Point
stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at the hold-down point.
Prestressing force after allowing for initial prestress loss

Psi = (number of strands)(area of strand)(effective initial prestress)
= 50(0.153)(183.45) = 1403.39 kips
(Effective initial prestress calculations are presented in Section
A.1.7.1.5.)
Initial concrete stress at top fiber of the girder at the hold-down

point due to self-weight of the girder and effective initial prestress
P P e Mg
fti = si - si c +
A St St
where:
Mg = Moment due to girder self-weight at hold-down point
based on overall girder length of 109'-8"
= 0.5wx(L - x)
w = Self-weight of the girder = 0.821 kips/ft.
L = Overall girder length = 109.67 ft.
x = Distance of hold-down point from the end of the girder

= HD + (distance from centerline of bearing to the
girder end)
284
HD = Hold-down point distance from centerline of the bearing

= 48.862 ft. (see Sec. A.1.5.1.3)
x = 48.862 + 0.542 = 49.404 ft.
Mg = 0.5(0.821)(49.404)(109.67 - 49.404) = 1222.22 k-ft.
1403.39 1403.39 (19.47) 1222.22(12 in./ft.)

fti = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.78 – 3.069 + 1.647 = 0.358 ksi
Initial concrete stress at bottom fiber of the girder at hold-down

Psi Psi ec M g
fbi = + -
A Sb Sb
1403.39 1403.39 (19.47) 1222.22(12 in./ft.)

fbi = + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.78 + 2.597 - 1.394 = 2.983 ksi
Compression stress limit for pretensioned members at transfer stage

is 0.6 f ci′ [STD Art. 9.15.2.1]
2983
Therefore, f ci′ -reqd. = = 4971.67 psi
0.6
A.1.7.2
Iteration 2 A second iteration is carried out to determine the prestress losses
and subsequently estimate the required concrete strength at release
and at service using the following parameters determined in the
previous iteration.
Concrete strength at release, f ci′ = 4971.67 psi
A.1.7.2.1 [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.1]

Concrete Shrinkage For pretensioned members, the loss in prestress due to concrete
SH = 17,000 – 150 RH [STD Eq. 9-4]
where RH is the relative humidity = 60 percent
1
SH = [17,000 – 150(60)] = 8.0 ksi
1000
285
A.1.7.2.2 [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.2]

E
Eci
where:
fcir = Average concrete stress at the center of gravity of the

pretensioning steel due to the pretensioning force and the
dead load of girder immediately after transfer, ksi

fcir = + -
A I I
As the initial losses are dependent on the elastic shortening and

steel relaxation loss, which are yet to be determined, the initial
loss value of 9.41 percent obtained in the last trial of iteration 1
is taken as an initial estimate for initial loss in prestress.
Psi = (number of strands)(area of strand)[0.9059(0.75 f s′ )]

= 50(0.153)(0.9059)(0.75)(270) = 1403.35 kips

= 1209.98 k-ft.

= 19.47 in.
1403.35 1403.35(19.47) 2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.47)

fcir = + -
788.4 260,403 260,403
= 1.78 + 2.043 – 1.086 = 2.737 ksi
Eci = 33(wc)3/2 fci′ [STD Eq. 9-8]
1
= [33(150)3/2 4971.67 ] = 4274.66 ksi
1000
286

28,000
ES = (2.737) = 17.93 ksi
4274.66
A.1.7.2.3 [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.3]

Creep of Concrete The loss in prestress due to creep of concrete is specified to be
calculated using the following formula.

where:
M S ec M SDL (ybc - ybs )
fcds = +
I Ic

= 1179.03 k-ft.


= 24.75 – 19.47 = 5.28 in.

= 260,403 in.4
1179.03(12 in./ft.)(19.47) (349.29)(12 in./ft.)(41.157 - 5.28)

fcds = +
260,403 694,599.5
= 1.058 + 0.216 = 1.274 ksi
Prestress loss due to creep of concrete is

CRC = 12(2.737) – 7(1.274) = 23.93 ksi
287
A.1.7.2.4 [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.4]

Relaxation of For pretensioned members with 270 ksi low-relaxation strands,
Pretensioning Steel prestress loss due to relaxation of prestressing steel is calculated
using the following formula.
CRS = 5000 – 0.10 ES – 0.05(SH + CRC) [STD Eq. 9-10A]

1
CRS = [5000 – 0.10(17,930) – 0.05(8000+23,930)]
1000
= 1.61 ksi
1
(ES + CRS )100
0.75f ′
s
[17.93 + 0.5(1.61)]100
= = 9.25% < 9.41% (assumed value of
0.75(270)
Therefore another trial is required assuming 9.25 percent initial

prestress loss.
due to concrete shrinkage. Therefore, the next trial will involve
creep of concrete.

follows:

= 50(0.153)(0.9075)(0.75)(270) = 1405.83 kips

E
ES = s f cir
Eci

fcir = + -
A I I
1405.83 1405.83(19.47)2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.47)
= + -
788.4 260,403 260,403
= 1.783 + 2.046 – 1.086 = 2.743 ksi
Es = 28,000 ksi
Eci = 4274.66 ksi
288

28,000
ES = (2.743) = 17.97 ksi
4274.66


and will be the same as calculated in Section A.1.7.2.3.
fcds = 1.274 ksi
CRC = 12(2.743) – 7(1.274) = 24.0 ksi

CRS = 5000 – 0.10 ES – 0.05(SH + CRC)
1
= [5000 – 0.10(17,970) – 0.05(8000 + 24,000)]
1000
= 1.603 ksi
1
(ES + CRS )100
0.75f s′
[17.97 + 0.5(1.603)]100
0.75(270)
A.1.7.2.5 1
Total prestress loss at transfer = (ES + CRs )
Total Losses at 2
Transfer = [17.97 + 0.5(1.603)] = 18.77 ksi
= 50(0.153)(183.73) = 1405.53 kips
A.1.7.2.6
Service Loss in prestress due to elastic shortening, ES = 17.97 ksi
289

= 8.0 + 17.97 + 24.0 + 1.603 = 51.57 ksi
51.57(100)
or = 25.47 %
0.75(270)
= 50(0.153)(150.93) = 1154.61 kips
A.1.7.2.7
Final Stresses at
Concrete stress at top fiber of the girder at the midspan section due
Midspan
to applied loads and effective prestress
Pse Pse ec 1154.61 1154.61 (19.47)

ftf = - + ft = - + 3.626
A St 788.4 8902.67
= 1.464 – 2.525 + 3.626 = 2.565 ksi
(ft calculations are presented in Section A.1.6.1.)
Compressive stress limit under service load combination is 0.6 f c′

[STD Art. 9.15.2.2]
2565
f c′ -reqd. = = 4275 psi
0.60
Concrete stress at top fiber of the girder at midspan due to effective

prestress + permanent dead loads
P P e M g + M S M SDL
ftf = se - se c + +
A St St Stg
1154.61 1154.61 (19.47) (1209.98 + 1179.03)(12 in./ft.)

= - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
349.29(12 in./ft.)
+
54,083.9
= 1.464 – 2.525 + 3.22 + 0.077 = 2.236 ksi
Compressive stress limit for effective prestress + permanent dead

loads = 0.4 f c′ [STD Art. 9.15.2.2]
2236
f c′ -reqd. = = 5590 psi (controls)
0.40
290
Concrete stress at top fiber of the girder at midspan due to live load
+ 0.5(effective prestress + dead loads)
ftf = + 0.5 se - se c + +
Stg A St St Stg
1478.39(12 in./ft.) 1154.61 1154.61 (19.47)

= + 0.5 - +
54083.9 788.4 8902.67
(1209.98 + 1179.03)(12 in./ft.) 349.29(12 in./ft.)
+
8902.67 54,083.9
= 0.328 + 0.5(1.464 – 2.525 + 3.22 + 0.077) = 1.446 ksi
Allowable limit for compressive stress due to live load +

0.5(effective prestress + dead loads) = 0.4 f c′ [STD Art. 9.15.2.2]
1446
f c′ -reqd. = = 3615 psi
0.40
Tensile stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at midspan due to

service loads
Pse Pse ec
fbf = + – fb (fb calculations are presented in Sec. A.1.6.1.)
A Sb
1154.61 1154.61 (19.47)

= + – 4.024
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.464 + 2.14 – 4.024 = – 0.420 ksi (negative sign indicates
tensile stress)
For members with bonded reinforcement allowable tension in the

precompressed tensile zone = 6 f c′ [STD Art. 9.15.2.2]
2
420
f c′ -reqd. = = 4900 psi
6
The concrete strength at service is updated based on the final

stresses at the midspan section under different loading
combinations. The required concrete strength at service is
determined to be 5590 psi.
291
A.1.7.2.8
Initial Stresses at Prestressing force after allowing for initial prestress loss
Hold-Down Point Psi = (number of strands)(area of strand)(effective initial prestress)
= 50(0.153)(183.73) = 1405.53 kips
A.1.7.2.5.)
Initial concrete stress at top fiber of the girder at hold-down point

due to self-weight of girder and effective initial prestress
P P e Mg
fti = si - si c +
A St St
where:
Mg = Moment due to girder self-weight at the hold-down
point based on overall girder length of 109'-8"
= 1222.22 k-ft. (see Section A.1.7.1.8)
1405.53 1405.53 (19.47) 1222.22(12 in./ft.)

fti = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.783 – 3.074 + 1.647 = 0.356 ksi

point due to self-weight of girder and effective initial prestress
P P e Mg
fbi = si + si c -
A Sb Sb
1405.53 1405.53 (19.47) 1222.22(12 in./ft.)

fbi = + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.783 + 2.601 – 1.394 = 2.99 ksi
Compressive stress limit for pretensioned members at transfer stage

is 0.6 f ci′ . [STD Art.9.15.2.1]
2990
f ci′ -reqd. = = 4983.33 psi
0.6
A.1.7.2.9
Initial Stresses at The initial tensile stress at the top fiber and compressive stress at the
Girder End bottom fiber of the girder at the girder end section are minimized by
harping the web strands at the girder end. Following the TxDOT
methodology (TxDOT 2001), the web strands are incrementally
raised as a unit by two inches in each trial. The iterations are
repeated until the top and bottom fiber stresses satisfy the allowable
stress limits, or the centroid of the topmost row of harped strands is
292
at a distance of 2 inches from the top fiber of the girder, in which

case, the concrete strength at release is updated based on the
governing stress.
The position of the harped web strands, eccentricity of strands at the

girder end, top and bottom fiber stresses at the girder end, and the
corresponding required concrete strengths are summarized in Table
A.1.7.1. The required concrete strengths are based on allowable
stress limits at transfer stage specified in STD Art.9.15.2.1
presented as follows.
Allowable compressive stress limit = 0.6 f ci′
For members with bonded reinforcement allowable tension at

transfer = 7.5 fci′
Table A.1.7.1. Summary of Top and Bottom Stresses at Girder End for Different Harped Strand
Positions and Corresponding Required Concrete Strengths.
Distance of the Centroid
of Topmost Row of Eccentricity of
Harped Web Strands from Prestressing Required Bottom Required
Bottom Top Strands at Top Fiber Concrete Fiber Concrete
Fiber Fiber Girder End Stress strength Stress strength
(in.) (in.) (in.) (psi) (psi) (psi) (psi)
10 (no harping) 44 19.47 -1291.11 29,634.91 4383.73 7306.22
12 42 19.07 -1227.96 26,806.80 4330.30 7217.16
14 40 18.67 -1164.81 24,120.48 4276.86 7128.10
16 38 18.27 -1101.66 21,575.96 4223.43 7039.04
18 36 17.87 -1038.51 19,173.23 4169.99 6949.99
20 34 17.47 -975.35 16,912.30 4116.56 6860.93
22 32 17.07 -912.20 14,793.17 4063.12 6771.87
24 30 16.67 -849.05 12,815.84 4009.68 6682.81
26 28 16.27 -785.90 10,980.30 3956.25 6593.75
28 26 15.87 -722.75 9286.56 3902.81 6504.69
30 24 15.47 -659.60 7734.62 3849.38 6415.63
32 22 15.07 -596.45 6324.47 3795.94 6326.57
34 20 14.67 -533.30 5056.12 3742.51 6237.51
36 18 14.27 -470.15 3929.57 3689.07 6148.45
38 16 13.87 -407.00 2944.82 3635.64 6059.39
40 14 13.47 -343.85 2101.86 3582.20 5970.34
42 12 13.07 -280.69 1400.70 3528.77 5881.28
44 10 12.67 -217.54 841.34 3475.33 5792.22
46 8 12.27 -154.39 423.77 3421.89 5703.16
48 6 11.87 -91.24 148.00 3368.46 5614.10
50 4 11.47 -28.09 14.03 3315.02 5525.04
52 2 11.07 35.06 58.43 3261.59 5435.98
293
From Table A.1.7.1, it is evident that the web strands need to be

harped to the topmost position possible to control the bottom fiber
stress at the girder end.
Detailed calculations for the case when 10 web strands (5 rows) are
harped to the topmost location (centroid of the topmost row of
harped strands is at a distance of 2 inches from the top fiber of the
girder) is presented as follows.
Eccentricity of prestressing strands at the girder end (see Figure

A.1.7.2)
10(2+4+6) + 8(8) + 2(10) + 2(52+50+48+46+44)
ee = 24.75 –
50
= 11.07 in.
Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder at the girder end at
transfer stage:
Psi Psi ee
fti = -
A St
1405.53 1405.53 (11.07)

= - = 1.783 – 1.748 = 0.035 ksi
788.4 8902.67
Concrete stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at the girder end at
transfer stage:
Psi Psi ee
fbi = +
A Sb
1405.53 1405.53 (11.07)

fbi = + = 1.783 + 1.479 = 3.262 ksi
788.4 10,521.33

is 0.6 f ci′ . [STD
Art.9.15.2.1]
3262
f ci′ -reqd. = = 5436.67 psi (controls)
0.60
The required concrete strengths are updated based on the above

results as follows.

Concrete strength at service, f c′ = 5590 psi
294
A.1.7.3
Iteration 3 A third iteration is carried out to refine the prestress losses based on
the updated concrete strengths. Based on the new prestress losses,
the concrete strength at release and service will be further refined.
A.1.7.3.1
[STD Art. 9.16.2.1.1]
Concrete Shrinkage
For pretensioned members, the loss in prestress due to concrete
SH = 17,000 – 150 RH [STD Eq. 9-4]
where:
RH is the relative humidity = 60 percent
1
SH = [17,000 – 150(60)] = 8.0 ksi
1000
A.1.7.3.2 [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.2]

E
Eci
where:
Psi Psi ec2 (M g )ec
fcir = + -
A I I

steel relaxation loss, which are yet to be determined, the initial
loss value of 9.27 percent obtained in the last trial (iteration 2) is
taken as first estimate for the initial loss in prestress.
Psi = (number of strands)(area of strand)[0.9073(0.75 f s′ )]

= 50(0.153)(0.9073)(0.75)(270) = 1405.52 kips

= 1209.98 k-ft.

= 19.47 in.
1405.52 1405.52(19.47)2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.47)

fcir = + -
788.4 260,403 260,403
= 1.783 + 2.046 – 1.086 = 2.743 ksi
295

Eci = 33(wc)3/2 fci′ [STD Eq. 9-8]
1
= [33(150)3/2 5436.67 ] = 4470.10 ksi
1000

28,000
ES = (2.743) = 17.18 ksi
4470.10
A.1.7.3.3
Creep of Concrete [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.3]
The loss in prestress due to creep of concrete is specified to be
calculated using the following formula:

where:
M S ec M SDL (ybc - ybs )
fcds = +
I Ic

= 1179.03 k-ft.


= 24.75 – 19.47 = 5.28 in.

= 260,403 in.4
1179.03(12 in./ft.)(19.47) (349.29)(12 in./ft.)(41.157 - 5.28)

fcds = +
260,403 694,599.5
= 1.058 + 0.216 = 1.274 ksi
296

CRC = 12(2.743) – 7(1.274) = 24.0 ksi
A.1.7.3.4 [STD Art. 9.16.2.1.4]

Relaxation of For pretensioned members with 270 ksi low-relaxation strands, the
Pretensioning Steel prestress loss due to relaxation of the prestressing steel is calculated
using the following formula:
CRS = 5000 – 0.10 ES – 0.05(SH + CRC) [STD Eq. 9-10A]

1
CRS = [5000 – 0.10(17,180) – 0.05(8000+24,000)]
1000
= 1.682 ksi
1
(ES + CRS )100
0.75f s′
[17.18 + 0.5(1.682)]100
= = 8.90% < 9.27% (assumed value
0.75(270)

prestress loss.
due to concrete shrinkage. Therefore, the next trial will involve
creep of concrete.
Based on an initial prestress loss value of 8.90 percent, the

follows.

= 50(0.153)(0.911)(0.75)(270) = 1411.25 kips

E
ES = s f cir
Eci
fcir = + -
A I I
1411.25 1411.25(19.47) 2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.47)
= + -
788.4 260,403 260,403
= 1.790 + 2.054 – 1.086 = 2.758 ksi
297
Es = 28,000 ksi
Eci = 4470.10 ksi
28,000
ES = (2.758) = 17.28 ksi
4470.10


and will be same as calculated in Section A.1.7.3.3.
fcds = 1.274 ksi
CRC = 12(2.758) – 7(1.274) = 24.18 ksi

CRS = 5000 – 0.10 ES – 0.05(SH + CRC)
1
= [5000 – 0.10(17,280) – 0.05(8000 + 24,180)]
1000
= 1.663 ksi
1
(ES + CRS )100
0.75f s′
[17.28 + 0.5(1.663)]100
0.75(270)
A.1.7.3.5 1
Total Losses at Total prestress loss at transfer = (ES + CRs )
2
Transfer = [17.28 + 0.5(1.663)] = 18.11 ksi
= 50(0.153)(184.39) = 1410.58 kips
A.1.7.3.6
Service Loads Loss in prestress due to elastic shortening, ES = 17.28 ksi
298

= 8.0 + 17.28 + 24.18 + 1.663 = 51.12 ksi
51.12(100)
or = 25.24 %
0.75(270)
= 50(0.153)(151.38) = 1158.06 kips
A.1.7.3.7
Final Stresses at Concrete stress at top fiber of the girder at midspan section due to
Midspan applied loads and effective prestress
Pse Pse ec 1158.06 1158.06 (19.47)

ftf = - + ft = - + 3.626
A St 788.4 8902.67
= 1.469 – 2.533 + 3.626 = 2.562 ksi
(ft calculations are presented in Section A.1.6.1.)
Compressive stress limit under service load combination is 0.6 f c′ .

[STD Art. 9.15.2.2]
2562
f c′ -reqd. = = 4270 psi
0.6


ftf = - + +
A St St Stg
1158.06 1158.06 (19.47) (1209.98 + 1179.03)(12 in./ft.)

= - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
349.29(12 in./ft.)
+
54,083.9
= 1.469 – 2.533 + 3.22 + 0.077 = 2.233 ksi
Compressive stress limit for effective prestress + permanent dead

loads = 0.4 f c′ [STD Art. 9.15.2.2]
2233
f c′ -reqd. = = 5582.5 psi (controls)
0.40
299
ftf = + 0.5 se - se c + +
Stg A St St Stg
1478.39(12 in./ft.) 1158.06 1158.06 (19.47)

= + 0.5 - +
54,083.9 788.4 8902.67
(1209.98 + 1179.03)(12 in./ft.) 349.29(12 in./ft.)
+
8902.67 54,083.9
= 0.328 + 0.5(1.469 – 2.533 + 3.22 + 0.077) = 1.445 ksi
Allowable limit for compressive stress due to live load +

0.5(effective prestress + dead loads) = 0.4 f c′ [STD Art. 9.15.2.2]
1445
f c′ -reqd. = = 3612.5 psi
0.40

service loads
Pse Pse ec
fbf = + – fb (fb calculations are presented in Sec. A.1.6.1.)
A Sb
1158.06 1158.06 (19.47)

= + – 4.024
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.469 + 2.143 – 4.024 = – 0.412 ksi (negative sign indicates
tensile stress)
For members with bonded reinforcement, allowable tension in the

precompressed tensile zone = 6 f c′ . [STD Art. 9.15.2.2]
2
412
f c′ -reqd. = = 4715.1 psi
6
combinations. The required concrete strength at service is
determined to be 5582.5 psi.
300
A.1.7.3.8
Hold-Down Point Psi = (number of strands)(area of strand)(effective initial prestress)
= 50(0.153)(184.39) = 1410.58 kips (Effective initial prestress
calculations are presented in Section A.1.7.3.5.)
Initial concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder at hold-down

P P e Mg
fti = si - si c +
A St St
where:
= 1222.22 k-ft. (see Section A.1.7.1.8.)
1410.58 1410.58 (19.47) 1222.22(12 in./ft.)

fti = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.789 – 3.085 + 1.647 = 0.351 ksi

P P e Mg
fbi = si + si c -
A Sb Sb
1410.58 1410.58 (19.47) 1222.22(12 in./ft.)

fbi = + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.789 + 2.610 – 1.394 = 3.005 ksi

is 0.6 f ci′ . [STD Art.9.15.2.1]
3005
f ci′ -reqd. = = 5008.3 psi
0.6
A.1.7.3.9
Initial Stresses at The eccentricity of the prestressing strands at the girder end when
Girder End 10 web strands are harped to the topmost location (centroid of the
topmost row of harped strands is at a distance of 2 inches from the
top fiber of the girder) is calculated as follows (see Fig. A.1.7.2.):
10(2+4+6) + 8(8) + 2(10) + 2(52+50+48+46+44)

ee = 24.75 –
50
= 11.07 in.
301
transfer stage:
Psi Psi ee
fti = -
A St
1410.58 1410.58 (11.07)

= - = 1.789 – 1.754 = 0.035 ksi
788.4 8902.67
transfer stage:
Psi Psi ee
fbi = +
A Sb
1410.58 1410.58 (11.07)

fbi = + = 1.789 + 1.484 = 3.273 ksi
788.4 10,521.33

is 0.6 f ci′ . [STD
Art.9.15.2.1]
3273
f ci′ -reqd. = = 5455 psi (controls)
0.60

results as follows.
Concrete strength at release, f ci′ = 5455 psi

Concrete strength at service, f c′ = 5582.5 psi
The difference in the required concrete strengths at release and at

service obtained from iterations 2 and 3 is less than 20 psi. Hence,
the concrete strengths are sufficiently converged, and another
iteration is not required.
Therefore provide f ci′ = 5455 psi

f c′ = 5582.5 psi
50 – 0.5 in. diameter, 10 draped at the end, GR 270 low-relaxation
strands.
The final strand patterns at the midspan section and at the girder
ends are shown in Figures A.1.7.1 and A.1.7.2. The longitudinal
strand profile is shown in Figure A.1.7.3.
302
No. of Distance from Harped

Strands Bottom Fiber (in.) Strands
4 10
10 8
12 6
12 4
12 2
2" 2"
11 spaces @ 2" c/c
Figure A.1.7.1. Final Strand Pattern at Midspan.
No. of Distance from

Strands Bottom Fiber (in.)
2 52
2 50
2 48
2 46
2 44

2 10
8 8
10 6
10 4
10 2
2" 2"
11 spaces @ 2" c/c
Figure A.1.7.2. Final Strand Pattern at Girder End.
303
10 harped strands 40 straight strands

centroid of harped Half Girder Length
6" strands
54'-10"
4'-6"
Girder
depth
CL of Girder
5.1" centroid of straight strands
5'-5"
2'-1" Transfer length
49'-5"
Hold down distance from girder end
Figure A.1.7.3. Longitudinal Strand Profile (half of the girder length is shown).
The distance between the centroid of the 10 harped strands and the
top fiber of the girder at the girder end
2(2) + 2(4) + 2(6) + 2(8) + 2(10)
= = 6 in.
10
bottom fiber of the girder at the harp points
2(2) + 2(4) + 2(6) + 2(8) + 2(10)
= = 6 in.
10
Transfer length distance from girder end = 50 (strand diameter)

[STD Art. 9.20.2.4]
Transfer length = 50(0.50) = 25 in. = 2.083 ft.
top of the girder at the transfer length section
(54 in - 6 in - 6 in)
= 6 in. + (2.083 ft.) = 7.77 in.
49.4 ft.
The distance between the centroid of the 40 straight strands and the
bottom fiber of the girder at all locations
10(2) + 10(4) + 10(6) + 8(8) + 2(10)
= = 5.1 in.
40
304
A.1.8
STRESS SUMMARY
A.1.8.1
Concrete Stresses
at Transfer [STD Art. 9.15.2.1]
A.1.8.1.1 The allowable stress limits at transfer specified by the Standard
Specifications are as follows.
Allowable Stress
Limits
Compression: 0.6 f ci′ = 0.6(5455) = +3273 psi = 3.273 ksi
(comp.)
Tension: The maximum allowable tensile stress is
7.5 fci′ = 7.5 5455 = – 553.93 psi (tension)
If the calculated tensile stress exceeds 200 psi or

3 fci′ = 3 5455 = 221.57 psi, whichever is smaller, bonded
reinforcement should be provided to resist the total tension force in
the concrete computed on the assumption of an uncracked section.
A.1.8.1.2 Stresses at the girder end are checked only at transfer, because it
Stresses at Girder almost always governs.
End
Eccentricity of prestressing strands at the girder end when 10 web
strands are harped to the topmost location (centroid of the topmost
row of harped strands is at a distance of 2 inches from the top fiber
of the girder)
10(2+4+6) + 8(8) + 2(10) + 2(52+50+48+46+44)

ee = 24.75 –
50
= 11.07 in.

Psi = (number of strands)(area of strand)(effective initial prestress)
= 50(0.153)(184.39) = 1410.58 kips (Effective initial prestress
calculations are presented in Section A.1.7.3.5.)
transfer:
P P e
fti = si - si e
A St
1410.58 1410.58 (11.07)
= - = 1.789 – 1.754 = +0.035 ksi
788.4 8902.67
Allowable Compression: +3.273 ksi >> +0.035 ksi (reqd.) (O.K.)

305
Because the top fiber stress is compressive, there is no need for

additional bonded reinforcement.
transfer stage:
P P e
fbi = si + si e
A Sb
1410.58 1410.58 (11.07)

= + = 1.789 + 1.484 = +3.273 ksi
788.4 10,521.33
Allowable compression: +3.273 ksi = +3.273 ksi (reqd.) (O.K.)
A.1.8.1.3
Stresses at transfer length are checked only at release, because it
Stresses at Transfer
almost always governs.
Length Section
Transfer length = 50(strand diameter) [STD Art. 9.20.2.4]
= 50(0.50) = 25 in. = 2.083 ft.
The transfer length section is located at a distance of 2'-1" from the

end of the girder or at a point 1'-6.5" from the centerline of the
bearing as the girder extends 6.5" beyond the bearing centerline.
Overall girder length of 109'-8" is considered for the calculation of
bending moment at transfer length.
Moment due to girder self-weight, Mg = 0.5wx(L - x)

where:
x = Transfer length distance from girder end = 2.083 ft.
Mg = 0.5(0.821)(2.083)(109.67 – 2.083) = 92 k–ft.
Eccentricity of prestressing strands at transfer length section

(49.404 - x)
et = ec – ( ec - ee)
49.404
where:
ec = Eccentricity of prestressing strands at midspan = 19.47 in.
ee = Eccentricity of prestressing strands at girder end

= 11.07 in.
x = Distance of transfer length section from girder end, ft.

306
(49.404 - 2.083)
et = 19.47 – (19.47 – 11.07) = 11.42 in.
49.404
Initial concrete stress at top fiber of the girder at transfer length

section due to self-weight of girder and effective initial prestress
P P e Mg
fti = si - si t +
A St St
1410.58 1410.58 (11.42) 92 (12 in./ft.)

fti = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.789 – 1.809 + 0.124 = +0.104 ksi
Allowable compression: +3.273 ksi >> 0.104 ksi (reqd.) (O.K.)
Because the top fiber stress is compressive, there is no need for
additional bonded reinforcement.
Initial concrete stress at bottom fiber of the girder at the transfer

length section due to self-weight of girder and effective initial
prestress
P P e Mg
fbi = si + si t -
A Sb Sb
1410.58 1410.58 (11.42) 92 (12 in./ft.)

fbi = + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.789 + 1.531 – 0.105 = 3.215 ksi
Allowable compression: +3.273 ksi > 3.215 ksi (reqd.) (O.K.)
A.1.8.1.4
Stresses at Hold- The eccentricity of the prestressing strands at the harp points is the
Down Points same as at midspan.
eharp = ec = 19.47 in.

P Psi eharp M g
fti = si - +
A St St
where:
= 1222.22 k-ft. (see Section A.1.7.1.8.)
307
1410.58 1410.58 (19.47) 1222.22(12 in./ft.)

fti = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.789 – 3.085 + 1.647 = 0.351 ksi
Initial concrete stress at bottom fiber of the girder at the hold-down

P Psi eharp M g
fbi = si + -
A Sb Sb
1410.58 1410.58 (19.47) 1222.22(12 in./ft.)

fbi = + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.789 + 2.610 – 1.394 = 3.005 ksi
A.1.8.1.5
Stresses at Midspan Bending moment due to girder self-weight at midspan section based
on overall girder length of 109'-8"
Mg = 0.5wx(L - x)
where:
x = Half the girder length = 54.84 ft.
Mg = 0.5(0.821)(54.84)(109.67 – 54.84) = 1234.32 k–ft.
Initial concrete stress at top fiber of the girder at midspan section

due to self-weight of the girder and the effective initial prestress
P P e Mg
fti = si - si c +
A St St
1410.58 1410.58 (19.47) 1234.32(12 in./ft.)

fti = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.789 – 3.085 + 1.664 = 0.368 ksi
308
Initial concrete stress at bottom fiber of the girder at midspan

section due to self-weight of girder and effective initial prestress
P P e Mg
fbi = si + si c -
A Sb Sb
1410.58 1410.58 (19.47) 1234.32(12 in./ft.)

fbi = + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.789 + 2.610 – 1.408 = 2.991 ksi
A.1.8.1.6
Stress Summary at
Allowable Stress Limits:
Transfer
Compression: + 3.273 ksi
Tension: – 0.20 ksi without additional bonded reinforcement

– 0.554 ksi with additional bonded reinforcement
Location Top of girder Bottom of girder

ft (ksi) fb (ksi)
Girder end +0.035 +3.273
Transfer length section +0.104 +3.215
Hold-down points +0.351 +3.005
Midspan +0.368 +2.991
A.1.8.2
Concrete Stresses
at Service Loads [STD Art. 9.15.2.2]
A.1.8.2.1 The allowable stress limits at service load after losses have occurred
Allowable Stress specified by the Standard Specifications are presented as follows.
Limits
Compression:
Case (I): For all load combinations
0.60 f c′ = 0.60(5582.5)/1000 = +3.349 ksi (for precast girder)
0.60 f c′ = 0.60(4000)/1000 = +2.400 ksi (for slab)
Case (II): For effective prestress + permanent dead loads

0.40 f c′ = 0.40(5582.5)/1000 = +2.233 ksi (for precast girder)
0.40 f c′ = 0.40(4000)/1000 = +1.600 ksi (for slab)

309
Case (III): For live loads + 0.5(effective prestress + dead loads)

0.40 f c′ = 0.40(5582.5)/1,000 = +2.233 ksi (for precast girder)
0.40 f c′ = 0.40(4000)/1,000 = +1.600 ksi (for slab)
Tension: For members with bonded reinforcement

1
6 f c′ = 6 5582.5 = – 0.448 ksi
1000
A.1.8.2.2
Final Stresses at
Midspan Pse = (number of strands)(area of strand)(effective final prestress)
= 50(0.153)(151.38) = 1158.06 kips
Case (I): Service load conditions
Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder at the midspan section
due to service loads and effective prestress
P P e M g + M S M SDL + M LL+I
ftf = se - se c + +
A St St Stg
1158.06 1158.06 (19.47) (1209.98 + 1179.03)(12 in./ft.)

= - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
(349.29 + 1478.39)(12 in./ft.)
+
54,083.9
= 1.469 – 2.533 + 3.220 + 0.406 = 2.562 ksi
Allowable compression: +3.349 ksi > +2.562 ksi (reqd.) (O.K.)
Case (II): Effective prestress + permanent dead loads

P P e M g + M S M SDL
ftf = se - se c + +
A St St Stg
1158.06 1158.06 (19.47) (1209.98 + 1179.03)(12 in./ft.)

= - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
349.29(12 in./ft.)
+
54,083.9
= 1.469 – 2.533 + 3.22 + 0.077 = 2.233 ksi
310
Case (III): Live loads + 0.5(prestress + dead loads)

M P P e M g + M S M SDL
ftf = LL+I + 0.5 se - se c + +
Stg A St St Stg
1478.39(12 in./ft.) 1158.06 1158.06 (19.47)

= + 0.5 - +
54,083.9 788.4 8902.67
(1209.98 + 1179.03)(12 in./ft.) 349.29(12 in./ft.)
+
8902.67 54,083.9
= 0.328 + 0.5(1.469 – 2.533 + 3.22 + 0.077) = 1.445 ksi

service loads

fbf = + - -
A Sb Sb Sbc
1158.06 1158.06 (19.47) (1209.98 + 1179.03)(12 in./ft.)

= + −
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
(349.29 + 1478.39)(12 in./ft.)
−
16,876.83
= 1.469 + 2.143 – 2.725 – 1.299 = – 0.412 ksi (negative sign
indicates tensile stress)
Allowable Tension: –0.448 ksi < –412 ksi (reqd.) (O.K.)
Superimposed dead and live loads contribute to the stresses at the

top of the slab calculated as follows.
Case (I): Superimposed dead load and live load effect
Concrete stress at top fiber of the slab at midspan due to live load +
superimposed dead loads
M + M LL+I (349.29 + 1478.39)(12 in./ft.)
ft = SDL = = +0.658 ksi
Stc 33, 325.31

311
Case (II): Superimposed dead load effect
Concrete stress at top fiber of the slab at midspan due to

superimposed dead loads
M (349.29)(12 in./ft.)
ft = SDL = = 0.126 ksi
Stc 33, 325.31
Case (III): Live load + 0.5(superimposed dead loads)
Concrete stress at top fiber of the slab at midspan due to live loads +
0.5(superimposed dead loads)
M + 0.5( M SDL )
ft = LL+I
Stc
(1478.39)(12 in./ft.) + 0.5(349.29)(12 in./ft.)

= = 0.595 ksi
33,325.31
A.1.8.2.3
Summary of Stresses At Midspan Top of slab Top of Girder Bottom of girder
at Service Loads ft (ksi) ft (ksi) fb (ksi)
Case I +0.658 +2.562 – 0.412
Case II +0.126 +2.233 –
Case III +0.595 +1.455 –
A.1.8.2.4
Composite Section The composite section properties calculated in Section A.1.4.2.4
Properties were based on the modular ratio value of 1. But as the actual
concrete strength is now selected, the actual modular ratio can be
determined, and the corresponding composite section properties can
be evaluated.
Modular ratio between slab and girder concrete

Ecs
n=
Ecp
where:
n = Modular ratio between slab and girder concrete
Ecs = Modulus of elasticity of slab concrete, ksi
= 33(wc)3/2 f cs′ [STD Eq. 9-8]
312
wc = Unit weight of concrete = 150 pcf
f cs′ = Compressive strength of slab concrete at service

= 4000 psi
1
Ecs = [33(150)3/2 4000 ] = 3834.25 ksi
1000
Ecp = Modulus of elasticity of precast girder concrete, ksi

= 33(wc)3/2 f c′
f c′ = Compressive strength of precast girder concrete at service

= 5582.5 psi
1
Ecp = [33(150)3/2 5582.5 ] = 4529.65 ksi
1000
3834.25
n= = 0.846
4529.65
Transformed flange width, btf = n × (effective flange width)

Effective flange width = 96 in. (see Section A.1.4.2.)
btf = 0.846(96) = 81.22 in.
Transformed flange area, Atf = n × (effective flange width)(ts)

ts = Slab thickness = 8 in.
Atf = 0.846(96)(8) = 649.73 in.2

A (in.2) in. in.3 in.4 in.4
Girder 788.40 24.75 19,512.9 177,909.63 260,403.0 438,312.6
Slab 649.73 58.00 37,684.3 215,880.37 3465.4 219,345.8
1438.13 57,197.2 657,658.4

313

= 57,197.2/1438.13 = 39.77 in.

= 54 - 39.772 = 14.23 in.

extreme top fiber of the slab = 62 - 39.77 = 22.23 in.

= Ic/ybc = 657,658.4/39.77 = 16,535.71 in.3

= Ic/ytg = 657,658.4/14.23 = 46,222.83 in.3

= Ic/ytc = 657,658.4/22.23 = 29,586.93 in.3
A.1.9
FLEXURAL STRENGTH [STD Art. 9.17]
The flexural strength limit state is investigated for Group I loading
as follows.
The Group I load factor design combination specified by the

Standard Specifications is:
Mu = 1.3[Mg + MS + MSDL + 1.67(MLL+I)] [STD Table 3.22.1.A]

where:
Mu = Design flexural moment at midspan of the girder, k-ft.
Mg = Moment due to self-weight of the girder at midspan

= 1209.98 k-ft.
MS = Moment due to slab weight at midspan = 1179.03 k-ft.
MSDL = Moment due to superimposed dead loads at midspan

= 349.29 k-ft.
MLL+I = Moment due to live loads including impact loads at

midspan = 1478.39 k-ft.
314
Substituting the moment values from Table A.1.5.1 and A.1.5.2

Mu = 1.3[1209.98 + 1179.03 + 349.29 + 1.67(1478.39)]
= 6769.37 k-ft.
For bonded members, the average stress in the pretensioning steel at

ultimate load conditions is given as:
* ′
* = f ′ 1-
f su * fs [STD Eq. 9-17]
s
1 f c′
The above equation is applicable when the effective prestress after

losses, fse > 0.5 f s′
where:
* = Average stress in the pretensioning steel at ultimate load,
f su
ksi
f s′ = Ultimate stress in prestressing strands = 270 ksi
fse = Effective final prestress (see Section A.1.7.3.6)

= 151.38 ksi > 0.5(270) = 135 ksi (O.K.)
The equation for f * shown above is applicable.
su
f c′ = Compressive strength of slab concrete at service

= 4000 psi
* = Factor for type of prestressing steel

= 0.28 for low-relaxation steel strands [STD Art. 9.1.2]
(f c′ - 4000)
1 = 0.85 – 0.05 0.65 [STD Art. 8.16.2.7]
1000
It is assumed that the neutral axis lies in the slab, and hence the
f c′ of slab concrete is used for the calculation of the factor 1. If
the neutral axis is found to be lying below the slab, 1 will be
updated.
(4000 - 4000)
1 = 0.85 – 0.05 = 0.85
1000
* A*s
= Ratio of prestressing steel =
bd
315
A*s = Area of pretensioned reinforcement, in.2

= (number of strands)(area of strand) = 50(0.153) = 7.65 in.2
b = Effective flange (composite slab) width = 96 in.
ybs = Distance from centroid of the strands to the bottom fiber

of the girder at midspan = 5.28 in. (see Section A.1.7.3.3)
d = Distance from top of the slab to the centroid of

prestressing strands, in.
= girder depth (h) + slab thickness (ts) – ybs
= 54 + 8 – 5.28 = 56.72 in.
* 7.65
= = 0.001405
96(56.72)
* = 270 1- 0.28 270.0

f su (0.001405) = 261.565 ksi
0.85 4.0
Depth of equivalent rectangular compression block

A*s f su* 7.65 (261.565)
a= =
0.85 f b ′ 0.85(4)(96)
c
= 6.13 in. < ts = 8.0 in. [STD Art. 9.17.2]
The depth of compression block is less than the flange (slab)

thickness. Hence, the section is designed as a rectangular section,
and f c′ of the slab concrete is used for calculations.
For rectangular section behavior, the design flexural strength is

given as:
* *
* d 1 - 0.6 f su
φM n = φ A*s f su [STD Eq. 9-13]
fc′
where:
φ = Strength reduction factor = 1.0 for prestressed concrete
members [STD Art. 9.14]
Mn = Nominal moment strength of the section
(56.72) 0.001405(261.565)
φ Mn = 1.0 (7.65)(261.565) 1 - 0.6
(12 in./ft.) 4.0
= 8936.56 k-ft. > Mu = 6769.37 k-ft. (OK)
316
A.1.10
DUCTILITY LIMITS [STD Art. 9.18]
A.1.10.1
Maximum [STD Art. 9.18.1]
Reinforcement To ensure that steel is yielding as ultimate capacity is approached,
the reinforcement index for a rectangular section shall be such that:
*f*
su
< 0.36 1 [STD Eq. 9.20]
fc′
261.565
0.001405 = 0.092 < 0.36(0.85) = 0.306 (O.K.)
4.0
A.1.10.2
Minimum [STD Art. 9.18.2]
Reinforcement The nominal moment strength developed by the prestressed and
nonprestressed reinforcement at the critical section shall be at least
1.2 times the cracking moment, M * cr
φ Mn 1.2 M *cr
Sbc
M *cr = (fr + fpe) Sbc – Md-nc -1 [STD Art. 9.18.2.1]
Sb
where:
fr = Modulus of rupture of concrete = 7.5 f c′ for normal

weight concrete, ksi [STD Art. 9.15.2.3]
1
= 7.5 5582.5 = 0.5604 ksi
1000
fpe = Compressive stress in concrete due to effective prestress

forces only at extreme fiber of section where tensile stress
is caused by externally applied loads, ksi
The tensile stresses are caused at the bottom fiber of the girder
under service loads. Therefore fpe is calculated for the bottom
fiber of the girder as follows.
P P e
fpe = se + se c
A Sb
Pse = Effective prestress force after losses = 1158.06 kips
1158.06 1158.06(19.47)
fpe = + = 1.469 + 2.143 = 3.612 ksi
788.4 10,521.33
317
Md-nc = Non-composite dead load moment at midspan due to

self-weight of girder and weight of slab
= 1209.98 + 1179.03 = 2389.01 k-ft. = 28,668.12 k-in.
Sb = Section modulus of the precast section referenced to the

extreme bottom fiber of the non-composite precast
girder = 10,521.33 in.3
Sbc = Section modulus of the composite section referenced to

the extreme bottom fiber of the precast girder
= 16,535.71 in.3
16,535.71
M *cr = (0.5604 + 3.612)(16,535.71) – (28,668.12) -1
10,521.33
= 68,993.6 – 16,387.8 = 52,605.8 k-in. = 4383.8 k-ft.
1.2 M *cr = 1.2(4383.8) = 5260.56 k-ft. < φ Mn = 8936.56 k-ft.

(O.K.)
A.1.11 [STD Art. 9.20]

SHEAR DESIGN The shear design for the AASHTO Type IV girder based on the
Standard Specifications is presented in the following section.
Prestressed concrete members subject to shear shall be designed so

that:
Vu < φ (Vc + Vs) [STD Eq. 9-26]
where:
Vu = Factored shear force at the section considered (calculated
using load combination causing maximum shear force),
kips
Vc = Nominal shear strength provided by concrete, kips
Vs = Nominal shear strength provided by web reinforcement,

kips
φ = Strength reduction factor for shear = 0.90 for prestressed

concrete members [STD Art. 9.14]
The critical section for shear is located at a distance h/2 (h is the

depth of composite section) from the face of the support. However,
as the support dimensions are unknown, the critical section for shear
is conservatively calculated from the centerline of the bearing
support. [STD Art. 9.20.1.4]
318
Distance of critical section for shear from bearing centerline

62
= h/2 = = 2.583 ft.
2(12 in./ft.)
From Tables A.1.5.1 and A.1.5.2, the shear forces at the critical
section are as follows:
Vd = Shear force due to total dead load at the critical section

= 96.07 kips
VLL+I = Shear force due to live load including impact at critical

section = 56.60 kips
The shear design is based on Group I loading, presented as follows.
Group I load factor design combination specified by the Standard

Specifications is:
Vu = 1.3(Vd + 1.67 VLL+I)

= 1.3[96.07 + 1.67(56.6)] = 247.8 kips
Shear strength provided by normal weight concrete, Vc, shall be

taken as the lesser of the values Vci or Vcw. [STD Art. 9.20.2]
Computation of Vci [STD Art. 9.20.2.2]
Vi M cr
Vci = 0.6 f c′ b′d + Vd + ≥ 1.7 f c′ b′d [STD Eq. 9-27]
M max
where
Vci = Nominal shear strength provided by concrete when
diagonal cracking results from combined shear and
moment, kips
f c′ = Compressive strength of girder concrete at service

= 5582.5 psi
b' = Width of the web of a flanged member = 8 in.
d = Distance from the extreme compressive fiber to centroid

of pretensioned reinforcement, but not less than 0.8hc
= hc – (yb – ex) [STD Art. 9.20.2.2]
hc = Depth of composite section = 62 in.

the non-composite precast girder = 24.75 in.
319
ex = Eccentricity of prestressing strands at the critical section

for shear
(49.404 - x)
= ec – (ec - ee)
49.404
ec = Eccentricity of prestressing strands at midspan

= 19.12 in.
ee = Eccentricity of prestressing strands at the girder end

= 11.07 in.
x = Distance of critical section from girder end = 2.583 ft.
(49.404 - 2.583)
ex = 19.47 – (19.47 – 11.07) = 11.51 in.
49.404
d = 62 – (24.75 – 11.51) = 48.76 in.

= 0.8hc = 0.8(62) = 49.6 in. > 48.76 in.
Therefore d = 49.6 in. is used in further calculations.
Vd = Shear force due to total dead load at the critical section

= 96.07 kips
Vi = Factored shear force at the section due to externally

applied loads occurring simultaneously with maximum
moment, Mmax
= Vmu – Vd
Vmu = Factored shear force occurring simultaneously with

factored moment Mu, conservatively taken as design
shear force at the section, Vu = 247.8 kips
Vi = 247.8 – 96.07 = 151.73 kips
Mmax = Maximum factored moment at the critical section due to

externally applied loads
= Mu – Md
Md = Bending moment at the critical section due to

unfactored dead load = 254.36 k-ft. (see Table A.1.5.1)
MLL+I = Bending moment at the critical section due to live load

including impact = 146.19 k-ft. (see Table A.1.5.2)
320
Mu = Factored bending moment at the section

= 1.3(Md + 1.67MLL+I)
= 1.3[254.36 + 1.67(146.19)] = 648.05 k-ft.
Mmax = 648.05 – 254.36 = 393.69 k-ft.
Mcr = Moment causing flexural cracking at the section due to

externally applied loads
I
= (6 f c′ + fpe – fd) [STD Eq. 9-28]
Yt
fpe = Compressive stress in concrete due to effective prestress

at the extreme fiber of the section where tensile stress is
caused by externally applied loads, which is the bottom
fiber of the girder in the present case
P P e
= se + se x
A Sb
Pse = Effective final prestress = 1158.06 kips
1158.06 1158.06(11.51)
fpe = + = 1.469 + 1.267 = 2.736 ksi
788.4 10,521.33
fd = Stress due to unfactored dead load at extreme fiber of

the section where tensile stress is caused by externally
applied loads, which is the bottom fiber of the girder in
the present case
M g + M S M SDL
= +
Sb Sbc
Mg = Moment due to self-weight of the girder at the critical

section = 112.39 k-ft. (see Table A.1.5.1)
MS = Moment due to slab weight at the critical section

= 109.52 k-ft. (see Table A.1.5.1)
MSDL = Moment due to superimposed dead loads at the critical


Sbc = Section modulus of the composite section referenced to

the extreme bottom fiber of the precast girder
= 16,535.71 in.3
321
(112.39 + 109.52)(12 in./ft.) 32.45(12 in./ft.)

fd = +
10,521.33 16,535.71
= 0.253 + 0.024 = 0.277 ksi
I = Moment of inertia about the centroid of the cross-

section = 657,658.4 in.4
Yt = Distance from centroidal axis of composite section to

the extreme fiber in tension, which is the bottom fiber
of the girder in the present case = 39.77 in.
657,658.4 6 5582.5
Mcr = + 2.736 - 0.277
39.772 1000
= 48,074.23 k-in. = 4006.19 k-ft.
0.6 5582.5 151.73(4006.19)

Vci = (8)(49.6) + 96.07 +
1000 393.69
= 17.79 + 96.07 + 1544.00 = 1657.86 kips
Minimum Vci = 1.7 f c′ b'd [STD Art. 9.20.2.2]

1.7 5582.5
= (8)(49.6)
1000
= 50.40 kips << Vci = 1657.86 kips (O.K.)
Computation of Vcw: [STD Art. 9.20.2.3]
Vcw = (3.5 f c′ + 0.3 fpc) b' d + Vp [STD Eq. 9-29]
where:
Vcw = Nominal shear strength provided by concrete when
diagonal cracking results from excessive principal
tensile stress in web, kips
fpc = Compressive stress in concrete at centroid of cross-

section resisting externally applied loads, ksi
P Pse ex (ybcomp - yb ) M D (ybcomp - yb )
= se - +
A I I
Pse = Effective final prestress = 1158.06 kips

322

for shear = 11.51 in.
ybcomp = Lesser of ybc and yw, in.
ybc = Distance from centroid of the composite section to the

yw = Distance from bottom fiber of the girder to the junction

of the web and top flange
= h – tf - tfil
h = Depth of precast girder = 54 in.
tf = Thickness of girder flange = 8 in.
tfil = Thickness of girder fillets = 6 in.
yw = 54 – 8 – 6 = 40 in. > ybc = 39.77 in.
Therefore ybcomp = 39.77 in.

the non-composite precast girder = 24.75 in.
MD = Moment due to unfactored non-composite dead loads at

the critical section
= 112.39 + 109.52 = 221.91 k-ft. (see Table A.1.5.1)
1158.06 1158.06 (11.51) (39.772 - 24.75)

f pc = -
788.4 260, 403
221.91(12 in./ft.)(39.772 - 24.75)
+
260, 403
= 1.469 – 0.769 + 0.154 = 0.854 ksi
b' = Width of the web of a flanged member = 8 in.

of pretensioned reinforcement = 49.6 in.
Vp = Vertical component of prestress force for harped

strands, kips
= Pse sin
323
Pse = Effective prestress force for the harped strands, kips

= (number of harped strands)(area of strand)(effective
final prestress)
= 10(0.153)(151.38) = 231.61 kips
= Angle of harped tendons to the horizontal, radians

h - yht - yhb
= tan-1
0.5( HDe )
yht = Distance of the centroid of the harped strands from top

fiber of the girder at girder end = 6 in. (see Fig. A.1.7.3)
yhb = Distance of the centroid of the web strands from bottom

fiber of the girder at hold-down point = 6 in. (see Figure
A.1.7.3)
HDe = Distance of hold-down point from the girder end

= 49.404 ft. (see Figure A.1.7.3)
54 - 6 - 6
= tan-1 = 0.071 radians
49.404 (12 in./ft.)
Vp = 231.61 sin (0.071) = 16.43 kips
3.5 5582.5
Vcw = + 0.3(0.854) (8)(49.6) + 16.43 = 221.86 kips
1000
The allowable nominal shear strength provided by concrete, Vc is

the lesser of Vci = 1657.86 kips and Vcw = 221.86 kips
Therefore, Vc = 221.86 kips
Shear reinforcement is not required if 2Vu φ Vc.

[STD Art. 9.20]
where:
using load combination causing maximum shear force)
= 247.8 kips

Vc = Nominal shear strength provided by concrete = 221.86 kips

324
2 Vu = 2×(247.8) = 495.6 kips > φ Vc = 0.9×(221.86) = 199.67 kips
Therefore, shear reinforcement is required. The required shear

reinforcement is calculated using the following criterion.
Vu < φ (Vc + Vs) [STD Eq. 9-26]
where Vs is the nominal shear strength provided by web

reinforcement, kips
Vu 247.8
Required Vs = - Vc = - 221.86 = 53.47 kips
φ 0.9
Maximum shear force that can be carried by reinforcement
Vs max = 8 f c′ b'd [STD Art. 9.20.3.1]
where:
= 5582.5 psi
8 5582.5
Vs max = (8)(49.6)
1000
= 237.18 kips > Required Vs = 53.47 kips (OK)
The section depth is adequate for shear.
The required area of shear reinforcement is calculated using the

following formula: [STD Art. 9.20.3.1]
Av f y d A V
Vs = or v = s [STD Eq. 9-30]
s s fyd
where:
Av = Area of web reinforcement, in.2
s = Center-to-center spacing of the web reinforcement, in.
fy = Yield strength of web reinforcement = 60 ksi
Av (53.47)
Required = = 0.018 in2./in.
s (60)(49.6)
325
Minimum shear reinforcement [STD Art. 9.20.3.3]

50 b′s A 50 b′
Av – min = or v-min = [STD Eq. 9-31]
fy s fy
Av-min (50)(8) A
= = 0.0067 in.2/in. < Required v = 0.018 in2./in.
s 60,000 s
Av
Therefore, provide = 0.018 in.2/in.
s
Typically TxDOT uses double legged #4 Grade 60 stirrups for shear

reinforcement. The same is used in this design.
Av = Area of web reinforcement, in.2 = (number of legs)(area of bar)

= 2(0.20) = 0.40 in.2
Center-to-center spacing of web reinforcement

Av 0.40
s= = = 22.22 in. say 22 in.
A 0.018
Required v
s
Av f y d (0.40)(60)(49.6)
Vs provided = = = 54.1 kips
s 22
Maximum spacing of web reinforcement is specified to be the lesser

of 0.75 hc or 24 in., unless Vs exceeds 4 f c′ b' d.
[STD Art. 9.20.3.2]
4 5582.5
4 f c′ b' d = (8)(49.6)
1000
= 118.59 kips < Vs = 54.1 kips (O.K.)
Since Vs is less than the limit, maximum spacing of web

reinforcement is given as:
smax = Lesser of 0.75 hc or 24 in.

where:
hc = Overall depth of the section = 62 in. (Note that the wearing
surface thickness can also be included in the overall section
depth calculations for shear. In the present case, the wearing
surface thickness of 1.5 in. includes the future wearing
surface thickness, and the actual wearing surface thickness
is not specified. Therefore, the wearing surface thickness is
not included. This will not have any effect on the design.)
326
smax = 0.75(62) = 46.5 in. > 24 in.

Therefore maximum spacing of web reinforcement is smax = 24 in.
Spacing provided, s = 22 in. < smax = 24 in. (O.K.)
Therefore, use # 4, double-legged stirrups at 22 in. center-to-center

spacing at the critical section.
The calculations presented above provide the shear design at the

critical section. Different suitable sections along the span can be
designed for shear using the same approach.
A.1.12
HORIZONTAL SHEAR [STD Art. 9.20.4]
The composite flexural members are required to be designed to fully
DESIGN
transfer the horizontal shear forces at the contact surfaces of
interconnected elements.
The critical section for horizontal shear is at a distance of hc/2

(where hc is the depth of composite section = 62 in.) from the face
of the support. However, as the dimensions of the support are
unknown in the present case, the critical section for shear is
conservatively calculated from the centerline of the bearing support.
Distance of critical section for horizontal shear from bearing

centerline:
62 in.
hc/2 = = 2.583 ft.
2(12 in/ft.)
The cross-sections subject to horizontal shear shall be designed such

that:
Vu φ Vnh [STD Eq. 9-31a]
where:
using load combination causing maximum shear force)
= 247.8 kips
Vnh = Nominal horizontal shear strength of the section, kips

Vu 247.8
Required Vnh = = 275.33 kips
φ 0.9
327
The nominal horizontal shear strength of the section, Vnh, is

determined based on one of the following applicable cases.
Case (a): When the contact surface is clean, free of laitance, and
intentionally roughened, the allowable shear force in
pounds is given as:
Vnh = 80 bv d [STD Art. 9.20.4.3]

where:
bv = Width of cross-section at the contact surface being
investigated for horizontal shear = 20 in. (top flange width
of the precast girder)

of pretensioned reinforcement
= hc – (yb – ex) [STD Art. 9.20.2.2]
hc = Depth of the composite section = 62 in.
yb = Distance from centroid to the extreme bottom fiber of the

non-composite precast girder = 24.75 in.

= 11.51 in.
d = 62 – (24.75 – 11.51) = 48.76 in.
80(20)(48.76)
Vnh =
1000
= 78.02 kips < Required Vnh = 275.33 kips (N.G.)
Case (b): When minimum ties are provided and contact surface is
clean, free of laitance but not intentionally roughened,
the allowable shear force in pounds is given as:
Vnh = 80 bv d [STD Art. 9.20.4.3]
80(20)(48.76)
Vnh =
1000
= 78.02 kips < Required Vnh = 275.33 kips (N.G.)
328
Case (c): When minimum ties are provided and contact surface is
clean, free of laitance and intentionally roughened to a
full amplitude of approximately 0.25 in., the allowable
shear force in pounds is given as:
Vnh = 350 bv d [STD Art. 9.20.4.3]
350(20)(48.76)
Vnh =
1000
= 341.32 kips > Required Vnh = 275.33 kips (O.K.)
Design of ties for horizontal shear [STD Art. 9.20.4.5]

Minimum area of ties between the interconnected elements
50 bv s
Avh =
fy
where:
Avh = Area of horizontal shear reinforcement, in.2
s = Center-to-center spacing of the web reinforcement taken

as 22 in. This is the center-to-center spacing of web
reinforcement, which can be extended into the slab.
fy = Yield strength of web reinforcement = 60 ksi
50(20)(22)
Avh = = 0.37 in.2 0.40 in.2 (area of web reinforcement
60,000
provided)
Maximum spacing of ties shall be:

s = Lesser of 4(least web width) and 24 in. [STD Art. 9.20.4.5.a]
Least web width = 8 in.
s = 4(8 in.) = 32 in. > 24 in. Therefore, use maximum s = 24 in.
Maximum spacing of ties = 24 in., which is greater than the

provided spacing of ties = 22 in. (O.K.)
Therefore, the provided web reinforcement shall be extended into

the CIP slab to satisfy the horizontal shear requirements.
329
A.1.13
PRETENSIONED
ANCHORAGE ZONE [STD Art. 9.22]
A.1.13.1
Minimum Vertical In a pretensioned girder, vertical stirrups acting at a unit stress of
Reinforcement 20,000 psi to resist at least 4 percent of the total pretensioning force
must be placed within the distance of d/4 of the girder end.
[STD Art. 9.22.1]
Minimum vertical stirrups at the each end of the girder:
Ps = Prestressing force before initial losses have occurred, kips

= (number of strands)(area of strand)(initial prestress)
Initial prestress, fsi = 0.75 f s′ [STD Art. 9.15.1]

where f s′ = Ultimate strength of prestressing strands = 270 ksi
fsi = 0.75(270) = 202.5 ksi
Ps = 50(0.153)(202.5) = 1,549.13 kips
Force to be resisted, Fs = 4 percent of Ps = 0.04(1,549.13)

= 61.97 kips
Required area of stirrups to resist Fs

Fs
Av =
Unit Stress in stirrups
Unit stress in stirrups = 20 ksi
61.97
Av = = 3.1 in.2
20
Distance available for placing the required area of stirrups = d/4

where d is the distance from the extreme compressive fiber to
centroid of pretensioned reinforcement = 48.76 in.
d 48.76
= = 12.19 in.
4 4
Using six pairs of #5 bars @ 2 in. center-to-center spacing (within

12 in. from girder end) at each end of the girder:
Av = 2(area of each bar)(number of bars)

= 2(0.31)(6) = 3.72 in.2 > 3.1 in.2 (O.K.)
Therefore, provide 6 pairs of #5 bars @ 2 in. center-to-center

spacing at each girder end.
330
A.1.13.2
Confinement STD Art. 9.22.2 specifies that the nominal reinforcement must be
Reinforcement placed to enclose the prestressing steel in the bottom flange for a
distance d from the end of the girder. [STD Art. 9.22.2]
where
of pretensioned reinforcement
= hc – (yb – ex) = 62 – (24.75 – 11.51) = 48.76 in.
A.1.14
CAMBER AND
DEFLECTIONS
A.1.14.1 The Standard Specifications do not provide any guidelines for the
Maximum Camber determination camber of prestressed concrete members. The
Hyperbolic Functions method proposed by Sinno and Furr (1970)
for the calculation of maximum camber is used by TxDOT’s
prestressed concrete bridge design software, PSTRS14 (TxDOT
2004). The following steps illustrate the Hyperbolic Functions
method for the estimation of maximum camber.
Step 1: The total prestressing force after initial prestress loss due to
elastic shortening has occurred.
Pi M D ec As n
P= +
ec2 As n ec2 As n
1+ pn + I 1 + pn +
I I
where:
Pi = Anchor force in prestressing steel
fsi = Initial prestress before release = 0.75 f s′

[STD Art. 9.15.1]
f s′ = Ultimate strength of prestressing strands = 270 ksi
fsi = 0.75(270) = 202.5 ksi
Pi = 50(0.153)(202.5) = 1549.13 kips
I = Moment of inertia of the non-composite precast girder

= 260403 in.4
331
ec = Eccentricity of prestressing strands at the midspan

= 19.47 in.
MD = Moment due to self-weight of the girder at midspan

= 1209.98 k-ft.
As = Area of prestressing steel

= (number of strands)(area of strand)
= 50(0.153) = 7.65 in.2
p = As/A
7.65
p = = 0.0097
788.4
n = Modular ratio between prestressing steel and the girder

concrete at release = Es/Eci
Eci = Modulus of elasticity of the girder concrete at release

= 33(wc)3/2 fci′ [STD Eq. 9-8]
f ci′ = Compressive strength of precast girder concrete at

release = 5455 psi
1
Eci = [33(150)3/2 5455 ] = 4477.63 ksi
1000
Es = Modulus of elasticity of prestressing strands

= 28,000 ksi
n = 28,000/4477.63 = 6.25
ec2 As n (19.47 2 )(7.65)(6.25)

1 + pn + = 1+ (0.0097)(6.25) +
I 260, 403
= 1.130
1549.13 (1209.98)(12 in./ft.)(19.47)(7.65)(6.25)

P= +
1.130 260,403(1.130)
= 1370.91 + 45.93 = 1416.84 kips
332
Initial prestress loss is defined as:

Pi - P 1549.13 - 1416.84
PLi = = = 0.0854 = 8.54%
P 1549.13
Note that the values obtained for initial prestress loss and effective
initial prestress force using this methodology are comparable with
the values obtained in Section A.1.7.3.5. The effective prestressing
force after initial losses was found to be 1410.58 kips (comparable
to 1416.84 kips), and the initial prestress loss was determined as
8.94 percent (comparable to 8.54 percent).
The stress in the concrete at the level of the centroid of the

prestressing steel immediately after transfer is determined as
follows.
1 ec2
f cis = P + - f cs
A I
where:
f cs = Concrete stress at the level of centroid of prestressing

steel due to dead loads, ksi
M e (1209.98)(12 in./ft.)(19.47)
= D c = = 1.0856 ksi
I 260,403
1 19.47 2
f cis = 1416.84 + – 1.0856 = 2.774 ksi
788.4 260, 403
The ultimate time dependent prestress loss is dependent on the

ultimate creep and shrinkage strains. As the creep strains vary with
the concrete stress, the following steps are used to evaluate the
concrete stresses and adjust the strains to arrive at the ultimate
prestress loss. It is assumed that the creep strain is proportional to
the concrete stress, and the shrinkage stress is independent of
concrete stress (Sinno 1970).
Step 2: Initial estimate of total strain at steel level assuming

constant sustained stress immediately after transfer
εcs1 = ε ∞ s ∞
cr f ci + ε sh
where:
ε∞cr = Ultimate unit creep strain = 0.00034 in./in. [This value is
prescribed by Sinno et al. (1970).]
333
ε∞
sh = Ultimate unit shrinkage strain = 0.000175 in./in. [This
value is prescribed by Sinno et al. (1970).]
εcs1 = 0.00034(2.774) + 0.000175 = 0.001118 in./in.
Step 3: The total strain obtained in Step 2 is adjusted by subtracting

the elastic strain rebound as follows:
As 1 ec2
εcs 2 = ε cs1 - ε cs1Es +
Eci A I
7.65 1 19.47 2
εcs 2 = 0.001118 – (0.001118)(28,000) +
4477.63 788.4 260, 403
= 0.000972 in./in.
Step 4: The change in concrete stress at the level of centroid of

prestressing steel is computed as follows:
1 ec2
f cs = εcs 2 Es As +
A I
1 19.47 2
f cs = (0.000972)(28,000)(7.65) + = 0.567 ksi
788.4 260, 403
Step 5: The total strain computed in Step 2 needs to be corrected for

the change in the concrete stress due to creep and shrinkage
strains.
∆fcs
εcs 4 = ε∞
cr f cis - + ε∞sh
2
0.567
εcs 4 = 0.00034 2.774 - + 0.000175 = 0.00102 in./in.
2

the elastic strain rebound as follows:
A 1 ec2
εcs 5 = εcs 4 - εcs 4 Es s +
Eci A I
7.65 1 19.47 2
εcs 5 = 0.00102 – (0.00102)(28,000) +
4477.63 788.4 260, 403
= 0.000887 in./in.
334
Sinno (1970) recommends stopping the updating of stresses and

adjustment process after Step 6. However, as the difference between
the strains obtained in Steps 3 and 6 is not negligible, this process is
carried on until the total strain value converges.

1 ec2
f cs1 = εcs 5 Es As +
A I
1 19.47 2
f cs1 = (0.000887)(28,000)(7.65) + = 0.5176 ksi
788.4 260, 403

strains.
∆fcs1
εcs 6 = ε∞ s
cr f ci - + ε∞sh
2
0.5176
εcs 6 = 0.00034 2.774 - + 0.000175 = 0.00103 in./in.
2

the elastic strain rebound as follows
As 1 ec2
εcs 7 = ε cs 6 - εcs 6 Es +
Eci A I
7.65 1 19.47 2
εcs 7 = 0.00103 – (0.00103)(28,000) +
4477.63 788.4 260, 403
= 0.000896 in./in
The strains have sufficiently converged, and no more adjustments

are needed.
Step 10: Computation of final prestress loss
Time dependent loss in prestress due to creep and shrinkage strains

is given as:
ε cs 7 Es As 0.000896(28,000)(7.65)
PL = = = 0.124 = 12.4%
Pi 1549.13
335
Total final prestress loss is the sum of initial prestress loss and the
time dependent prestress loss expressed as follows:
PL = PLi + PL
where:
PL = Total final prestress loss percent.
PLi = Initial prestress loss percent = 8.54 percent
PL = Time dependent prestress loss percent = 12.4 percent
PL = 8.54 + 12.4 = 20.94 percent (This value of final prestress loss

is less than the one estimated in Section A.1.7.3.6. where the final
prestress loss was estimated to be 25.24 percent)
Step 11: The initial deflection of the girder under self-weight is

calculated using the elastic analysis as follows:
5 w L4
CDL =
384 Eci I
where:
L = Total girder length = 109.67 ft.

= 4477.63 ksi = 644,778.72 k/ft.2

= 260,403 in.4 = 12.558 ft.4
5(0.821)(109.67 4 )
CDL = = 0.191 ft. = 2.29 in.
384(644,778.72)(12.558)
Step 12: Initial camber due to prestress is calculated using the

moment area method. The following expression is obtained from the
M/EI diagram to compute the camber resulting from the initial
prestress.
M pi
Cpi =
Eci I
336
where:
Mpi = [0.5(P) (ee) (0.5L)2 + 0.5(P) (ec – ee) (0.67) (HD)2
+0.5P (ec – ee) (HDdis) (0.5L + HD)]/(Eci)(I)
P = Total prestressing force after initial prestress loss due

to elastic shortening has occurred = 1416.84 kips
HD = Hold-down distance from girder end

= 49.404 ft. = 592.85 in. (see Figure A.1.7.3)
HDdis = Hold-down distance from the center of the girder span

= 0.5(109.67) – 49.404 = 5.431 ft. = 65.17 in.

= 11.07 in.

= 19.47 in.
L = Overall girder length = 109.67 ft. = 1316.04 in.
Mpi = {0.5(1416.84)(11.07) [0.5(1316.04)]2 +

0.5(1416.84)(19.47 – 11.07)(0.67)(592.85)2 +
0.5(1416.84)(19.47 – 11.07)(65.17)[0.5(1316.04) + 592.85]}
Mpi = 3.396 × 109 + 1.401 × 109 + 0.485 × 109 = 5.282 × 109
5.282 × 109
Cpi = = 4.53 in. = 0.378 ft.
(4477.63)(260, 403)
Step 13: The initial camber, CI, is the difference between the
upward camber due to initial prestressing and the
downward deflection due to self-weight of the girder.
Ci = Cpi – CDL = 4.53 – 2.29 = 2.24 in. = 0.187 ft.

337
Step 14: The ultimate time-dependent camber is evaluated using

∆f cs1
∞
cr f cis - + es
2
Ultimate camber Ct = Ci (1 – PL ) s
e
where:
s f cis 2.774
e = = = 0.000619 in./in.
Eci 4477.63
0.5176
0.00034 2.774 - + 0.000619
2
Ct = 2.24(1 – 0.124)
0.000619
Ct = 4.673 in. = 0.389 ft.
A.1.14.2
Deflection Due to The deflection due to the slab weight is calculated using an elastic
analysis as follows.
Slab Weight
Deflection of the girder at midspan
5 ws L4
slab1 =
384 Ec I
where:
ws = Weight of the slab = 0.80 kips/ft.
Ec = Modulus of elasticity of girder concrete at service

= 33(wc)3/2 f c′
1
= 33(150)1.5 5582.5 = 4529.66 ksi
1000
I = Moment of inertia of the non-composite girder section

= 260,403 in.4
L = Design span length of girder (center-to-center bearing)

= 108.583 ft.
( 12 in./ft.)
4
5 0.80 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
slab1 =
384(4529.66)(260, 403)
= 2.12 in. = 0.177 ft.
338
Deflection at quarter span due to slab weight

57 ws L4
slab2 =
6144 Ec I
( 12 in./ft.)
4
57 0.80 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
slab2 =
6144(4529.66)(260, 403)
= 1.511 in. = 0.126 ft.
A.1.14.3
Deflections due to Deflection due to barrier weight at midspan
Superimposed
5 wbarr L4
Dead Loads barr1 =
384 Ec I c
where:
wbarr = Weight of the barrier = 0.109 kips/ft.
Ic = Moment of inertia of composite section = 657,658.4 in4
( 12 in./ft.)
4
5 0.109 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
barr1 =
384(4529.66)(657,658.4)
= 0.114 in. = 0.0095 ft.
Deflection at quarter span due to barrier weight

57 wbarr L4
barr2 =
6144 Ec I
( 12 in./ft.)
4
57 0.109 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
barr2 =
6144(4529.66)(657,658.4)
= 0.0815 in. = 0.0068 ft.
Deflection due to wearing surface weight at midspan

5 wws L4
ws1 =
384 Ec I c
where
wws = Weight of wearing surface = 0.128 kips/ft.
339
( )
4
5 0.128 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
= 12 in./ft.
ws1
384(4529.66)(657,658.4)
= 0.134 in. = 0.011 ft.
Deflection at quarter span due to wearing surface

57 wws L4
ws2 =
6144 Ec I
( )
4
57 0.128 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
= 12 in./ft.
ws2
6144(4529.66)(657,658.4)
= 0.096 in. = 0.008 ft.
A.1.14.4
Total Deflection Due The total deflection at midspan due to slab weight and
to Dead Loads superimposed loads is:
T1 = slab1 + barr1 + ws1
= 0.177 + 0.0095 + 0.011 = 0.1975 ft.
The total deflection at quarter span due to slab weight and

superimposed loads is:
= 0.126 + 0.0068 + 0.008 = 0.1408 ft.
The deflections due to live loads are not calculated in this example
as they are not a design factor for TxDOT bridges.
340
A.1.15
COMPARISON OF The prestressed concrete bridge girder design program, PSTRS14
RESULTS FROM (TxDOT 2004), is used by TxDOT for bridge design. The PSTRS14
DETAILED DESIGN program was run with same parameters as used in this detailed
AND PSTRS14 design, and the results of the detailed example and PSTRS14
program are compared in Table A.1.15.1.
Table A.1.15.1. Comparison of the Results from PSTRS14 Program with

Detailed Design Example.
Detailed Design Percent
Parameter PSTRS 14 Result
Result Difference
Live Load Distribution Factor 0.727 0.727 0.00
Initial Prestress Loss 8.93% 8.94% -0.11
Final Prestress Loss 25.23% 25.24% -0.04
Girder Stresses at Transfer
Top Fiber 35 psi 35 psi 0.00
At Girder End
Bottom Fiber 3274 psi 3273 psi 0.03
At Transfer Length Top Fiber Not Calculated 104 psi -
Section Bottom Fiber Not calculated 3215 psi -
Top Fiber 319 psi 351 psi -10.03
At Hold-Down
Top Fiber 335 psi 368 psi -9.85
At Midspan
Girder Stresses at Service
Top Fiber 29 psi Not calculated -
At Girder End
Bottom Fiber 2688 psi Not calculated -
Top Fiber 2563 psi 2562 psi 0.04
At Midspan
Bottom Fiber -414 psi -412 psi 0.48
Slab Top Fiber Stress Not calculated 658 psi -
Required Concrete strength at Transfer 5457 psi 5455 psi 0.04
Required Concrete strength at Service 5585 psi 5582.5 psi 0.04
Total Number of Strands 50 50 0.00
Number of Harped Strands 10 10 0.00
Ultimate Flexural Moment Required 6771 k-ft. 6769.37 k-ft. 0.02
Ultimate Moment Provided 8805 k-ft 8936.56 k-ft. -1.50
Shear Stirrup Spacing at the Critical
21.4 in. 22 in. -2.80
Section: double legged #4 bars
Maximum Camber 0.306 ft. 0.389 ft. -27.12
Deflections
Midspan -0.1601 ft. 0.1770 ft. -11.00
Slab Weight
Quarter Span -0.1141 ft. 0.1260 ft. -10.00
Midspan -0.0096 ft. 0.0095 ft. 1.04
Barrier Weight
Quarter Span -0.0069 ft. 0.0068 ft. 1.45
Wearing Surface Midspan -0.0082 ft. 0.0110 ft. -34.10
Weight Quarter Span -0.0058 ft. 0.0080 ft. -37.60
341
Except for a few differences, the results from the detailed design are
in good agreement with the PSTRS 14 (TxDOT 2004) results. The
causes for the differences in the results are discussed as follows.
1. Girder stresses at transfer: The detailed design example uses

the overall girder length of 109'-8" for evaluating the stresses
at transfer at the midspan section and hold-down point
locations. The PSTRS 14 uses the design span length of 108'-
7" for this calculation. This causes a difference in the stresses
at transfer at hold-down point locations and midspan. The use
of full girder length for stress calculations at transfer
conditions seems to be appropriate as the girder rests on the
ground, and the resulting moment is due to the self-weight of
the overall girder.
2. Maximum Camber: The difference in the maximum camber

results from detailed design and PSTRS 14 (TxDOT 2001) is
occurring due to two reasons.
a. The detailed design example uses the overall girder

length for the calculation of initial camber whereas, the
PSTRS 14 program uses the design span length.
b. The updated composite section properties, based on the

modular ratio between slab and actual girder concrete
strengths are used for the camber calculations in the
detailed design. However, the PSTRS 14 program does
not update the composite section properties.
3. Deflections: The difference in the deflections is occurring due

to the use of updated section properties and elastic modulus of
concrete in the detailed design, based on the optimized
concrete strength. However, the PSTRS 14 program does not
update the composite section properties and uses the elastic
modulus of concrete based on the initial input.
342
Appendix A.2
Detailed Examples for Interior AASHTO Type IV

Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girder Design using
343
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A.2.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................346
A.2.2 DESIGN PARAMETERS....................................................................................346
A.2.3 MATERIAL PROPERTIES................................................................................347
A.2.4 CROSS-SECTION PROPERTIES FOR A TYPICAL INTERIOR GIRDER ....348
A.2.4.1 Non-Composite Section ....................................................................................348
A.2.4.2 Composite Section.............................................................................................350
A.2.4.2.1 Effective Flange Width...................................................................................350
A.2.4.2.2 Modular Ratio between Slab and Girder Concrete.........................................350
A.2.4.2.3 Transformed Section Properties .....................................................................350
A.2.5 SHEAR FORCES AND BENDING MOMENTS ...............................................352
A.2.5.1 Shear Forces and Bending Moments due to Dead Loads..................................352
A.2.5.1.1 Dead Loads.....................................................................................................352
A.2.5.1.2 Superimposed Dead Loads .............................................................................352
A.2.5.1.3 Shear Forces and Bending Moments..............................................................353
A.2.5.2 Shear Forces and Bending Moments due to Live Load ....................................355
A.2.5.2.1 Live Load .......................................................................................................355
A.2.5.2.2 Live Load Distribution Factors for a Typical Interior Girder ........................355
A.2.5.2.2.1 Distribution Factor for Bending Moment....................................................356
A.2.5.2.2.2 Distribution Factor for Shear Force.............................................................358
A.2.5.2.2.3 Skew Reduction...........................................................................................359
A.2.5.2.3 Dynamic Allowance .......................................................................................361
A.2.5.2.4 Shear Forces and Bending Moments..............................................................361
A.2.5.2.4.1 Due to Truck load........................................................................................361
A.2.5.2.4.1 Due to Design Lane Load............................................................................362
A.2.5.3 Load Combinations ...........................................................................................364
A.2.6 ESTIMATION OF REQUIRED PRESTRESS....................................................367
A.2.6.1 Service Load Stresses at Midspan .....................................................................367
A.2.6.2 Allowable Stress Limit ......................................................................................369
A.2.6.3 Required Number of Strands .............................................................................370
A.2.7 PRESTRESS LOSSES .........................................................................................373
A.2.7.1 Iteration 1 ..........................................................................................................374
A.2.7.1.1 Elastic Shortening...........................................................................................374
A.2.7.1.2 Concrete Shrinkage ........................................................................................376
A.2.7.1.3 Creep of Concrete...........................................................................................376
A.2.7.1.4 Relaxation of Prestressing Strands .................................................................377
A.2.7.1.4.1 Relaxation at Transfer .................................................................................377
A.2.7.1.4.2 Relaxation After Transfer............................................................................378
A.2.7.1.5 Total Losses at Transfer .................................................................................381
A.2.7.1.6 Total Losses at Service Loads ........................................................................381
344
A.2.7.1.7 Final Stresses at Midspan ...............................................................................382

A.2.7.1.8 Initial Stresses at Hold-Down Point ...............................................................384
A.2.7.2 Iteration 2 ..........................................................................................................385
A.2.7.2.4 Relaxation of Prestressing Strands .................................................................388
A.2.7.2.8 Initial Stresses at Hold Down Point ...............................................................395
A.2.7.2.9 Initial Stresses at Girder End..........................................................................396
A.2.7.3 Iteration 3 ..........................................................................................................398
A.2.7.3.4 Relaxation of Prestressing Strands ................................................................401
A.2.7.3.8 Initial Stresses at.............................................................................................408
A.2.7.3.9 Initial Stresses at Girder End..........................................................................409
A.2.8 STRESS SUMMARY ..........................................................................................412
A.2.8.1 Concrete Stresses at Transfer ............................................................................412
A.2.8.1.1 Allowable Stress Limits .................................................................................412
A.2.8.1.2 Stresses at Girder Ends...................................................................................413
A.2.8.1.3 Stresses at Transfer Length Section ...............................................................414
A.2.8.1.4 Stresses at Hold Down Points ........................................................................415
A.2.8.1.5 Stresses at Midspan ........................................................................................416
A.2.8.1.6 Stress Summary at Transfer ...........................................................................417
A.2.8.2 Concrete Stresses at Service Loads ...................................................................417
A.2.8.2.1 Allowable Stress Limits .................................................................................417
A.2.8.2.3 Summary of Stresses at Service Loads...........................................................422
A.2.8.2.4 Composite Section Properties ........................................................................422
A.2.9 CHECK FOR LIVE LOAD MOMENT DISTRIBUTION FACTOR .................424
A.2.10 FATIGUE LIMIT STATE .................................................................................426
A.2.11 FLEXURAL STRENGTH LIMIT STATE........................................................427
A.2.12 LIMITS FOR REINFORCEMENT ...................................................................430
A.2.12.1 Maximum Reinforcement................................................................................430
345
A.2.12.2 Minimum Reinforcement ................................................................................431

A.2.13 TRANSVERSE SHEAR DESIGN ....................................................................433
A.2.13.1 Critical Section ................................................................................................434
A.2.13.1.1 Angle of Diagonal Compressive Stresses.....................................................434
A.2.13.1.2 Effective Shear Depth ..................................................................................434
A.2.13.1.3 Calculation of critical section.......................................................................435
A.2.13.2 Contribution of Concrete to Nominal Shear Resistance .................................435
A.2.13.2.1 Strain in Flexural Tension Reinforcement ...................................................436
A.2.13.2.2 Values of and ..........................................................................................438
A.2.13.2.3 Computation of Concrete Contribution ........................................................440
A.2.13.3 Contribution of Reinforcement to Nominal Shear Resistance ........................440
A.2.13.3.1 Requirement for Reinforcement ...................................................................440
A.2.13.3.2 Required Area of Reinforcement .................................................................440
A.2.13.3.3 Determine spacing of reinforcement ............................................................441
A.2.13.3.4 Minimum Reinforcement requirement .........................................................442
A.2.13.5 Maximum Nominal Shear Resistance .............................................................442
A.2.14 INTERFACE SHEAR TRANSFER ..................................................................443
A.2.14.1 Factored Horizontal Shear...............................................................................443
A.2.14.2 Required Nominal Resistance .........................................................................443
A.2.14.3 Required Interface Shear Reinforcement ........................................................444
A.2.14.3.1 Minimum Interface shear reinforcement ......................................................444
A.2.15 MINIMUM LONGITUDINAL REINFORCEMENT REQUIREMENT .........445
A.2.15.1 Required Reinforcement at Face of Bearing ...................................................446
A.2.16 PRETENSIONED ANCHORAGE ZONE ........................................................447
A.2.16.1 Minimum Vertical Reinforcement ..................................................................447
A.2.16.2 Confinement Reinforcement ..........................................................................447
A.2.17 CAMBER AND DEFLECTIONS......................................................................448
A.2.17.1 Maximum Camber...........................................................................................448
A.2.17.2 Deflection Due to Slab Weight .......................................................................455
A.2.17.3 Deflections Due to Superimposed Dead Loads...............................................456
A.2.17.4 Total Deflection Due to Dead Loads...............................................................457
346
A.2 Interior AASHTO Type IV Prestressed Concrete Bridge

Girder Design using AASHTO LRFD Specifications
A.2.1
INTRODUCTION Following is a detailed example showing sample calculations for
the design of a typical interior AASHTO Type IV prestressed
concrete girder supporting a single span bridge. The design is
based on the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 3rd
Edition, 2004 (AASHTO 2004). The recommendations provided
by the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001) are
considered in the design. The number of strands and concrete
strength at release and at service are optimized using the
TxDOT methodology.
A.2.2
DESIGN The bridge considered for this design example has a span length of
PARAMETERS 110 ft. (c/c pier distance), a total width of 46 ft. and total roadway
width of 44 ft. The bridge superstructure consists of six AASHTO
Type IV girders spaced 8 ft. center-to-center, designed to act
compositely with an 8 in. thick cast-in-place (CIP) concrete deck.
The wearing surface thickness is 1.5 in., which includes the
thickness of any future wearing surface. T501 type rails are
considered in the design. HL-93 is the design live load. A relative
humidity (RH) of 60 percent is considered in the design, and the
skew angle is 0 degrees. The bridge cross-section is shown in Figure
A.2.2.1.
Total Bridge Width

46'-0"
Total Roadway Width
44'-0"
1'-5" Deck
4'-6" 1.5" AASHTO

Type IV
Girder
3'-0" 5 Spaces @ 8'-0" c/c = 40'-0" 3'-0"
Figure A.2.2.1. Bridge Cross-Section Details.

347
The following calculations for design span length and the overall
girder length are based on Figure A.2.2.2.
Figure A.2.2.2. Girder End Details

(TxDOT Standard Drawing 2001).
Span Length (c/c piers) = 110'-0"

From Figure A.2.2.2
Overall girder length = 110'-0" – 2(2") = 109'-8" = 109.67 ft.
Design Span = 110'-0" – 2(8.5") = 108'-7" = 108.583 ft. (c/c of
bearing)
A.2.3
MATERIAL Cast-in-place slab:
PROPERTIES Thickness, ts = 8.0 in.
Concrete strength at 28 days, f c′ = 4000 psi
Thickness of asphalt wearing surface (including any future

wearing surface), tw = 1.5 in.
Unit weight of concrete, wc = 150 pcf
Precast girders: AASHTO Type IV

Concrete strength at release, f ci′ = 4000 psi (This value is taken
as an initial estimate and will be finalized based on optimum
design.)
348
Concrete strength at 28 days, f c′ = 5000 psi (This value is taken

as initial estimate and will be finalized based on optimum
design.)
Concrete unit weight, wc = 150 pcf
Pretensioning strands: 0.5 in. diameter, seven wire low relaxation

Area of one strand = 0.153 in.2
Ultimate stress, fpu = 270,000 psi
Yield strength, fpy = 0.9fpu = 243,000 psi
[LRFD Table 5.4.4.1-1]
Stress limits for prestressing strands: [LRFD Table 5.9.3-1]

Before transfer, fpi ≤ 0.75 fpu = 202,500 psi
At service limit state (after all losses)
fpe ≤ 0.80 fpy = 194,400 psi
Modulus of Elasticity, Ep = 28,500 ksi [LRFD Art. 5.4.4.2]
Nonprestressed reinforcement:
Yield strength, fy = 60,000 psi
Modulus of Elasticity, Es = 29,000 ksi [LRFD Art. 5.4.3.2]
Unit weight of asphalt wearing surface = 140 pcf

[TxDOT recommendation]
T501 type barrier weight = 326 plf /side
A.2.4
CROSS-SECTION
PROPERTIES FOR A
TYPICAL INTERIOR
GIRDER
A.2.4.1 The section properties of an AASHTO Type IV girder as described
Non-Composite in the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001) are provided
Section in Table A.2.4.1. The section geometry and strand pattern are shown
in Figure A.2.4.1.
349
Table A.2.4.1. Section Properties of AASHTO Type IV Girder

yt yb Area I Wt./lf
2 4
in. in. in. in. lbs
29.25 24.75 788.4 260,403 821
where:
I = Moment of inertia about the centroid of the non-composite
precast girder = 260,403 in.4
yb = Distance from centroid to the extreme bottom fiber of the

non-composite precast girder = 24.75 in.
yt = Distance from centroid to the extreme top fiber of the non-

composite precast girder = 29.25 in.
Sb = Section modulus referenced to the extreme bottom fiber of the

non-composite precast girder, in.3
= I/yb = 260,403/24.75 = 10,521.33 in.3
St = Section modulus referenced to the extreme top fiber of the

non-composite precast girder, in.3
= I/yt = 260,403/29.25 = 8902.67 in.3
8 in.
20 in.
6 in.
8 in.
23 in.
54 in.
9 in.
26 in.
Figure A.2.4.1. Section Geometry and Strand Pattern for AASHTO

Type IV Girder [Adapted from TxDOT Bridge Design Manual
(TxDOT 2001)].
350
A.2.4.2
Composite Section
A.2.4.2.1
Effective Flange [LRFD Art. 4.6.2.6.1]
Width The effective flange width is lesser of:
108.583(12 in./ft.)
¼ span length of girder: = 325.75 in.
4
12 × (effective slab thickness) + (greater of web thickness or ½

girder top flange width): 12(8) + 0.5(20) = 106 in.
(0.5 × (girder top flange width) = 10 in. > web thickness = 8 in.)
Average spacing of adjacent girders: (8 ft.)(12 in./ft.) = 96 in.

(controls)
Effective flange width = 96 in.
A.2.4.2.2
Following the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001)
Modular Ratio
recommendation (pg. 7-85), the modular ratio between the slab and
between Slab and
girder concrete is taken as 1. This assumption is used for service
Girder Concrete load design calculations. For the flexural strength limit design, shear
design, and deflection calculations, the actual modular ratio based
on optimized concrete strengths is used. The composite section is
shown in Figure A.2.4.2 and the composite section properties are
Ec for slab
n= =1
Ec for girder
where n is the modular ratio between slab and girder concrete, and
Ec is the elastic modulus of concrete.
A.2.4.2.3
Transformed flange width = n × (effective flange width)
Transformed Section = (1)(96) = 96 in.
Properties
Transformed Flange Area = n × (effective flange width)(ts)
= (1)(96)(8) = 768 in.2

Transformed Area yb I I + A(ybc - yb)2
A yb A(ybc - yb)2
A (in.2) in. in.4 in.4
Girder 788.4 24.75 19,512.9 212,231.53 260,403.0 472,634.5
Slab 768.0 58.00 44,544.0 217,868.93 4096.0 221,964.9
1556.4 64,056.9 694,599.5
351
hc = Total height of composite section = 54 + 8 = 62 in.
Ic = Moment of inertia about the centroid of the composite

section = 694,599.5 in.4

= 64,056.9/1556.4 = 41.157 in.

= 54 - 41.157 = 12.843 in.


= Ic/ybc = 694,599.5/41.157 = 16,876.83 in.3

= Ic/ytg = 694,599.5/12.843 = 54,083.9 in.3

= Ic/ytc = 694,599.5/20.843 = 33,325.31 in.3
8'-0"
1'-8" 8"
c.g. of composite
section
5'-2"
4'-6"
ybc = 3'-5"
Figure A.2.4.3. Composite Section.

352
A.2.5
SHEAR FORCES AND The self-weight of the girder and the weight of the slab act on the
BENDING MOMENTS non-composite simple span structure, while the weight of the
barriers, future wearing surface, live load, and dynamic load act on
the composite simple span structure.
A.2.5.1
Shear Forces and
Bending Moments
due to Dead Loads
A.2.5.1.1 [LRFD Art. 3.3.2]
Dead Loads Dead loads acting on the non-composite structure:
Self-weight of the girder = 0.821 kip/ft.

[TxDOT Bridge Design Manual (TxDOT 2001)]
Weight of cast-in-place deck on each interior girder

8 in.
= (0.150 kcf) (8 ft.) = 0.800 kips/ft.
12 in./ft.
Total dead load on non-composite section

= 0.821 + 0.800 = 1.621 kips/ft.
A.2.5.1.2
Superimposed Dead The superimposed dead loads placed on the bridge, including loads
Loads from railing and wearing surface, can be distributed uniformly
among all girders given the following conditions are met.
[LRFD Art. 4.6.2.2.1]
1. Width of deck is constant (O.K.)
2. Number of girders, Nb, is not less than four

Number of girders in present case, Nb = 6 (O.K.)
3. Girders are parallel and have approximately the same

stiffness (O.K.)

where de is the distance from the exterior web of the
exterior girder to the interior edge of the curb or traffic
barrier, ft. (see Figure A.2.5.1)
de = (overhang distance from the center of the exterior

girder to the bridge end) – 0.5×(web width) – (width
of barrier)
= 3.0 – 0.33 - 1.0 = 1.67 ft. < 3.0 ft. (O.K.)
353
1'-0" Nominal Face of Rail CL
d e = 1'-8"
Figure A.2.5.1. Illustration of de Calculation.
5. Curvature in plan is less than 40 (curvature = 00) (O.K.)
6. Cross-section of the bridge is consistent with one of the

cross-sections given in LRFD Table 4.6.2.2.1-1
Precast concrete I sections are specified as Type k (O.K.)
Because all of the above criteria are satisfied, the barrier and
wearing surface loads are equally distributed among the six girders.
Weight of T501 rails or barriers on each girder

326 plf /1000
= 2 = 0.109 kips/ft./girder
6 girders
Weight of 1.5 in. wearing surface

1.5 in.
= (0.140 kcf) = 0.0175 kips/ft. This load is applied over
12 in/ft.
the entire clear roadway width of 44'-0"
Weight of wearing surface on each girder

(0.0175 ksf)(44.0 ft.)
= = 0.128 kips/ft./girder
6 girders
Total superimposed dead load = 0.109 + 0.128 = 0.237 kips/ft.
A.2.5.1.3
Shear Forces and Shear forces and bending moments for the girder due to dead loads,
superimposed dead loads at every tenth of the design span, and at
Bending Moments
critical sections (hold-down point or harp point and critical section
354
for shear) are provided in this section. The bending moment (M) and
shear force (V) due to uniform dead loads and uniform
superimposed dead loads at any section at a distance x from the
centerline of bearing are calculated using the following formulas,
where the uniform load is denoted as w.
M = 0.5w x (L - x)
V = w(0.5L - x)
The distance of the critical section for shear from the support is
calculated using an iterative process illustrated in the shear design
section. As an initial estimate, the distance of the critical section for
shear from the centerline of bearing is taken as:
(hc/2) + 0.5(bearing width) = (62/2) + 0.5(7) = 34.5 in. = 2.875 ft.
As per the recommendations of the TxDOT Bridge Design Manual

(Chap. 7, Sec. 21), the distance of the hold-down (HD) point from
the centerline of bearing is taken as the lesser of:
[0.5×(span length) – (span length/20)] or [0.5×(span length) – 5 ft.]
108.583 108.583 108.583

- = 48.862 ft. or - 5 = 49.29 ft.
2 20 2
HD = 48.862 ft.
The shear forces and bending moments due to dead loads and
superimposed loads are shown in Tables A.2.5.1 and A.2.5.2,
respectively.
Table A.2.5.1. Shear Forces due to Dead and Superimposed Dead Loads.
Distance Dead Loads Superimposed Dead Loads
from
Wearing Total Dead
Bearing Girder Slab Barrier
Section Surface Total Load
Centerline Weight Weight Weight
x/ L Weight
x
ft. kips kips kips kips kips kips
0.000 0.000 44.57 43.43 5.92 6.95 12.87 100.87
2.875 0.026 42.21 41.13 5.60 6.58 12.19 95.53
10.858 0.100 35.66 34.75 4.73 5.56 10.29 80.70
21.717 0.200 26.74 26.06 3.55 4.17 7.72 60.52
32.575 0.300 17.83 17.37 2.37 2.78 5.15 40.35
43.433 0.400 8.91 8.69 1.18 1.39 2.57 20.17
48.862 0.450 (HD) 4.46 4.34 0.59 0.69 1.29 10.09
54.292 0.500 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
355
Table A.2.5.2. Bending Moments due to Dead and Superimposed Dead Loads.
Distance Dead Loads Superimposed Dead Loads
from
Wearing Total Dead
Bearing Girder Slab Barrier
Section Surface Total Load
Centerline Weight Weight Weight
x/ L Weight
x
ft. k-ft. k-ft. k-ft. k-ft. k-ft. k-ft.
0.000 0.000 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
2.875 0.026 124.76 121.56 16.56 19.45 36.01 282.33
10.858 0.100 435.59 424.45 57.83 67.91 125.74 985.78
21.717 0.200 774.38 754.58 102.81 120.73 223.54 1752.51
32.575 0.300 1016.38 990.38 134.94 158.46 293.40 2300.16
43.433 0.400 1161.58 1131.87 154.22 181.10 335.32 2628.76
48.862 0.450 (HD) 1197.87 1167.24 159.04 186.76 345.79 2710.90
54.292 0.500 1209.98 1179.03 160.64 188.64 349.29 2738.29
A.2.5.2
Shear Forces and
Bending Moments
due to Live Load
A.2.5.2.1 [LRFD Art. 3.6.1.2]
Live Load The LRFD Specifications specify a significantly different live load
as compared to the Standard Specifications. The LRFD design live
load is designated as HL-93, which consists of a combination of:
• Design truck with dynamic allowance or design tandem

with dynamic allowance, whichever produces greater
moments and shears, and
• Design lane load without dynamic allowance.
[LRFD Art. 3.6.1.2.2]

The design truck is designated as HS 20-44 consisting of an 8 kip
front axle and two 32 kip rear axles.
[LRFD Art. 3.6.1.2.3]

The design tandem consists of a pair of 25-kip axles spaced 4 ft.
apart. However, for spans longer than 40 ft. the tandem loading
does not govern, thus only the truck load is investigated in this
example.
[LRFD Art. 3.6.1.2.4]

The lane load consists of a load of 0.64 klf uniformly distributed in
the longitudinal direction.
356
A.2.5.2.2
Live Load Distribution The distribution factors specified by the LRFD Specifications have
Factors for a Typical changed significantly as compared to the Standard Specifications,
Interior Girder which specify S/11 (S is the girder spacing) to be used as the
distribution factor.
[LRFD Art. 4.6.2.2]

The bending moments and shear forces due to live load can be
distributed to individual girders using simplified approximate
distribution factors specified by the LRFD Specifications. However,
the simplified live load distribution factors can be used only if the
following conditions are met:
[LRFD Art. 4.6.2.2.1]
1. Width of deck is constant (O.K.)
2. Number of girders, Nb, is not less than four

Number of girders in present case, Nb = 6 (O.K.)
3. Girders are parallel and have approximately the same

stiffness (O.K.)

where de is the distance from exterior web of the exterior
girder to the interior edge of curb or traffic barrier, ft.
de = (overhang distance from the center of the exterior

girder to the bridge end) – 0.5×(web width) –
(width of barrier)
= 3.0 – 0.33 - 1.0 = 1.67 ft. < 3.0 ft. (O.K.)
5. Curvature in plan is less than 40 (curvature = 00) (O.K.)
6. Cross-section of the bridge is consistent with one of the

cross-sections given in LRFD Table 4.6.2.2.1-1
7. Precast concrete I sections are specified as Type k (O.K.)
The number of design lanes is computed as follows:

Number of design lanes = Integer part of the ratio w/12
where w is the clear roadway width between the curbs = 44 ft.
[LRFD Art. 3.6.1.1.1]
Number of design lanes = Integer part of (44/12) = 3 lanes.

357
A.2.5.2.2.1
Distribution Factor for The approximate live load moment distribution factors for interior
Bending Moment girders are specified by LRFD Table 4.6.2.2.2b-1. The distribution
factors for type k (prestressed concrete I section) bridges can be
used if the following additional requirements are satisfied:
3.5 ≤ S ≤ 16, where S is the spacing between adjacent girders, ft.

S = 8.0 ft (O.K.)
4.5 ≤ ts ≤ 12, where ts is the slab thickness, in.

ts = 8.0 in (O.K.)
20 ≤ L ≤ 240, where L is the design span length, ft.

L = 108.583 ft. (O.K.)
Nb ≥ 4, where Nb is the number of girders in the cross-section.

Nb = 6 (O.K.)
10,000 ≤ Kg ≤ 7,000,000, where Kg is the longitudinal stiffness

parameter, in.4
Kg = n(I + A eg2) [LRFD Art. 3.6.1.1.1]
where:
n = Modular ratio between girder and slab concrete.
E for girder concrete
= c =1
Ec for deck concrete
Note that this ratio is the inverse of the one defined for
composite section properties in Section A.2.4.2.2.
A = Area of girder cross-section (non-composite section)

= 788.4 in.2

composite precast girder = 260,403 in.4
eg = Distance between centers of gravity of the girder and slab,

in.
= (ts/2 + yt) = (8/2 + 29.25) = 33.25 in.
Kg = 1[260,403 + 788.4 (33.25)2] = 1,132,028.5 in.4 (O.K.)

358
The approximate live load moment distribution factors for interior

girders specified by the LRFD Specifications are applicable in this
case as all the requirements are satisfied. LRFD Table 4.6.2.2.2b-1
specifies the distribution factor for all limit states except fatigue
limit state for interior type k girders as follows:

0.4 0.3 0.1
S S Kg
DFM = 0.06 +
14 L 12.0 L ts3
where:
DFM = Live load moment distribution factor for interior girders.
S = Spacing of adjacent girders = 8 ft.
ts = Thickness of slab = 8 in.
0.4 0.3 0.1

8 8 1,132,028.5
DFM = 0.06 +
14 108.583 12.0(108.583)(8)3
DFM = 0.06 + (0.8)(0.457)(1.054) = 0.445 lanes/girder

0.6 0.2 0.1
S S Kg
DFM = 0.075 +
9.5 L 12.0 L ts3
0.6 0.2 0.1
8 8 1,132,028.5
DFM = 0.075 +
9.5 108.583 12.0(108.583)(8)3
= 0.075 + (0.902)(0.593)(1.054) = 0.639 lanes/girder
The greater of the above two distribution factors governs. Thus, the
case of two or more lanes loaded controls.
DFM = 0.639 lanes/girder

359
A.2.5.2.2.2
Skew Reduction for LRFD Article 4.6.2.2.2e specifies a skew reduction for load
DFM distribution factors for moment in longitudinal beams on skewed
supports. LRFD Table 4.6.2.2.2e-1 presents the skew reduction
formulas for skewed type k bridges where the skew angle is such
that 30° 60°.
For type k bridges having a skew angle such that < 30°, the skew
reduction factor is specified as 1.0. For type k bridges having a
skew angle > 60°, the skew reduction is the same as for = 60°.
For the present design, the skew angle is 0°; thus a skew reduction
for the live load moment distribution factor is not required.
A.2.5.2.2.3 The approximate live load shear distribution factors for interior
Distribution Factor for girders are specified by LRFD Table 4.6.2.2.3a-1. The distribution
Shear Force factors for type k (prestressed concrete I section) bridges can be
used if the following requirements are satisfied:

S = 8.0 ft. (O.K.)
4.5 ≤ ts ≤ 12, where ts is the slab thickness, in.

ts = 8.0 in (O.K.)

L = 108.583 ft. (O.K.)

Nb = 6 (O.K.)
The approximate live load shear distribution factors for interior

girders specified by the LRFD Specifications are applicable in this
case as all the requirements are satisfied. Table 4.6.2.2.3a-1
specifies the distribution factor for all limit states for interior type k
girders as follows.

S
DFV = 0.36 +
25.0
where:
DFV = Live load shear distribution factor for interior girders.

360
8
DFV = 0.36 + = 0.680 lanes/girder
25.0

2
S S
DFV = 0.2 + -
12 35
2
8 8
DFV = 0.2 + - = 0.814 lanes/girder
12 35
DFV = 0.814 lanes/girder
The distribution factor for live load moments and shears for the
same case using the Standard Specifications is 0.727 lanes/girder.
A.2.5.2.2.4 LRFD Article 4.6.2.2.3c specifies that the skew correction factor
Skew Correction for shall be applied to the approximate load distribution factors for
DFV shear in the interior girders on skewed supports. LRFD Table
4.6.2.2.3c-1 provides the correction factor for load distribution
factors for support shear of the obtuse corner of skewed type k
bridges where the following conditions are satisfied:
0° 60°, where is the skew angle.

= 0° (O.K.)

S = 8.0 ft. (O.K.)

L = 108.583 ft. (O.K.)

Nb = 6 (O.K.)
The correction factor for load distribution factors for support shear
of the obtuse corner of skewed type k bridges is given as:
0.3
12.0 L ts3
1.0 + 0.20 tan = 1.0 when = 0°
Kg
For the present design, the skew angle is 0°; thus the skew
correction for the live load shear distribution factor is not required.
361
A.2.5.2.3
Dynamic Allowance The LRFD Specifications specify the dynamic load effects as a
percentage of the static live load effects. LRFD Table 3.6.2.1-1
specifies the dynamic allowance to be taken as 33 percent of the
static load effects for all limit states, except the fatigue limit state,
and 15 percent for the fatigue limit state. The factor to be applied to
the static load shall be taken as:
(1 + IM/100)
where
IM = Dynamic load allowance, applied to truck load or tandem
load only
= 33 for all limit states except the fatigue limit state
= 15 for fatigue limit state
The Standard Specifications specify the impact factor to be

calculated using the following equation
50
I= < 30%
L + 125
The impact factor was calculated to be 21.4 percent for the Standard
design example.
A.2.5.2.4
Shear Forces and
Bending Moments The maximum shear forces (V) and bending moments (M) due to
A.2.5.2.4.1 HS 20-44 truck loading for all limit states, except for the fatigue
Due to Truck Load limit state, on a per-lane-basis are calculated using the following
formulas given in the PCI Design Manual (PCI 2003).
Maximum bending moment due to HS 20-44 truck load

For x/L = 0 – 0.333
72( x)[( L - x) - 9.33]
M=
L
For x/L = 0.333 – 0.5
72( x)[( L - x) - 4.67]
M= - 112
L
Maximum shear force due to HS 20-44 truck load

For x/L = 0 – 0.5
72[( L - x) - 9.33]
V=
L
where
which bending moment or shear force is calculated, ft.

362
Distributed bending moment due to truck load including dynamic

load allowance (MLT) is calculated as follows:
MLT = (Moment per lane due to truck load)(DFM)(1+IM/100)

= (M)(0.639)(1 + 33/100)
= (M)(0.85)
Distributed shear force due to truck load including dynamic load

allowance (VLT) is calculated as follows:
VLT = (Shear force per lane due to truck load)(DFV)(1+IM/100)

= (V)(0.814)(1 + 33/100)
= (V)(1.083)
where:
M = Maximum bending moment due to HS 20-44 truck load,
k-ft.
DFM = Live load moment distribution factor for interior girders
IM = Dynamic load allowance, applied to truck load or tandem

load only
DFV = Live load shear distribution factor for interior girders
V = Maximum shear force due to HS 20-44 truck load, kips
The maximum bending moments and shear forces due to an HS 20-

44 truck load are calculated at every tenth of the span length and at
the critical section for shear and the hold-down point location. The
values are presented in Table A.2.5.2.
A.2.5.2.4.1
Due to Design Lane The maximum bending moments (ML) and shear forces (VL) due to a
Load uniformly distributed lane load of 0.64 klf are calculated using the
following formulas given by the PCI Design Manual (PCI 2003).
Maximum bending moment, ML = 0.5(0.64)( x)( L - x)
where:
which the bending moment or shear force is calculated,
ft.

363
0.32(L - x) 2
Maximum shear force, VL = for x ≤ 0.5L
L
(Note that maximum shear force at a section is calculated at a

section by placing the uniform load on the right of the section
considered as shown in Figure A.2.5.1, given by the PCI Design
Manual (PCI 2003). This method yields a slightly conservative
estimate of the shear force as compared to the shear force at a
section under uniform load placed on the entire span length.)
0.64 kip/ft./lane
x (120 - x) > x
120'-0"
Figure A.2.5.1. Maximum Shear Force due to Lane Load.
Distributed bending moment due to lane load (MLL) is calculated as

follows:
MLL = (Moment per lane due to lane load)(DFM)

= ML (0.639)
Distributed shear force due to lane load (VLL) is calculated as

follows:
VLL = (shear force per lane due to lane load)(DFV)

= VL (0.814)
where:
ML = Maximum bending moment due to lane load, k-ft.
DFV = Live load shear distribution factor for interior girders
VL = Maximum shear force due to lane load, kips
The maximum bending moments and shear forces due to the lane
load are calculated at every tenth of the span length and at the
critical section for shear and the hold-down point location. The
values are presented in Table A.2.5.2.
364
Table A.2.5.2. Shear Forces and Bending Moments due to Live Load.
HS 20-44 Truck Loading Lane loading
Distance Undistributed Distributed Truck Undistributed Distributed Lane
Section
from Truck Load + Dynamic Load Lane Load Load
x/L
Bearing
Shear Moment Shear Moment Shear Moment Shear Moment
Centerline
x V M VLT MLT VL ML VLL MLL
0.000 0.000 65.81 0.00 71.25 0.00 34.75 0.00 28.28 0.00
2.875 0.026 63.91 183.73 69.19 156.15 32.93 97.25 26.81 62.14
10.858 0.100 58.61 636.43 63.45 540.88 28.14 339.55 22.91 216.97
21.717 0.200 51.41 1116.54 55.66 948.91 22.24 603.67 18.10 385.75
32.575 0.300 44.21 1440.25 47.86 1224.03 17.03 792.31 13.86 506.28
43.433 0.400 37.01 1629.82 40.07 1385.14 12.51 905.49 10.18 578.61
48.862 0.450 (HD) 33.41 1671.64 36.17 1420.68 10.51 933.79 8.56 596.69
54.292 0.500 29.81 1674.37 32.27 1423.00 8.69 943.22 7.07 602.72
A.2.5.3
Load Combinations LRFD Art. 3.4.1 specifies load factors and load combinations. The
total factored load effect is specified to be taken as:
Q= i i Qi [LRFD Eq. 3.4.1-1]

where
Q = Factored force effects
i = Load factor, a statistically based multiplier applied to force

effects specified by LRFD Table 3.4.1-1
Qi = Unfactored force effects
i = Load modifier, a factor relating to ductility, redundancy and

operational importance
= D R I 0.95, for loads for which a maximum value of i
is appropriate [LRFD Eq. 1.3.2.1-2]
1
= 1.0, for loads for which a minimum value of i
D R I
is appropriate [LRFD Eq. 1.3.2.1-3]
D = A factor relating to ductility

= 1.00 for all limit states except strength limit state
365
For the strength limit state:

D 1.05 for nonductile components and connections
= 1.00 for conventional design and details complying with the
LRFD Specifications
0.95 for components and connections for which additional
ductility-enhancing measures have been specified beyond
those required by the LRFD Specifications
D = 1.00 is used in this example for strength and service limit

states as this design is considered to be conventional and
complying with the LRFD Specifications.
R = A factor relating to redundancy

For strength limit state:

R 1.05 for nonredundant members
= 1.00 for conventional levels of redundancy
0.95 for exceptional levels of redundancy
R = 1.00 is used in this example for strength and service limit

states as this design is considered to provide a conventional level
of redundancy to the structure.
I = A factor relating to operational importance

For strength limit state:

I 1.05 for important bridges
= 1.00 for typical bridges
0.95 for relatively less important bridges
I = 1.00 is used in this example for strength and service limit

states, as this example illustrates the design of a typical bridge.
i = D R I = 1.00 in present case [LRFD Art. 1.3.2]
The notations used in the following section are defined as follows:
DC = Dead load of structural components and non-structural

attachments
DW = Dead load of wearing surface and utilities
LL = Vehicular live load
IM = Vehicular dynamic load allowance

366
This design example considers only the dead and vehicular live
loads. The wind load and the extreme event loads, including
earthquake and vehicle collision loads, are not included in the
design, which is typical to the design of bridges in Texas. Various
limit states and load combinations provided by LRFD Art. 3.4.1 are
investigated, and the following limit states are found to be
applicable in present case:
Service I: This limit state is used for normal operational use of a

bridge. This limit state provides the general load combination for
service limit state stress checks and applies to all conditions except
Service III limit state. For prestressed concrete components, this
load combination is used to check for compressive stresses. The
load combination is presented as follows:
Q = 1.00 (DC + DW) + 1.00(LL + IM) [LRFD Table 3.4.1-1]
Service III: This limit state is a special load combination for service
limit state stress checks that applies only to tension in prestressed
concrete structures to control cracks. The load combination for this
limit state is presented as follows:
Q = 1.00(DC + DW) + 0.80(LL + IM) [LRFD Table 3.4.1-1]
Strength I: This limit state is the general load combination for

strength limit state design relating to the normal vehicular use of the
bridge without wind. The load combination is presented as follows:
[LRFD Table 3.4.1-1 and 2]
Q = P(DC) + P(DW) + 1.75(LL + IM)
P = Load factor for permanent loads provided in Table A.2.5.3.1
Table A.2.5.3.1. Load Factors for Permanent Loads.

Load Factor, P
Type of Load
Maximum Minimum
DC: Structural components and non-
1.25 0.90
structural attachments
DW: Wearing surface and utilities 1.50 0.65
The maximum and minimum load combinations for the Strength I

limit state are presented as follows:
Maximum Q = 1.25(DC) + 1.50(DW) + 1.75(LL + IM)

Minimum Q = 0.90(DC) + 0.65(DW) + 1.75(LL + IM)
367
For simple span bridges, the maximum load factors produce

maximum effects. However, minimum load factors are used for
component dead loads (DC) and wearing surface load (DW) when
dead load and wearing surface stresses are opposite to those of live
load. In the present example, the maximum load factors are used to
investigate the ultimate strength limit state.
A.2.6
ESTIMATION OF The required number of strands is usually governed by concrete
REQUIRED PRESTRESS tensile stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at the midspan section.
The load combination for Service III limit state is used to evaluate
the bottom fiber stresses at the midspan section. The calculation for
compressive stress in the top fiber of the girder at midspan section
under service loads is also shown in the following section. The
compressive stress is evaluated using the load combination for
Service I limit state.
A.2.6.1
Service Load Tensile stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at midspan due to
Stresses at Midspan applied dead and live loads using load combination Service III
M DCN M DCC + M DW + 0.8( M LT + M LL )

fb = +
Sb Sbc
Compressive stress at the top fiber of the girder at midspan due to

applied dead and live loads using load combination Service I
M DCN M DCC + M DW + M LT + M LL
ft = +
St Stg
where:
fb = Concrete stress at the bottom fiber of the girder, ksi
ft = Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder, ksi
MDCN = Moment due to non-composite dead loads, k-ft.

= Mg + MS
Mg = Moment due to girder self-weight = 1209.98 k-ft.
MS = Moment due to slab weight = 1179.03 k-ft.
MDCN = 1209.98 + 1179.03 = 2389.01 k-ft.

368
MDCC = Moment due to composite dead loads except wearing

surface load, k-ft.
= Mbarr
Mbarr = Moment due to barrier weight = 160.64 k-ft.
MDCC = 160.64 k-ft.
MDW = Moment due to wearing surface load = 188.64 k-ft.
MLT = Distributed moment due to HS 20-44 truck load

including dynamic load allowance = 1423.00 k-ft.
MLL = Distributed moment due to lane load = 602.72 k-ft.


the non-composite precast girder = 8902.67 in.3

= 16,876.83 in.3
Stg = Section modulus of composite section referenced to the

top fiber of the precast girder = 54,083.9 in.3
Substituting the bending moments and section modulus values,

stresses at bottom fiber (fb) and top fiber (ft) of the girder at midspan
section are:
(2389.01)(12 in./ft.)
fb = +
10,521.33
[160.64 + 188.64 + 0.8(1423.00 + 602.72)](12 in./ft.)
16,876.83
= 2.725 + 1.400 = 4.125 ksi (As compared to 4.024 ksi for

design using Standard Specifications)
(2389.01)(12 in./ft.)
ft = +
8902.67
[160.64 + 188.64 + 1423.00 + 602.72](12 in./ft.)
54,083.9
= 3.220 + 0.527 = 3.747 ksi (As compared to 3.626 ksi for

design using Standard Specifications)
369
The stresses in the top and bottom fibers of the girder at the hold-
down point, midspan, and top fiber of the slab are calculated in a
similar way as shown above and the results are summarized in Table
A.2.6.1.
Table A.2.6.1. Summary of Stresses due to Applied Loads.

Stresses in
Stresses in Girder
Slab
Stress at Hold-Down Stress at
Load Stress at Midspan
(HD) Midspan
Top Fiber Bottom Top Fiber Bottom Top Fiber
(psi) Fiber (psi) (psi) Fiber (psi) (psi)
Girder self-weight 1614.63 -1366.22 1630.94 -1380.03 -
Slab weight 1573.33 -1331.28 1589.22 -1344.73 -
Barrier weight 35.29 -113.08 35.64 -114.22 57.84
Wearing surface weight 41.44 -132.79 41.85 -134.13 67.93
Total dead load 3264.68 -2943.38 3297.66 -2973.10 125.77
HS 20-44 truck load (multiplied by
0.8 for bottom fiber stress
calculation) 315.22 -808.12 315.73 -809.44 512.40
Lane load (multiplied by 0.8 for
bottom fiber stress calculation) 132.39 -339.41 133.73 -342.84 217.03
Total live load 447.61 -1147.54 449.46 -1152.28 729.43
Total load 3712.29 -4090.91 3747.12 -4125.39 855.21
(Negative values indicate tensile stress)
A.2.6.2
Allowable Stress LRFD Table 5.9.4.2.2-1 specifies the allowable tensile stress in
Limit fully prestressed concrete members. For members with bonded
prestressing tendons that are subjected to not worse than moderate
corrosion conditions (these corrosion conditions are assumed in this
design), the allowable tensile stress at service limit state after losses
is given as:
Fb = 0.19 f c′
where
f c′ = Compressive strength of girder concrete at service = 5.0 ksi
Fb = 0.19 5.0 = 0.4248 ksi (As compared to allowable tensile

stress of 0.4242 ksi for the Standard design).
370
A.2.6.3
Required Number of Required precompressive stress in the bottom fiber after losses:
Strands
Bottom tensile stress – Allowable tensile stress at service = fb – F b
fpb-reqd. = 4.125 – 0.4248 = 3.700 ksi
Assuming the eccentricity of the prestressing strands at midspan (ec)

as the distance from the centroid of the girder to the bottom fiber of
the girder (PSTRS 14 methodology, TxDOT 2004)
ec = yb = 24.75 in.
Stress at the bottom fiber of the girder due to prestress after losses:
Ppe Ppe ec
fb = +
A Sb
where:
Ppe = Effective prestressing force after all losses, kips

Required prestressing force is calculated by substituting the

corresponding values in the above equation as follows.
Ppe 24.75 Ppe

3.700 = +
788.4 10,521.33
Solving for Ppe,
Ppe = 1021.89 kips
Assuming final losses = 20 percent of initial prestress fpi

(TxDOT 2001)
Assumed final losses = 0.2(202.5) = 40.5 ksi
The prestress force required per strand after losses

= (cross-sectional area of one strand) [fpi – losses]
= 0.153(202.5 – 40.5) = 24.78 kips
Number of prestressing strands required = 1021.89/24.78 = 41.24
Try 42 – 0.5 in. diameter, 270 ksi low relaxation strands as an initial
trial.
371

12(2 + 4 + 6) + 6(8)
ec = 24.75 - = 20.18 in.
42

Ppe = 42(24.78) = 1040.76 kips
Stress at bottom fiber of the girder due to prestress after losses:

1040.76 1040.76(20.18)
fb = +
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.320 + 1.996 = 3.316 ksi < fpb- reqd. = 3.700 ksi (N.G.)
trial.

12(2 + 4 + 6) + 8(8)
ec = 24.75 - = 20.02 in.
44

Ppe = 44(24.78) = 1090.32 kips

1090.32 1090.32(20.02)
fb = +
788.4 10,521.33
trial.

12(2 + 4 + 6) + 10(8)
ec = 24.75 - = 19.88 in.
46
Ppe = 46(24.78) = 1139.88 kips

1139.88 1139.88(19.88)
fb = +
788.4 10,521.33
372
trial.

12(2+4+6) + 10(8)+2(10)
ec = 24.75 - = 19.67 in.
48

Ppe = 48(24.78) = 1189.44 kips

1189.44 1189.44(19.67)
fb = +
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.509 + 2.223 = 3.732 ksi > fpb- reqd. = 3.700 ksi (O.K.)
Therefore, use 48 strands as a preliminary estimate for the number

of strands. The strand arrangement is shown in Figure A.2.6.1.
Number of Distance from

Strands bottom fiber
(in.)
2 10
10 8
12 6
12 4
12 2
11 spaces
2" @ 2"
Figure A.2.6.1. Initial Strand Arrangement.
The distance from the center of gravity of the strands to the bottom
fiber of the girder (ybs) is calculated as:
ybs = yb - ec = 24.75 – 19.67 = 5.08 in.

373
A.2.7
PRESTRESS LOSSES [LRFD Art. 5.9.5]
The LRFD Specifications specify formulas to determine the
instantaneous losses. For time-dependent losses, two different
options are provided. The first option is to use a lump-sum estimate
of time-dependent losses given by LRFD Art. 5.9.5.3. The second
option is to use refined estimates for time-dependent losses given by
LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4. The refined estimates are used in this design as
they yield more accuracy as compared to the lump-sum method.
The instantaneous loss of prestress is estimated using the following

expression:
fpi = (∆f pES + ∆f pR1 )
The percent instantaneous loss is calculated using the following

expression:
100(∆f pES + ∆f pR1 )
% fpi =
f pj
TxDOT methodology was used for the evaluation of instantaneous

prestress loss in the Standard design example given by the following
expression.
1
fpi = (ES + CR )
2 s
where:
fpi = Instantaneous prestress loss, ksi
fpES = Prestress loss due to elastic shortening, ksi
fpR1 = Prestress loss due to steel relaxation before transfer, ksi
fpj = Jacking stress in prestressing strands = 202.5 ksi
ES = Prestress loss due to elastic shortening, ksi
CRS = Prestress loss due to steel relaxation at service, ksi
The time-dependent loss of prestress is estimated using the

following expression:
Time Dependent loss = fpSR + fpCR + fpR2

374
where:
fpSR = Prestress loss due to concrete shrinkage, ksi
fpCR = Prestress loss due to concrete creep, ksi
fpR2 = Prestress loss due to steel relaxation after transfer, ksi
The total prestress loss in prestressed concrete members prestressed

in a single stage, relative to stress immediately before transfer is
given as:
fpT = fpES + fpSR + fpCR + fpR2 [LRFD Eq. 5.9.5.1-1]
However, considering the steel relaxation loss before transfer fpR1,

the total prestress loss is calculated using the following expression:
fpT = fpES + fpSR + fpCR + fpR1 + fpR2
The calculation of prestress loss due to elastic shortening, steel

relaxation before and after transfer, creep of concrete and shrinkage
of concrete are shown in following sections.
Trial number of strands = 48
A number of iterations based on TxDOT methodology (TxDOT

2001) will be performed to arrive at the optimum number of strands,
required concrete strength at release ( f ci′ ), and required concrete
strength at service ( f c′ ).
A.2.7.1
Iteration 1 [LRFD Art. 5.9.5.2.3]
A.2.7.1.1 The loss in prestress due to elastic shortening in prestressed
Elastic Shortening members is given as
Ep
fpES = fcgp [LRFD Eq. 5.9.5.2.3a-1]
Eci
where:
Ep = Modulus of elasticity of prestressing steel = 28,500 ksi

= 33,000(wc)1.5 fci′ [LRFD Eq. 5.4.2.4-1]
wc = Unit weight of concrete (must be between 0.09 and 0.155

kcf for LRFD Eq. 5.4.2.4-1 to be applicable)
= 0.150 kcf
375
f ci′ = Initial estimate of compressive strength of girder concrete at

release = 4 ksi
Eci = [33,000(0.150)1.5 4 ] = 3834.25 ksi
fcgp = Sum of concrete stresses at the center of gravity of the

prestressing steel due to prestressing force at transfer and
the self-weight of the member at sections of maximum
moment, ksi
P P e2 ( M g )ec
= i+ i c -
A I I

= 260,403 in.4

= 19.67 in.

= 1209.98 k-ft.
LRFD Art. 5.9.5.2.3a states that for pretensioned components of

usual design, fcgp can be calculated on the basis of prestressing steel
stress assumed to be 0.7fpu for low-relaxation strands. However,
TxDOT methodology is to assume the initial losses as a percentage
of the initial prestressing stress before release, fpj. In both
procedures, initial losses assumed has to be checked, and if different
from the assumed value, a second iteration should be carried out.
TxDOT methodology is used in this example, and initial loss is

assumed to be 8 percent of initial prestress, fpj.
Pi = Pretension force after allowing for 8 percent initial loss, kips

= (number of strands)(area of each strand)[0.92(fpj)]
= 48(0.153)(0.92)(202.5) = 1368.19 kips
1368.19 1368.19(19.67) 2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.67)

fcgp = + -
788.4 260,403 260, 403
= 1.735 + 2.033 – 1.097 = 2.671 ksi
376

28,500
fpES = (2.671) = 19.854 ksi
3834.25
[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.2]

A.2.7.1.2 The loss in prestress due to concrete shrinkage, for pretensioned
Concrete Shrinkage members is given as:
fpSR = 17 – 0.15 H [LRFD Eq. 5.9.5.4.2-1]
where:
H = Average annual ambient relative humidity = 60 percent
fpSR = [17 – 0.15(60)] = 8.0 ksi
[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.3]

A.2.7.1.3 The loss in prestress due to creep of concrete is given as:
Creep of Concrete
fpCR = 12fcgp – 7 fcdp 0 [LRFD Eq. 5.9.5.4.3-1]
where:
fcdp = Change in concrete stress at the center of gravity of the
prestressing steel due to permanent loads except the dead
load present at the time the prestress force is applied,
calculated at the same section as fcgp
M e M (y - y )
= S c + SDL bc bs
I Ic
MS = Moment due to slab weight at the midspan section

= 1179.03 k-ft.
MSDL = Moment due to superimposed dead load

= Mbarr + MDW
MSDL = 160.64 + 188.64 = 349.28 k-ft.
ybc = Distance from the centroid of the composite section to the

377
ybs = Distance from center of gravity of the prestressing strands

at midspan to the bottom fiber of the girder
= 24.75 – 19.67 = 5.08 in.

= 260,403 in.4
1179.03(12 in./ft.)(19.67)
∆f cdp =
260, 403
(349.28)(12 in./ft.)(41.157 - 5.08)
+
694,599.5
= 1.069 + 0.218 = 1.287 ksi

fpCR = 12(2.671) – 7(1.287) = 23.05 ksi
A.2.7.1.4
[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.4]
Relaxation of
Prestressing Strands
A.2.7.1.4.1 [LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.4b]
Relaxation at For pretensioned members with low-relaxation prestressing steel,
Transfer initially stressed in excess of 0.5fpu, the relaxation loss is given as:
log(24.0t ) f pj
∆f pR1 = - 0.55 f pj [LRFD Eq. 5.9.5.4.4b-2]
40 f py
where:
fpR1 = Prestress loss due to relaxation of steel at transfer, ksi
fpu = Ultimate stress in prestressing steel = 270 ksi
fpj = Initial stress in tendon at the end of stressing

= 0.75fpu = 0.75(270) = 202.5 ksi > 0.5fpu = 135 ksi
t = Time estimated in days from stressing to transfer taken as

1 day [default value for PSTRS14 design program
(TxDOT 2004)]
fpy = Yield strength of prestressing steel = 243 ksi
Prestress loss due to initial steel relaxation is

log(24.0)(1) 202.5
∆f pR1 = - 0.55 202.5 = 1.98 ksi
40 243
378
A.2.7.1.4.2
Relaxation after [LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.4c]
Transfer For pretensioned members with low-relaxation strands, the prestress
loss due to relaxation of steel after transfer is given as:
fpR2 = 30% of [20.0 – 0.4 fpES – 0.2( fpSR + fpCR)

[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.4c-1]
where the variables are the same as defined in Section A.2.7

expressed in ksi units
fpR2 = 0.3[20.0 – 0.4(19.854) – 0.2(8.0 + 23.05)] = 1.754 ksi

expression:
fpi = ∆f pES + ∆f pR1
= 19.854 + 1.980 = 21.834 ksi

expression:
100(∆f pES + ∆f pR1 )
% fpi =
f pj
100(19.854 + 1.980)
= = 10.78% > 8% (assumed value of
202.5

prestress loss.
The change in initial prestress loss will not affect the prestress
losses due to concrete shrinkage ( fpSR) and initial steel relaxation
( fpR1). Therefore, the next trial will involve updating the losses due
to elastic shortening ( fpES), creep of concrete ( fpCR), and steel
relaxation after transfer ( fpR2).

follows.
Pi = (number of strands)(area of each strand)[0.8922(fpj)]

= 48(0.153)(0.8922)(202.5) = 1326.84 kips
379

Ep
fpES = f cgp
Eci
Pi Pi ec2 ( M g )ec
fcgp = + -
A I I
1326.84 1326.84(19.67) 2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.67)
= + -
788.4 260, 403 260, 403
= 1.683 + 1.971 – 1.097 = 2.557 ksi
Eci = 3834.25 ksi
Ep = 28,500 ksi

28,500
fpES = (2.557) = 19.01 ksi
3834.25
The loss in prestress due to creep of concrete is given as:

fpCR = 12fcgp – 7 fcdp 0
The value of fcdp depends on the dead load moments, superimposed

dead load moments, and the section properties. Thus, this value will
not change with the change in initial prestress value and will be the
same as calculated in Section A.2.7.1.3.
fcdp = 1.287 ksi
fpCR = 12(2.557) – 7(1.287) = 21.675 ksi
For pretensioned members with low-relaxation strands, the prestress

loss due to relaxation of steel after transfer is:
= 0.3[20.0 – 0.4(19.01) – 0.2(8.0 + 21.675)] = 1.938 ksi

expression:
= 19.01 + 1.980 = 20.99 ksi
380

expression:
100(∆f pES + ∆f pR1 )
% fpi =
f pj
100(19.01 + 1.980)
= = 10.37% < 10.78% (assumed value
202.5

prestress loss.

follows.

= 48(0.153)(0.8963)(202.5) = 1332.94 kips

Ep
fpES = f cgp
Eci
Pi Pi ec2 ( M g )ec
fcgp = + -
A I I
1332.94 1332.94(19.67) 2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.67)
= + -
788.4 260, 403 260, 403
= 1.691 + 1.980 – 1.097 = 2.574 ksi
Eci = 3834.25 ksi
Ep = 28,500 ksi
Prestress loss due to elastic shortening is

28,500
fpES = (2.574) = 19.13 ksi
3834.25

fcdp = 1.287 ksi
fpCR = 12(2.574) – 7(1.287) = 21.879 ksi

381

= 0.3[20.0 – 0.4(19.13) – 0.2(8.0 + 21.879)] = 1.912 ksi

expression:
= 19.13 + 1.98 = 21.11 ksi

expression:
100(∆f pES + ∆f pR1 )
% fpi =
f pj
100(19.13 + 1.98)
= = 10.42% 10.37% (assumed value of
202.5
A.2.7.1.5
Total prestress loss at transfer
Total Losses at
Transfer
= 19.13 + 1.98 = 21.11 ksi
Effective initial prestress, fpi = 202.5 – 21.11 = 181.39 ksi
Pi = Effective pretension after allowing for the initial prestress loss

= (number of strands)(area of each strand)(fpi)
= 48(0.153)(181.39) = 1332.13 kips
A.2.7.1.6
Total Losses at Total final loss in prestress:
Service Loads fpT = fpES + fpSR + fpCR + fpR1 + fpR2
fpES = Prestress loss due to elastic shortening = 19.13 ksi
fpSR = Prestress loss due to concrete shrinkage = 8.0 ksi
fpCR = Prestress loss due to concrete creep = 21.879 ksi
fpR1 = Prestress loss due to steel relaxation before transfer

= 1.98 ksi
fpR2 = Prestress loss due to steel relaxation after transfer

= 1.912 ksi
382
fpT = 19.13 + 8.0 + 21.879 + 1.98 + 1.912 = 52.901 ksi
The percent final loss is calculated using the following expression:

100(∆f pT )
% fpT =
f pj
100(52.901)
= = 26.12%
202.5
Effective final prestress

fpe = fpj – fpT = 202.5 – 52.901 = 149.60 ksi
Check prestressing stress limit at service limit state (defined in

Section A.2.3): fpe ≤ 0.8fpy
fpe = 149.60 ksi < 0.8(243) = 194.4 ksi (O.K.)
Effective prestressing force after allowing for final prestress loss

Ppe = (number of strands)(area of each strand)(fpe)
= 48(0.153)(149.60) = 1098.66 kips
A.2.7.1.7
Final Stresses at The number of strands is updated based on the final stress at the
Midspan bottom fiber of the girder at the midspan section.
due to effective prestress (fbf) is calculated as follows:
Ppe Ppe ec
fbf = +
A Sb
1098.66 1098.66(19.67)
= +
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.393 + 2.054 = 3.447 ksi < fpb-reqd. = 3.700 ksi (N.G)
(fpb-reqd. calculations are presented in Section A.2.6.3.)
Try 50 – 0.5 in. diameter, low-relaxation strands.

12(2 + 4 + 6) + 10(8) + 4(10)
ec = 24.75 - = 19.47 in.
50
383

Ppe = 50(0.153)(149.60) = 1144.44 kips
due to effective prestress (fbf) is:
1144.44 1144.44(19.47)
fbf = +
788.4 10,521.33

12(2 + 4 + 6) + 10(8) + 6(10)
ec = 24.75 - = 19.29 in.
52

Ppe = 52(0.153)(149.60) = 1190.22 kips
1190.22 1190.22(19.29)
fbf = +
788.4 10,521.33

12(2 + 4 + 6) + 10(8) + 8(10)
ec = 24.75 - = 19.12 in.
54

Ppe = 54(0.153)(149.60) = 1236.0 kips
1236.0 1236.0(19.12)
fbf = +
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.567 + 2.246 = 3.813 ksi > fpb-reqd. = 3.700 ksi (O.K.)
Therefore, use 54 – 0.5 in. diameter, 270 ksi low-relaxation strands.

384
Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder due to effective

prestress and applied permanent and transient loads
Ppe Ppe ec 1236.0 1236.0(19.12)
ftf = - + ft = - + 3.747
A St 788.4 8902.67
= 1.567 – 2.654 + 3.747 = 2.66 ksi
(ft calculations are shown in Section A.2.6.1.)
A.2.7.1.8
Initial Stresses at The concrete strength at release, f ci′ , is updated based on the initial
Hold-Down Point stress at the bottom fiber of the girder at the hold-down point.

Pi = (number of strands)(area of strand)(effective initial prestress)
= 54(0.153)(181.39) = 1498.64 kips
A.2.7.1.5.)

P Pe Mg
fti = i - i c +
A St St
where:
Mg = Moment due to girder self-weight at the hold-down
point based on overall girder length of 109'-8"
= 0.5wx(L - x)
x = Distance of hold-down point from the end of the girder

= HD + (distance from centerline of bearing to the girder
end)
HD = Hold-down point distance from centerline of the bearing

= 48.862 ft. (see Sec. A.2.5.1.3)
x = 48.862 + 0.542 = 49.404 ft.
Mg = 0.5(0.821)(49.404)(109.67 - 49.404) = 1222.22 k-ft.

385
1498.64 1498.64(19.12) 1222.22(12 in./ft.)

fti = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.901 – 3.218 + 1.647 = 0.330 ksi
Initial concrete stress at bottom fiber of the girder at the hold-down

P P e Mg
fbi = i + i c -
A Sb Sb
1498.64 1498.64(19.12) 1222.22(12 in./ft.)

= + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.901 + 2.723 - 1.394 = 3.230 ksi
Compression stress limit for pretensioned members at transfer stage

is 0.6 f ci′ [LRFD Art. 5.9.4.1.1]
3,230
Therefore, f ci′ -reqd. = = 5383.33 psi
0.6
A.2.7.2
Iteration 2 A second iteration is carried out to determine the prestress losses
and to subsequently estimate the required concrete strength at
release and at service using the following parameters determined in
the previous iteration.
A.2.7.2.1
[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.2.3]
Elastic Shortening The loss in prestress due to elastic shortening in prestressed
members is given as:
Ep
fpES = f cgp [LRFD Eq. 5.9.5.2.3a-1]
Eci
where:

= 33,000(wc)1.5 fci′ [LRFD Eq. 5.4.2.4-1]

= 0.150 kcf
386
f ci′ = Compressive strength of girder concrete at release

= 5.383 ksi
Eci = [33,000(0.150)1.5 5.383 ] = 4447.98 ksi

moment, ksi
P P e 2 ( M g )ec
= i+ i c -
A I I

= 260,403 in.4

= 19.12 in.

= 1209.98 k-ft.

the initial steel relaxation loss, which are yet to be determined, the
initial loss value of 10.42 percent obtained in the last trial
(iteration 1) is taken as an initial estimate for the initial loss in
prestress for this iteration.
Pi = (number of strands)(area of strand)[0.8958(fpj)]

= 54(0.153)(0.8958)(202.5) = 1498.72 kips
1498.72 1498.72(19.12) 2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.12)

fcgp = + -
788.4 260, 403 260, 403
= 1.901 + 2.104 – 1.066 = 2.939 ksi
The prestress loss due to elastic shortening is

28,500
fpES = (2.939) = 18.83 ksi
4447.98
387
A.2.7.2.2
Concrete Shrinkage [LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.2]
The loss in prestress due to concrete shrinkage ( fpSR) depends on
the relative humidity only. The change in compressive strength of
girder concrete at release ( f ci′ ) and number of strands does not
effect the prestress loss due to concrete shrinkage. It will remain the
fpSR = 8.0 ksi
A.2.7.2.3
[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.3]
Creep of Concrete

where:
load present at the time the prestress force is applied and
calculated at the same section as fcgp.
M e M (y - y )
= S c + SDL bc bs
I Ic

= 1179.03 k-ft.

= Mbarr + MDW
MSDL = 160.64 + 188.64 = 349.28 k-ft.

ybs = Distance from center of gravity of the prestressing strands

at midspan to the bottom fiber of the girder
= 24.75 – 19.12 = 5.63 in.

= 260,403 in.4

388
1179.03(12 in./ft.)(19.12)
∆f cdp =
260, 403
(349.28)(12 in./ft.)(41.157 - 5.63)
+
694,599.5
= 1.039 + 0.214 = 1.253 ksi

fpCR = 12(2.939) – 7(1.253) = 26.50 ksi
A.2.7.2.4
Relaxation of [LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.4]
A.2.7.2.4.1
Relaxation at
[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.4b]
Transfer
The loss in prestress due to relaxation of steel at transfer ( fpR1)
depends on the time from stressing to transfer of prestress (t), the
initial stress in tendon at the end of stressing (fpj), and the yield
strength of prestressing steel (fpy). The change in compressive
strength of girder concrete at release ( f ci′ ) and number of strands
does not affect the prestress loss due to relaxation of steel before
transfer. It will remain the same as calculated in Section A.2.7.1.4.1.
∆f pR1 = 1.98 ksi
A.2.7.2.4.2

[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.4c-1]
where the variables are same as defined in Section A.2.7 expressed

in ksi units
fpR2 = 0.3[20.0 – 0.4(18.83) – 0.2(8.0 +26.50)] = 1.670 ksi

expression:
= 18.83 + 1.980 = 20.81 ksi
389

expression:
100(∆f pES + ∆f pR1 )
% fpi =
f pj
100(18.83 + 1.98)
= = 10.28% < 10.42% (assumed value of
202.5

prestress loss.
( fpR1). Therefore, the new trials will involve updating the losses
due to elastic shortening ( fpES), creep of concrete ( fpCR), and steel

follows.

= 54(0.153)(0.8972)(202.5) = 1501.06 kips

Ep
fpES = f cgp
Eci
Pi Pi ec2 ( M g )ec
fcgp = + -
A I I
1501.06 1501.06(19.12) 2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.12)
= + -
788.4 260, 403 260, 403
= 1.904 + 2.107 – 1.066 = 2.945 ksi
Eci = 4447.98 ksi
Ep = 28,500 ksi

28,500
fpES = (2.945) = 18.87 ksi
4447.98
390


dead load moments, and section properties. Thus, this value will not
change with the change in initial prestress value and will be the
fcdp = 1.253 ksi
fpCR = 12(2.945) – 7(1.253) = 26.57 ksi

= 0.3[20.0 – 0.4(18.87) – 0.2(8.0 + 26.57)] = 1.661 ksi

expression:
= 18.87 + 1.98 = 20.85 ksi

expression:
100(∆f pES + ∆f pR1 )
% fpi =
f pj
100(18.87 + 1.98)
202.5
A.2.7.2.5 Total prestress loss at transfer

Total Losses at fpi = ∆f pES + ∆f pR1
Transfer = 18.87 + 1.98 = 20.85 ksi

= (number of strands)(area of each strand)(fpj)
= 54(0.153)(181.65) = 1500.79 kips
391
A.2.7.2.6
Total Losses at Total final loss in prestress

= 1.98 ksi

= 1.661 ksi
fpT = 18.87 + 8.0 + 26.57 + 1.98 + 1.661 = 57.08 ksi

100(∆f pT )
% fpT =
f pj
100(57.08)
= = 28.19%
202.5

fpe = fpj – fpT = 202.5 – 57.08 = 145.42 ksi

fpe = 145.42 ksi < 0.8(243) = 194.4 ksi (O.K.)

= 54(0.153)(145.42) = 1201.46 kips
392
A.2.7.2.7
Final Stresses at
The required concrete strength at service ( f c′ -reqd.) is updated based
Midspan
on the final stresses at the top and bottom fibers of the girder at the
midspan section shown as follows.
Concrete stresses at the top fiber of the girder at the midspan section
due to transient loads, permanent loads, and effective final prestress
will be investigated for the following three cases using the Service I
limit state shown as follows.
1) Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder at the midspan

section due to effective final prestress + permanent loads
Ppe Ppe ec M DCN M DCC + M DW

ftf = - + +
A St St Stg
where:
ftf = Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder, ksi

= Mg + MS
MDCN = 1209.98 + 1179.03 = 2389.01 k-ft.
MDCC = Moment due to composite dead loads except

wearing surface load, k-ft.
= Mbarr
MDCC = 160.64 k-ft.
St = Section modulus referenced to the extreme top fiber

of the non-composite precast girder = 8902.67 in.3
Stg = Section modulus of composite section referenced to

the top fiber of the precast girder = 54,083.9 in.3
393
1201.46 1201.46(19.12) (2389.01)(12 in./ft.)

ftf = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
(160.64 + 188.64)(12 in./ft.)
+
54,083.9
= 1.524 – 2.580 + 3.220 + 0.077 = 2.241 ksi
Compressive stress limit for this service load combination given

in LRFD Table 5.9.4.2.1-1 is 0.45 f c′ .
2241
0.45

section due to live load + 0.5×(effective final prestress +
permanent loads)
(M LT + M LL ) Ppe Ppe ec M DCN M DCC + M DW

ftf = + 0.5 - + +
Stg A St St Stg
where:
MLT = Distributed moment due to HS 20-44 truck load,
(1423 + 602.72)(12 in./ft.) 1201.46 1201.46(19.12)

ftf = + 0.5 -
54,083.9 788.4 8902.67
(2389.01)(12 in./ft.) (160.64 + 188.64)(12 in./ft.)
+ +
8902.67 54,083.9
= 0.449 + 0.5(1.524 – 2.580 + 3.220 + 0.077) = 1.570 ksi

1570
f c′ -reqd. = = 3925 psi
0.40

section due to effective prestress + permanent loads + transient
loads
Ppe Ppe ec M DCN M DCC + M DW + M LT + M LL

ftf = - + +
A St St Stg
394
1201.46 1201.46(19.12) (2389.01)(12 in./ft.)

ftf = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
(160.64 + 188.64)(12 in./ft.) (1423.00 + 602.72)(12 in./ft.)
+ +
54,083.9 54,083.9
= 1.524 – 2.580 + 3.220 + 0.077 + 0.449 = 2.690 ksi

in LRFD Table 5.9.4.2.1-1 is 0.60 φw f c′ .
where φw is the reduction factor, applicable to thin-walled

hollow rectangular compression members where the web or
flange slenderness ratios are greater than 15.
[LRFD Art. 5.9.4.2.1]
The reduction factor φw is not defined for I-shaped girder cross-

sections and is taken as 1.0 in this design.
2690
f c′ -reqd. = = 4483.33 psi
0.60(1.0)
Concrete stresses at the bottom fiber of the girder at the midspan

section due to transient loads, permanent loads, and effective final
prestress is investigated using Service III limit state as follows.
Ppe Ppe ec
fbf = + - fb (fb calculations are presented in Sec. A.2.6.1)
A Sb
1201.46 1201.46(19.12)
= + – 4.125
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.524 + 2.183 – 4.125 = – 0.418 ksi
Tensile stress limit in fully prestressed concrete members with

bonded prestressing tendons, subjected to not worse than moderate
corrosion conditions (assumed in this design example) at service
limit state after losses is given by LRFD Table 5.9.4.2.2-1 as
0.19 f c′ .
2
0.418
f c′ -reqd. = 1000 = 4840.0 psi
0.19

combinations, as shown above. The governing required concrete
strength at service is 4980 psi.
395
A.2.7.2.8
Hold-Down Point
= 54(0.153)( 181.65) = 1500.79 kips
A.2.7.2.5.)

P Pe Mg
fti = i - i c +
A St St
where:
= 1222.22 k-ft. (see Section A.2.7.1.8)
1500.79 1500.79 (19.12) 1222.22 (12 in./ft.)

fti = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.904 – 3.223 + 1.647 = 0.328 ksi

P P e Mg
fbi = i + i c -
A Sb Sb
1500.79 1500.79 (19.12) 1222.22 (12 in./ft.)

fbi = + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.904 + 2.727 – 1.394 = 3.237 ksi

is 0.60 f ci′ [LRFD Art.5.9.4.1.1]
3237
f ci′ -reqd. = = 5395 psi
0.60
396
A.2.7.2.9
Initial Stresses at The initial tensile stress at the top fiber and compressive stress at the
Girder End bottom fiber of the girder at the girder end section are minimized by
harping the web strands at the girder end. Following TxDOT
methodology (TxDOT 2001), the web strands are incrementally
raised as a unit by 2 inches in each trial. The iterations are repeated
until the top and bottom fiber stresses satisfy the allowable stress
limits, or the centroid of the topmost row of harped strands is at a
distance of 2 inches from the top fiber of the girder, in which case,
the concrete strength at release is updated based on the governing
stress. The position of the harped web strands, eccentricity of
strands at the girder end, top and bottom fiber stresses at the girder
end, and the corresponding required concrete strengths are
summarized in Table A.2.7.1.
Table A.2.7.1. Summary of Top and Bottom Stresses at Girder End for Different Harped Strand
Positions and Corresponding Required Concrete Strengths.
Distance of the centroid
of topmost row of Eccentricity
harped web strands from of prestressing Required Bottom Required
Bottom Top strands at Top fiber concrete fiber concrete
Fiber Fiber girder end stress strength stress strength
(in.) (in.) (in.) (ksi) (ksi) (ksi) (ksi)
10 (no harping) 44 19.12 -1.320 30.232 4.631 7.718
12 42 18.75 -1.257 27.439 4.578 7.630
14 40 18.38 -1.195 24.781 4.525 7.542
16 38 18.01 -1.132 22.259 4.472 7.454
18 36 17.64 -1.070 19.872 4.420 7.366
20 34 17.27 -1.007 17.620 4.367 7.278
22 32 16.90 -0.945 15.504 4.314 7.190
24 30 16.53 -0.883 13.523 4.261 7.102
26 28 16.16 -0.820 11.677 4.208 7.014
28 26 15.79 -0.758 9.967 4.155 6.926
30 24 15.42 -0.695 8.392 4.103 6.838
32 22 15.05 -0.633 6.952 4.050 6.750
34 20 14.68 -0.570 5.648 3.997 6.662
36 18 14.31 -0.508 4.479 3.944 6.574
38 16 13.93 -0.446 3.446 3.891 6.485
40 14 13.56 -0.383 2.548 3.838 6.397
42 12 13.19 -0.321 1.785 3.786 6.309
44 10 12.82 -0.258 1.157 3.733 6.221
46 8 12.45 -0.196 0.665 3.680 6.133
48 6 12.08 -0.133 0.309 3.627 6.045
50 4 11.71 -0.071 0.087 3.574 5.957
52 2 11.34 -0.008 0.001 3.521 5.869
397
The required concrete strengths used in Table A.2.7.1 are based on

the allowable stress limits at transfer stage specified in LRFD Art.
5.9.4.1, presented as follows.
Allowable compressive stress limit = 0.60 f ci′
For fully prestressed members, in areas with bonded reinforcement

sufficient to resist the tensile force in the concrete computed
assuming an uncracked section, where reinforcement is
proportioned using a stress of 0.5fy (fy is the yield strength of
nonprestressed reinforcement), not to exceed 30 ksi, the allowable
tension at transfer stage is given as 0.24 fci′
From Table A.2.7.1, it is evident that the web strands are needed to
be harped to the topmost position possible to control the bottom
fiber stress at the girder end.
Detailed calculations for the case when 10 web strands (5 rows) are
harped to the topmost location (centroid of the topmost row of
harped strands is at a distance of 2 inches from the top fiber of the
girder) is presented as follows.
Eccentricity of prestressing strands at the girder end (see Figure

A.2.7.2)
10(2+4+6) + 8(8) + 6(10) + 2(52+50+48+46+44)
ee = 24.75 –
54
= 11.34 in.
transfer stage:
P Pe
fti = i - i e
A St
1500.79 1500.79 (11.34)

= - = 1.904 – 1.912 = – 0.008 ksi
788.4 8902.67
Tensile stress limit for fully prestressed concrete members with

bonded reinforcement is 0.24 fci′ [LRFD Art. 5.9.4.1]
2
0.008
f ci′ -reqd. = 1000 = 1.11 psi
0.24
398
transfer stage:
P Pe
fbi = i + i e
A Sb
1500.79 1500.79 (11.34)
= + = 1.904 + 1.618 = 3.522 ksi
788.4 10,521.33

is 0.60 f ci′ [LRFD Art. 5.9.4.1]
3522
0.60

results as follows.

Concrete strength at service, f c′ is greater of 4980 psi and f ci′
f c′ = 5870 psi
A.2.7.3
Iteration 3 A third iteration is carried out to refine the prestress losses based on
the updated concrete strengths. Based on the updated prestress
losses, the concrete strength at release and at service will be further
refined.
A.2.7.3.1
[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.2.3]
Elastic Shortening
The loss in prestress due to elastic shortening in prestressed
concrete members is given as
Ep
fpES = f cgp [LRFD Eq. 5.9.5.2.3a-1]
Eci
where:

= 33,000(wc)1.5 fci′ [LRFD Eq. 5.4.2.4-1]

= 0.150 kcf
399
f ci′ = Compressive strength of girder concrete at release

= 5.870 ksi
Eci = [33,000(0.150)1.5 5.870 ] = 4644.83 ksi

moment, ksi
P P e 2 ( M g )ec
= i+ i c -
A I I

= 260,403 in.4

= 19.12 in.

= 1209.98 k-ft.

the initial steel relaxation loss, which are yet to be determined, the
initial loss value of 10.30 percent obtained in the last trial
(iteration 2) is taken as an initial estimate for initial loss in
prestress for this iteration.
Pi = (number of strands)(area of strand)[0.897(fpj)]

= 54(0.153)(0.897)(202.5) = 1500.73 kips
1500.73 1500.73 (19.12) 2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.12)

fcgp = + -
788.4 260, 403 260, 403
= 1.904 + 2.107 – 1.066 = 2.945 ksi
The prestress loss due to elastic shortening is

28,500
fpES = (2.945) = 18.07 ksi
4644.83
400
A.2.7.3.2
Concrete Shrinkage [LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.2]
The loss in prestress due to concrete shrinkage ( fpSR) depends on
the relative humidity only. The change in compressive strength of
girder concrete at release ( f ci′ ) does not affect the prestress loss due
to concrete shrinkage. It will remain the same as calculated in
Section A.2.7.1.2.
fpSR = 8.0 ksi
A.2.7.3.3
[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.3]
Creep of Concrete

where:
load present at the time the prestress force is applied
calculated at the same section as fcgp.
M e M (y - y )
= S c + SDL bc bs
I Ic
MS = Moment due to the slab weight at midspan section

= 1179.03 k-ft.

= Mbarr + MDW
MSDL = 160.64 + 188.64 = 349.28 k-ft.
ybc = Distance from the centroid of the composite section to the

ybs = Distance from centroid of the prestressing strands at

midspan to the bottom fiber of the girder
= 24.75 – 19.12 = 5.63 in.

= 260,403 in.4

401
1179.03(12 in./ft.)(19.12)
∆f cdp =
260, 403
(349.28)(12 in./ft.)(41.157 - 5.63)
+
694,599.5
= 1.039 + 0.214 = 1.253 ksi

fpCR = 12(2.945) – 7(1.253) = 26.57 ksi
A.2.7.3.4
Relaxation of [LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.4]
A.2.7.3.4.1
Relaxation at
[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.4b]
Transfer
The loss in prestress due to relaxation of steel at transfer ( fpR1)
depends on the time from stressing to transfer of prestress (t), the
initial stress in tendon at the end of stressing (fpj), and the yield
strength of prestressing steel (fpy). The change in compressive
strength of girder concrete at release ( f ci′ ) and number of strands
does not affect the prestress loss due to relaxation of steel before
transfer. It will remain the same as calculated in Section A.2.7.1.4.1.
∆f pR1 = 1.98 ksi
A.2.7.3.4.2

[LRFD Art. 5.9.5.4.4c-1]
where the variables are same as defined in Section A.2.7 expressed

in ksi units
fpR2 = 0.3[20.0 – 0.4(18.07) – 0.2(8.0 +26.57)] = 1.757 ksi

expression:
= 18.07 + 1.980 = 20.05 ksi
402

expression:
100(∆f pES + ∆f pR1 )
% fpi =
f pj
100(18.07 + 1.98)
= = 9.90% < 10.30% (assumed value of
202.5

prestress loss.
( fpR1). Therefore, the new trials will involve updating the losses
due to elastic shortening ( fpES), creep of concrete ( fpCR), and steel

follows.

= 54(0.153)(0.901)(202.5) = 1507.42 kips

Ep
fpES = f cgp
Eci
Pi Pi ec2 ( M g )ec
fcgp = + -
A I I
1507.42 1507.42(19.12) 2 1209.98(12 in./ft.)(19.12)
= + -
788.4 260, 403 260, 403
= 1.912 + 2.116 – 1.066 = 2.962 ksi
Eci = 4644.83 ksi
Ep = 28,500 ksi

28,500
fpES = (2.962) = 18.17 ksi
4644.83
403


dead load moments, and section properties. Thus, this value will not
change with the change in initial prestress value and will be same as
calculated in Section A.2.7.2.3.
fcdp = 1.253 ksi
fpCR = 12(2.962) – 7(1.253) = 26.773 ksi

= 0.3[20.0 – 0.4(18.17) – 0.2(8.0 + 26.773)] = 1.733 ksi

expression:
= 18.17 + 1.98 = 20.15 ksi

expression:
100(∆f pES + ∆f pR1 )
% fpi =
f pj
100(18.17 + 1.98)
202.5
A.2.7.3.5 Total prestress loss at transfer

Total Losses at
Transfer
= 18.17 + 1.98 = 20.15 ksi

= (number of strands)(area of each strand)(fpi)
= 54(0.153)(182.35) = 1506.58 kips
404
A.2.7.3.6
Total Losses at Total final loss in prestress

= 1.98 ksi

= 1.733 ksi
fpT = 18.17 + 8.0 + 26.773 + 1.98 + 1.773 = 56.70 ksi

100(∆f pT )
% fpT =
f pj
100(56.70)
= = 28.0%
202.5

fpe = fpj – fpT = 202.5 – 56.70 = 145.80 ksi

fpe = 145.80 ksi < 0.8(243) = 194.4 ksi (O.K.)

= 54(0.153)(145.80) = 1204.60 kips
405
A.2.7.3.7
Final Stresses at
The required concrete strength at service ( f c′ -reqd.) is updated based
Midspan
on the final stresses at the top and bottom fibers of the girder at the
midspan section shown as follows.
will be investigated for the following three cases using the Service I

section due to effective final prestress + permanent loads

ftf = - + +
A St St Stg
where:

= Mg + MS
MDCN = 1209.98 + 1179.03 = 2389.01 k-ft.
MDCC = Moment due to composite dead loads except

wearing surface load, k-ft.
= Mbarr
MDCC = 160.64 k-ft.


406
1204.60 1204.60(19.12) (2389.01)(12 in./ft.)

ftf = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
(160.64 + 188.64)(12 in./ft.)
+
54,083.9
= 1.528 – 2.587 + 3.220 + 0.077 = 2.238 ksi

2238
0.45

section due to live load + 0.5×(effective final prestress +
permanent loads)
(M LT + M LL ) Ppe Ppe ec M DCN M DCC + M DW

ftf = + 0.5 - + +
Stg A St St Stg
where:
(1423.00 + 602.72)(12 in./ft.) 1204.60 1204.60(19.12)

ftf = + 0.5 -
54,083.9 788.4 8902.67
(2389.01)(12 in./ft.) (160.64 + 188.64)(12 in./ft.)
+ +
8902.67 54,083.9
= 0.449 + 0.5(1.528 – 2.587 + 3.220 + 0.077) = 1.568 ksi

1568
f c′ -reqd. = = 3920 psi
0.40

section due to effective prestress + permanent loads + transient
loads

ftf = - + +
A St St Stg
407
1204.60 1204.60(19.12) (2389.01)(12 in./ft.)

ftf = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
(160.64 + 188.64)(12 in./ft.) (1423.00 + 602.72)(12 in./ft.)
+ +
54,083.9 54,083.9
= 1.528 – 2.587 + 3.220 + 0.077 + 0.449 = 2.687 ksi

in LRFD Table 5.9.4.2.1-1 is 0.60 φw f c′ .
where φw is the reduction factor, applicable to thin-walled

hollow rectangular compression members where the web or
flange slenderness ratios are greater than 15.
[LRFD Art. 5.9.4.2.1]
The reduction factor φw is not defined for I-shaped girder cross-

sections and is taken as 1.0 in this design.
2687
f c′ -reqd. = = 4478.33 psi
0.60(1.0)

section due to transient loads, permanent loads. and effective final
prestress will be investigated using Service III limit state as follows.
Ppe Ppe ec
fbf = + - fb (fb calculations are presented in Sec. A.2.6.1)
A Sb
1204.60 1204.60(19.12)
= + – 4.125
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.528 + 2.189 – 4.125 = – 0.408 ksi
Tensile stress limit in fully prestressed concrete members with

bonded prestressing tendons, subjected to not worse than moderate
corrosion conditions (assumed in this design example) at service
limit state after losses is given by LRFD Table 5.9.4.2.2-1 as
0.19 f c′ .
2
0.408
f c′ -reqd. = 1000 = 4611 psi
0.19

stresses at the midspan section under different loading combinations
as shown above. The governing required concrete strength at service
is 4973.33 psi.
408
A.2.7.3.8
Hold-Down Point Pi = (number of strands)(area of strand)(effective initial prestress)
= 54(0.153)( 182.35) = 1506.58 kips
A.2.7.3.5.)

P Pe Mg
f ti = i - i c +
A St St
where:
= 1222.22 k-ft. (see Section A.2.7.1.8)
1506.58 1506.58 (19.12) 1222.22 (12 in./ft.)

fti = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.911 – 3.236 + 1.647 = 0.322 ksi

P P e Mg
f bi = i + i c -
A Sb Sb
1506.58 1506.58 (19.12) 1222.22 (12 in./ft.)

fbi = + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.911 + 2.738 – 1.394 = 3.255 ksi

is 0.60 f ci′ [LRFD Art.5.9.4.1.1]
3255
f ci′ -reqd. = = 5425 psi
0.60
409
A.2.7.3.9
Initial Stresses at The eccentricity of the prestressing strands at the girder end when
Girder End 10 web strands are harped to the topmost location (centroid of the
top fiber of the girder) is calculated as follows (see Fig. A.2.7.2).
10(2+4+6) + 8(8) + 6(10) + 2(52+50+48+46+44)

ee = 24.75 –
54
= 11.34 in.
transfer stage:
P Pe
fti = i - i e
A St
1506.58 1506.58 (11.34)

= - = 1.911 – 1.919 = – 0.008 ksi
788.4 8902.67
Tensile stress limit for fully prestressed concrete members with

bonded reinforcement is 0.24 fci′ [LRFD Art. 5.9.4.1]
2
0.008
f ci′ -reqd. = 1000 = 1.11 psi
0.24
transfer:
P Pe
fbi = i + i e
A Sb
1506.58 1506.58 (11.34)
= + = 1.911 + 1.624 = 3.535 ksi
788.4 10,521.33
Compressive stress limit for pretensioned members at transfer is

0.60 f ci′ . [LRFD Art. 5.9.4.1]
3535
0.60

results as follows.

Concrete strength at service, f c′ is greater of 4973 psi and f ci′
f c′ = 5892 psi
410
The difference in the required concrete strengths at release and at

service obtained from iterations 2 and 3 is almost 20 psi. Hence, the
concrete strengths have sufficiently converged, and another iteration
is not required.
Therefore, provide:
f ci′ = 5892 psi (as compared to 5455 psi obtained for the Standard
design example, an increase of 8 percent)
f c′ = 5892 psi (as compared to 5583 psi obtained for the Standard
design example, an increase of 5.5 percent)
54 – 0.5 in. diameter, 10 draped at the end, GR 270 low-relaxation

strands (as compared to 50 strands obtained for the Standard design
example, an increase of 8 percent)
The final strand patterns at the midspan section and at the girder
ends are shown in Figures A.2.7.1 and A.2.7.2. The longitudinal
strand profile is shown in Figure A.2.7.3.
No. of Distance from Harped

Strands Bottom Fiber (in.) Strands
8 10
10 8
12 6
12 4
12 2
2" 2"
11 spaces @ 2" c/c
Figure A.2.7.1. Final Strand Pattern at Midspan Section.

411

2 52
2 50
2 48
2 46
2 44

6 10
8 8
10 6
10 4
10 2
2" 2"
11 spaces @ 2" c/c
Figure A.2.7.2. Final Strand Pattern at Girder End.
10 harped strands 44 straight strands

centroid of harped Half Girder Length
6" strands
54'-10"
4'-6"
Girder
depth
CL of Girder
5.5" centroid of straight strands
5'-5"
2'-5" Transfer length
49'-5"
Hold down distance from girder end
Figure A.2.7.3. Longitudinal Strand Profile (half of the girder length is shown).
412
top fiber of the girder the girder end
2(2) + 2(4) + 2(6) + 2(8) + 2(10)
= = 6 in.
10
bottom fiber of the girder at the harp points
2(2) + 2(4) + 2(6) + 2(8) + 2(10)
= = 6 in.
10
Transfer length distance from girder end = 60(strand diameter)

[LRFD Art. 5.8.2.3]
Transfer length = 60(0.50) = 30 in. = 2'-6"
The distance between the centroid of 10 harped strands and the top
of the girder at the transfer length section
(54 in. - 6 in. - 6 in.)
= 6 in. + (2.5 ft.) = 8.13 in.
49.4 ft.
The distance between the centroid of the 44 straight strands and the
bottom fiber of the girder at all locations
10(2) + 10(4) + 10(6) + 8(8) + 6(10)
= = 5.55 in.
44
A.2.8
STRESS SUMMARY
A.2.8.1
Concrete Stresses at
Transfer
A.2.8.1.1
Allowable Stress [LRFD Art. 5.9.4]
The allowable stress limits at transfer for fully prestressed
Limits
components, specified by the LRFD Specifications are as follows.
Compression: 0.6 f ci′ = 0.6(5892) = +3535 psi = +3.535 ksi (comp.)
Tension: The maximum allowable tensile stress for fully prestressed

components is specified as follows:
• In areas other than the precompressed tensile zone and

without bonded reinforcement: 0.0948 fci′ 0.2 ksi.
0.0948 fci′ = 0.0948 5.892 = 0.23 ksi > 0.2 ksi
Allowable tension without bonded reinforcement = – 0.2 ksi

413
• In areas with bonded reinforcement (reinforcing bars or

prestressing steel) sufficient to resist the tensile force in the
concrete computed assuming an uncracked section, where
reinforcement is proportioned using a stress of 0.5fy, not to
exceed 30 ksi (see LRFD C 5.9.4.1.2):
0.24 fci′ = 0.24 5.892 = – 0.582 ksi (tension)
A.2.8.1.2
Stresses at Girder
Stresses at the girder ends are checked only at transfer, because it
Ends almost always governs.
The eccentricity of the prestressing strands at the girder end when

10 web strands are harped to the topmost location (centroid of the
top fiber of the girder) is calculated as follows (see Fig. A.2.7.2).
10(2+4+6) + 8(8) + 6(10) + 2(52+50+48+46+44)

ee = 24.75 –
54
= 11.34 in.

= 54(0.153)( 182.35) = 1506.58 kips
A.2.7.3.5.)
transfer stage:
Pi Pi ee
fti = -
A St
1506.58 1506.58 (11.34)

= - = 1.911 – 1.919 = – 0.008 ksi
788.4 8902.67
Allowable tension without additional bonded reinforcement is

– 0.20 ksi < – 0.008 ksi (reqd.) (O.K.)
(The additional bonded reinforcement is not required in this case,

but where necessary, required area of reinforcement can be
calculated using LRFD C 5.9.4.1.2.)
414
transfer stage:
Pi Pi ee
fbi = +
A Sb
1506.58 1506.58 (11.34)
= + = 1.911 + 1.624 = +3.535 ksi
788.4 10,521.33
A.2.8.1.3
Stresses at Transfer Stresses at transfer length are checked only at release, because it
Length Section almost always governs.
Transfer length = 60(strand diameter) [LRFD Art. 5.8.2.3]

= 60(0.5) = 30 in. = 2'-6"
The transfer length section is located at a distance of 2'-6" from the

end of the girder or at a point 1'-11.5" from the centerline of the
bearing support, as the girder extends 6.5 in. beyond the bearing
centerline. Overall girder length of 109'-8" is considered for the
calculation of bending moment at the transfer length section.
Moment due to girder self-weight, Mg = 0.5wx(L - x)

where:
x = Transfer length distance from girder end = 2.5 ft.
Mg = 0.5(0.821)(2.5)(109.67 – 2.5) = 109.98 k–ft.
Eccentricity of prestressing strands at transfer length section

(49.404 - x)
et = ec – ( ec - ee)
49.404
where:
ee = Eccentricity of prestressing strands at girder end = 11.34 in.
x = Distance of transfer length section from girder end = 2.5 ft.
(49.404 - 2.5)
et = 19.12 – (19.12 – 11.34) = 11.73 in.
49.404
415
Initial concrete stress at top fiber of the girder at the transfer length
section due to self-weight of the girder and effective initial
prestress
P P e Mg
f ti = i - i t +
A St St
1506.58 1506.58 (11.73) 109.98 (12 in./ft.)

= - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.911 – 1.985 + 0.148 = +0.074 ksi

P P e Mg
f bi = i + i t -
A Sb Sb
1506.58 1506.58 (11.73) 109.98 (12 in./ft.)

= + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.911 + 1.680 – 0.125 = 3.466 ksi
A.2.8.1.4
Stresses at Hold- The eccentricity of the prestressing strands at the harp points is the
Down Points same as at midspan.
eharp = ec = 19.12 in.

due to self-weight of the girder and effective initial prestress
P Pi eharp M g
f ti = i - +
A St St
where:
based on overall girder length of 109'-8" = 1222.22 k-ft.
(see Section A.2.7.1.8)
1506.58 1506.58 (19.12) 1222.22 (12 in./ft.)

fti = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.911 – 3.236 + 1.647 = 0.322 ksi

416

P Pi eharp M g
f bi = i + -
A Sb Sb
1506.58 1506.58 (19.12) 1222.22 (12 in./ft.)

= + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.911 + 2.738 – 1.394 = 3.255 ksi
A.2.8.1.5
Stresses at Midspan Bending moment due to girder self-weight at midspan section based
on overall girder length of 109'-8"
Mg = 0.5wx(L - x)
where:
x = Half the girder length = 54.84 ft.
Mg = 0.5(0.821)(54.84)(109.67 – 54.84) = 1234.32 k–ft.
Initial concrete stress at top fiber of the girder at midspan section

P Pe Mg
fti = i - i c +
A St St
1506.58 1506.58 (19.12) 1234.32 (12 in./ft.)

= - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
= 1.911 – 3.236 + 1.664 = +0.339 ksi
Allowable compression: +3.535 ksi >> +0.339 ksi (reqd.) (O.K.)
Initial concrete stress at bottom fiber of the girder at midspan

section due to self-weight of the girder and effective initial prestress
P P e Mg
fbi = i + i c -
A Sb Sb
1506.58 1506.58 (19.12) 1234.32 (12 in./ft.)

= + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
= 1.911 + 2.738 – 1.408 = 3.241 ksi

417
A.2.8.1.6
Stress Summary at Allowable Stress Limits:
Transfer
Compression: + 3.535 ksi
Tension: – 0.20 ksi without additional bonded reinforcement

– 0.582 ksi with additional bonded reinforcement
Stresses due to effective initial prestress and self-weight of the

girder:
Location Top of girder Bottom of girder

ft (ksi) fb (ksi)
Girder end –0.008 +3.535
Transfer length section +0.074 +3.466
Hold-down points +0.322 +3.255
Midspan +0.339 +3.241
A.2.8.2
Concrete Stresses at
Service Loads
A.2.8.2.1
Allowable Stress [LRFD Art. 5.9.4.2]
Limits The allowable stress limits at service load after losses have occurred
specified by the LRFD Specifications are presented as follows.
Compression:
Case (I): For stresses due to sum of effective prestress and
permanent loads
0.45 f c′ = 0.45(5892)/1000 = +2.651 ksi (for precast girder)
0.45 f c′ = 0.45(4000)/1000 = +1.800 ksi (for slab)
(Note that the allowable stress limit for this case is specified as
0.40 f c′ in Standard Specifications.)
Case (II): For stresses due to live load and one-half the sum of
effective prestress and permanent loads
0.40 f c′ = 0.40(4000)/1000 = +1.600 ksi (for slab)

418
Case (III): For stresses due to sum of effective prestress,

permanent loads, and transient loads
0.60 f c′ = 0.60(4000)/1000 = +2.400 ksi (for slab)
Tension: For components with bonded prestressing tendons that

are subjected to not worse than moderate corrosion
conditions, for stresses due to load combination
Service III
0.19 f c′ = 0.19 5.892 = – 0.461 ksi
A.2.8.2.2
Final Stresses at
Midspan
= 54(0.153)(145.80) = 1204.60 kips
(Calculations for effective final prestress (fpe) are shown in Section
A.2.7.3.6.)
will be investigated for the following three cases using Service I
Case (I): Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder at the
midspan section due to the sum of effective final
prestress and permanent loads

ftf = - + +
A St St Stg
where:

= Mg + MS

419
MDCN = 1209.98 + 1179.03 = 2389.01 k-ft.
MDCC = Moment due to composite dead loads except wearing

surface load, k-ft. = Mbarr
MDCC = 160.64 k-ft.


1204.60 1204.60(19.12) (2389.01)(12 in./ft.)

ftf = - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
(160.64 + 188.64)(12 in./ft.)
+
54,083.9
= 1.528 – 2.587 + 3.220 + 0.077 = +2.238 ksi
Case (II): Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder at the
midspan section due to the live load and one-half the
sum of effective final prestress and permanent loads
( M LT + M LL ) Ppe Ppe ec M DCN M DCC + M DW
ftf = + 0.5 - + +
Stg A St St Stg
where:
(1423.00 + 602.72)(12 in./ft.) 1204.60 1204.60(19.12)

ftf = + 0.5 -
54, 083.9 788.4 8902.67
(2389.01)(12 in./ft.) (160.64 + 188.64)(12 in./ft.)
+ +
8902.67 54,083.9
= 0.449 + 0.5(1.528 – 2.587 + 3.220 + 0.077) = 1.568 ksi

420
Case (III): Concrete stress at the top fiber of the girder at the
midspan section due to the sum of effective final
prestress, permanent loads, and transient loads

ftf = - + +
A St St Stg
1204.60 1204.60(19.12) (2389.01)(12 in./ft.)

= - +
788.4 8902.67 8902.67
(160.64 + 188.64 + 1423.00 + 602.72)(12 in./ft.)
+
54,083.9
= 1.528 – 2.587 + 3.220 + 0.527 = 2.688 ksi

section due to transient loads, permanent loads, and effective final
prestress is investigated using Service III limit state as follows.
Ppe Ppe ec M DCN M DCC + M DW + 0.8( M LT + M LL )

fbf = + - -
A Sb Sb Sbc
where:

= 16,876.83 in.3
1204.60 1204.60(19.12) (2389.01)(12 in./ft.)

f bf = + -
788.4 10,521.33 10,521.33
[160.64 + 188.64 + 0.8(1423.00 + 602.72)](12 in./ft.)
-
16,876.83
= 1.528 + 2.189 – 2.725 – 1.401 = – 0.409 ksi
Allowable tension: – 0.461 ksi < – 0.409 ksi (reqd.) (O.K.)

421
Superimposed dead loads and live loads contribute to the stresses at

the top of the slab calculated as follows.
Case (I): Superimposed dead load effect
Concrete stress at the top fiber of the slab at midspan section due
to superimposed dead loads
M DCC + M DW
ft =
Stc
(160.64 + 188.64)(12 in./ft.)
= = 0.126 ksi
33,325.31
Allowable compression: +1.800 ksi >> +0.126 ksi (reqd.) (O.K.)
Case (II): Live load + 0.5(superimposed dead loads)
to sum of live loads and one-half the superimposed dead loads
M LT + M LL + 0.5( M DCC + M DW )
ft =
Stc
[1423.00 + 602.72 + 0.5(160.64 + 188.64)](12 in./ft.)
=
33,325.31
= +0.792 ksi
Case (III): Superimposed dead loads + Live load
to sum of permanent loads and live load.
M LT + M LL + M DCC + M DW
ft =
Stc
[1423.00 + 602.72 + 160.64 + 188.64](12 in./ft.)
= = +0.855 ksi
33,325.31

422
A.2.8.2.3
Summary of Stresses The final stresses at the top and bottom fiber of the girder and at the
at Service Loads top fiber of the slab at service conditions for the cases defined in
Section A.2.8.2.2 are summarized as follows.
At Midspan Top of slab Top of Girder Bottom of girder

ft (ksi) ft (ksi) fb (ksi)
Case I +0.126 +2.238 –
Case II +0.792 +1.568 –
Case III +0.855 +2.688 – 0 .409
A.2.8.2.4
Composite Section The composite section properties calculated in Section A.2.4.2.3
Properties were based on the modular ratio value of 1. But as the actual
concrete strength is now selected, the actual modular ratio can be
determined and the corresponding composite section properties can
be evaluated. The updated composite section properties are
Modular ratio between slab and girder concrete

Ecs
n=
Ecp
where:
n = Modular ratio between slab and girder concrete

= 33,000(wc)1.5 f cs′ [LRFD Eq. 5.4.2.4-1]
wc = Unit weight of concrete = (must be between 0.09 and

0.155 kcf for LRFD Eq. 5.4.2.4-1 to be applicable)
= 0.150 kcf

= 4.0 ksi
Ecs = [33,000(0.150)1.5 4 ] = 3834.25 ksi
Ecp = Modulus of elasticity of girder concrete at service, ksi

= 33,000(wc)1.5 f c′

= 5.892 ksi
423
Ecp = [33,000(0.150)1.5 5.892 ] = 4653.53 ksi
3834.25
n= = 0.824
4653.53
Transformed flange width, btf = n × (effective flange width)

Effective flange width = 96 in. (see Section A.2.4.2)
btf = 0.824(96) = 79.10 in.
Transformed Flange Area, Atf = n × (effective flange width)(ts)

ts = Slab thickness = 8 in.
Atf = 0.824(96)(8) = 632.83 in.2

A (in.2) in. in.3 in.4 in.4
Girder 788.40 24.75 19,512.9 172,924.58 260,403.0 433,327.6
Slab 632.83 58.00 36,704.1 215,183.46 3,374.9 218,558.4
1,421.23 56,217.0 651,886.0

= 56,217.0/1421.23 = 39.56 in.

= 54 - 39.56 = 14.44 in.


= Ic/ybc = 651,886.0/39.56 = 16,478.41 in.3
424

= Ic/ytg = 651,886.0/14.44 = 45,144.46 in.3

= Ic/ytc = 651,886.0/22.44 = 29,050.18 in.3
A.2.9
CHECK FOR LIVE The live load moment distribution factor calculation involves a
LOAD MOMENT parameter for longitudinal stiffness, Kg. This parameter depends on the
DISTRIBUTION modular ratio between the girder and the slab concrete. The live load
FACTOR moment distribution factor calculated in Section A.2.5.2.2.1 is based on
the assumption that the modular ratio between the girder and slab
concrete is 1. However, as the actual concrete strength is now chosen,
the live load moment distribution factor based on the actual modular
ratio needs to be calculated and compared to the distribution factor
calculated in Section A.2.5.2.2.1. If the difference between the two is
found to be large, the bending moments have to be updated based on
the calculated live load moment distribution factor.
Kg = n(I + A eg2) [LRFD Art. 3.6.1.1.1]
where:
n = Modular ratio between girder and slab concrete
E for girder concrete Ecp
= c =
Ec for slab concrete Ecs
(Note that this ratio is the inverse of the one defined for
composite section properties in Section A.2.8.2.4.)

= 33,000(wc)1.5 f cs′ [LRFD Eq. 5.4.2.4-1]
wc = Unit weight of concrete = (must be between 0.09 and

0.155 kcf for LRFD Eq. 5.4.2.4-1 to be applicable)
= 0.150 kcf

= 4.0 ksi
Ecs = [33,000(0.150)1.5 4 ] = 3834.25 ksi
Ecp = Modulus of elasticity of girder concrete at service, ksi

= 33,000(wc)1.5 f c′
425

= 5.892 ksi
Ecp = [33,000(0.150)1.5 5.892 ] = 4653.53 ksi
4653.53
n = = 1.214
3834.25
A = Area of girder cross section (non-composite section)

= 788.4 in.2

composite precast girder = 260,403 in.4
eg = Distance between centers of gravity of the girder and slab,

in.
= (ts/2 + yt) = (8/2 + 29.25) = 33.25 in.
Kg = (1.214)[260,403 + 788.4 (33.25)2] = 1,374,282.6 in.4
The approximate live load moment distribution factors for type k

bridge girders, specified by LRFD Table 4.6.2.2.2b-1 are applicable
if the following condition for Kg is satisfied (other requirements are
provided in section A.2.5.2.2.1).
10,000 ≤ Kg ≤ 7,000,000
10,000 ≤ 1,374,282.6 ≤ 7,000,000 (O.K.)

0.4 0.3 0.1
S S Kg
DFM = 0.06 +
14 L 12.0 L ts3
where:
ts = Thickness of slab = 8 in.

426
0.4 0.3 0.1

8 8 1,374,282.6
DFM = 0.06 +
14 108.583 12.0(108.583)(8)3
DFM = 0.06 + (0.8)(0.457)(1.075) = 0.453 lanes/girder

0.6 0.2 0.1
S S Kg
DFM = 0.075 +
9.5 L 12.0 L ts3
0.6 0.2 0.1
8 8 1,374,282.6
DFM = 0.075 +
9.5 108.583 12.0(108.583)(8)3
= 0.075 + (0.902)(0.593)(1.075) = 0.650 lanes/girder
DFM = 0.650 lanes/girder
The live load moment distribution factor from Section A.2.5.2.2.1 is

DFM = 0.639 lanes/girder.
0.650 - 0.639
Percent difference in DFM = 100 = 1.69 percent
0.650
The difference in the live load moment distribution factors is

negligible, and its impact on the live load moments will also be
negligible. Hence, the live load moments obtained using the
distribution factor from Section A.2.5.2.2.1 can be used for the
ultimate flexural strength design.
A.2.10
FATIGUE LIMIT STATE
LRFD Art. 5.5.3 specifies that the check for fatigue of the
prestressing strands is not required for fully prestressed components
that are designed to have extreme fiber tensile stress due to the
Service III limit state within the specified limit of 0.19 fc' .
The AASHTO Type IV girder in this design example is designed as

a fully prestressed member, and the tensile stress due to Service III
limit state is less than 0.19 fc' , as shown in Section A.2.8.2.2.
Hence, the fatigue check for the prestressing strands is not required.
427
A.2.11
FLEXURAL STRENGTH [LRFD Art. 5.7.3]
LIMIT STATE The flexural strength limit state is investigated for the Strength I
load combination specified by LRFD Table 3.4.1-1 as follows.
Mu = 1.25(MDC) + 1.5(MDW) + 1.75(MLL + IM)

where:
Mu = Factored ultimate moment at the midspan, k-ft.
MDC = Moment at the midspan due to dead load of structural

components and non-structural attachments, k-ft.
= Mg + MS + Mbarr
Mg = Moment at the midspan due to girder self-weight

= 1209.98 k-ft.
MS = Moment at the midspan due to slab weight

= 1179.03 k-ft.
Mbarr = Moment at the midspan due to barrier weight

= 160.64 k-ft.
MDC = 1209.98 + 1179.03 + 160.64 = 2549.65 k-ft.
MDW = Moment at the midspan due to wearing surface load

= 188.64 k-ft.
MLL+IM = Moment at the midspan due to vehicular live load

including dynamic allowance, k-ft.
= MLT + MLL

MLL+IM = 1423.00 + 602.72 = 2025.72 k-ft.
The factored ultimate bending moment at midspan

Mu = 1.25(2549.65) + 1.5(188.64) + 1.75(2025.72)
= 7015.03 k-ft.
428
[LRFD Art. 5.7.3.1.1]

The average stress in the prestressing steel, fps, for rectangular or
flanged sections subjected to flexure about one axis for which
fpe 0.5fpu, is given as:
c
f ps = f pu 1 - k [LRFD Eq. 5.7.3.1.1-1]
dp
where:
fps = Average stress in the prestressing steel, ksi
fpu = Specified tensile strength of prestressing steel = 270 ksi
fpe = Effective prestress after final losses = fpj – fpT
fpj = Jacking stress in the prestressing strands = 202.5 ksi
fpT = Total final loss in prestress = 56.70 ksi (Section A.2.7.3.6)
fpe = 202.5 – 56.70 = 145.80 ksi > 0.5fpu = 0.5(270) = 135 ksi
Therefore, the equation for fps shown above is applicable.
f py
k = 2 1.04 - [LRFD Eq. 5.7.3.1.1-2]
f pu
= 0.28 for low-relaxation prestressing strands
[LRFD Table C5.7.3.1.1-1]
dp = Distance from the extreme compression fiber to the

centroid of the prestressing tendons, in.
= hc – ybs
hc = Total height of the composite section = 54 + 8 = 62 in.
ybs = Distance from centroid of the prestressing strands at

midspan to the bottom fiber of the girder = 5.63 in. (see
Section A.2.7.3.3)
dp = 62 – 5.63 = 56.37 in.
c = Distance between neutral axis and the compressive face of

the section, in.
The depth of the neutral axis from the compressive face, c, is

computed assuming rectangular section behavior. A check is
made to confirm that the neutral axis is lying in the cast-in-place
slab; otherwise, the neutral axis will be calculated based on the
flanged section behavior. [LRFD C5.7.3.2.2]
429
For rectangular section behavior,

Aps f pu + As f y - As′ f s′
c= [LRFD Eq. 5.7.3.1.1.-4]
f pu
0.85 f c′ 1b + kAps
dp
Aps = Area of prestressing steel, in.2

= (number of strands)(area of each strand)
= 54(0.153) = 8.262 in.2
fpu = Specified tensile strength of prestressing steel = 270 ksi
As = Area of mild steel tension reinforcement = 0 in.2
As′ = Area of compression reinforcement = 0 in.2
f c′ = Compressive strength of deck concrete = 4.0 ksi
fy = Yield strength of tension reinforcement, ksi
f y′ = Yield strength of compression reinforcement, ksi
1 = Stress factor for compression block [LRFD Art. 5.7.2.2]

= 0.85 for f c′ 4.0 ksi
b = Effective width of compression flange = 96 in. (based on

non-transformed section)
Depth of neutral axis from compressive face

8.262(270) + 0 - 0
c=
270
0.85(4.0)(0.85)(96) + 0.28(8.262)
56.37
= 7.73 in. < ts = 8.0 in. (O.K.)
The neutral axis lies in the slab; therefore, the assumption of

rectangular section behavior is valid.
The average stress in prestressing steel

7.73
fps = 270 1 - 0.28 = 259.63 ksi
56.37
430
For prestressed concrete members having rectangular section

behavior, the nominal flexural resistance is given as:
[LRFD Art. 5.7.3.2.3]
Mn = Aps fps d p - a [LRFD Eq. 5.7.3.2.2-1]

2
The above equation is a simplified form of LRFD Equation

5.7.3.2.2-1 because no compression reinforcement or mild tension
reinforcement is provided.
a = Depth of the equivalent rectangular compression block, in.

= 1c
1 = Stress factor for compression block = 0.85 for f c′ 4.0 ksi
a = 0.85(7.73) = 6.57 in.
Nominal flexural resistance

6.57
Mn = (8.262)(259.63) 56.37 -
2
= 113,870.67 k-in. = 9,489.22 k-ft.
Factored flexural resistance:

Mr = φ Mn [LRFD Eq. 5.7.3.2.1-1]
where:
φ = Resistance factor [LRFD Art. 5.5.4.2.1]
= 1.0 for flexure and tension of prestressed concrete members
Mr = 1×(9489.22) = 9,489.22 k-ft. > Mu = 7,015.03 k-ft. (O.K.)
A.2.12
LIMITS FOR [LRFD Art. 5.7.3.3]
REINFORCEMENT
[LRFD Art. 5.7.3.3.1]
A.2.12.1
The maximum amount of the prestressed and non-prestressed
Maximum
reinforcement should be such that
Reinforcement
c
0.42 [LRFD Eq. 5.7.3.3.1-1]
de
in which:
Aps f ps d p + As f y d s
de = [LRFD Eq. 5.7.3.3.1-2]
Aps f ps + A s f y
431
c = Distance from the extreme compression fiber to the neutral

axis = 7.73 in.
de = The corresponding effective depth from the extreme fiber to

the centroid of the tensile force in the tensile reinforcement,
in.
= dp, if mild steel tension reinforcement is not used
dp = Distance from the extreme compression fiber to the centroid

of the prestressing tendons = 56.37 in.
Therefore de = 56.37 in.
c 7.73
= = 0.137 << 0.42 (O.K.)
de 56.37
A.2.12.2
Minimum [LRFD Art. 5.7.3.3.2]
Reinforcement At any section of a flexural component, the amount of prestressed
and non-prestressed tensile reinforcement should be adequate to
develop a factored flexural resistance, Mr, at least equal to the lesser
of:
• 1.2 times the cracking moment, Mcr, determined on the basis
of elastic stress distribution and the modulus of rupture of
concrete, fr
• 1.33 times the factored moment required by the applicable

strength load combination
The above requirements are checked at the midspan section in this

design example. Similar calculations can be performed at any
section along the girder span to check these requirements.
The cracking moment is given as

S
Mcr = Sc (fr + fcpe) – Mdnc c - 1 Sc fr [LRFD Eq. 5.7.3.3.2-1]
S nc
where:
fr = Modulus of rupture, ksi
= 0.24 f c′ for normal weight concrete [LRFD Art. 5.4.2.6]

= 5.892 ksi
fr = 0.24 5.892 = 0.582 ksi

432
fcpe = Compressive stress in concrete due to effective prestress

force at extreme fiber of the section where tensile stress is
caused by externally applied loads, ksi
Ppe Ppe ec
= +
A Sb
Ppe = Effective prestressing force after allowing for final

prestress loss, kips
= (number of strands)(area of each strand)(fpe)
= 54(0.153)(145.80) = 1204.60 kips
(Calculations for effective final prestress (fpe) are shown

in Section A.2.7.3.6.)

= 19.12 in.
Sb = Section modulus of the precast girder referenced to the

extreme bottom fiber of the non-composite precast girder
= 10,521.33 in.3
1204.60 1204.60(19.12)
fcpe = +
788.4 10,521.33
= 1.528 + 2.189 = 3.717 ksi
Mdnc = Total unfactored dead load moment acting on the non-

composite section
= Mg + MS
Mg = Moment at the midspan due to girder self-weight

= 1209.98 k-ft.
MS = Moment at the midspan due to slab weight

= 1179.03 k-ft.
Mdnc = 1209.98 + 1179.03 = 2389.01 k-ft. = 28,668.12 k-in.
Snc = Section modulus of the non-composite section referenced

to the extreme fiber where the tensile stress is caused by
externally applied loads = 10,521.33 in.3
Sc = Section modulus of the composite section referenced to

the extreme fiber where the tensile stress is caused by
externally applied loads = 16,478.41 in.3 (based on
updated composite section properties)
433
The cracking moment is:

16,478.41
Mcr = (16,478.41)(0.582 + 3.717) – (28,668.12) -1
10,521.33
= 70,840.68 – 16,231.62 = 54,609.06 k-in. = 4,550.76 k-ft.
Sc fr = (16,478.41)(0.582) = 9,590.43 k-in.

= 799.20 k-ft. < 4,550.76 k-ft.
Therefore, use Mcr = 799.20 k-ft.
1.2 Mcr = 1.2(799.20) = 959.04 k-ft.
Factored moment required by Strength I load combination at

midspan
Mu = 7015.03 k-ft.
1.33 Mu = 1.33(7,015.03 k-ft.) = 9330 k-ft.
Since, 1.2 Mcr < 1.33 Mu, the 1.2Mcr requirement controls.
Mr = 9489.22 k-ft >> 1.2 Mcr = 959.04 (O.K.)
A.2.13
TRANSVERSE SHEAR
The area and spacing of shear reinforcement must be determined at
DESIGN regular intervals along the entire span length of the girder. In this
design example, transverse shear design procedures are
demonstrated below by determining these values at the critical
section near the supports. Similar calculations can be performed to
determine shear reinforcement requirements at any selected section.
LRFD Art. 5.8.2.4 specifies that the transverse shear reinforcement

is required when:
Vu < 0.5 φ (Vc + Vp) [LRFD Art. 5.8.2.4-1]

where:
Vu = Total factored shear force at the section, kips
Vc = Nominal shear resistance of the concrete, kips
Vp = Component of the effective prestressing force in the

direction of the applied shear, kips
φ = Resistance factor = 0.90 for shear in prestressed

concrete members [LRFD Art. 5.5.4.2.1]
434
A.2.13.1
Critical Section Critical section near the supports is the greater of:
[LRFD Art. 5.8.3.2]
0.5 dv cot or dv
where:
= Distance between the resultants of tensile and
compressive forces, (de - a/2), but not less than the greater
of (0.9de) or (0.72h) [LRFD Art. 5.8.2.9]
de = Corresponding effective depth from the extreme

compression fiber to the centroid of the tensile force in
the tensile reinforcement [LRFD Art. 5.7.3.3.1]
a = Depth of compression block = 6.57 in. at midspan (see

Section A.2.11)
h = Height of composite section = 62 in.
A.2.13.1.1
Angle of Diagonal The angle of inclination of the diagonal compressive stresses is
Compressive calculated using an iterative method. As an initial estimate is taken
Stresses as 230.
A.2.13.1.2
Effective Shear The shear design at any section depends on the angle of diagonal
Depth compressive stresses at the section. Shear design is an iterative
process that begins with assuming a value for .
Because some of the strands are harped at the girder end, the
effective depth de, varies from point to point. However, de must be
calculated at the critical section for shear, which is not yet known.
Therefore, for the first iteration, de is calculated based on the center
of gravity of the straight strand group at the end of the girder, ybsend.
This methodology is given in PCI Bridge Design Manual (PCI
2003).
Effective depth from the extreme compression fiber to the centroid

of the tensile force in the tensile reinforcement
de = h – ybsend = 62.0 – 5.55 = 56.45 in. (see Section A.2.7.3.9 for

ybsend)
435
Effective shear depth

dv = de – 0.5(a) = 56.45 – 0.5(6.57) = 53.17 in. (controls)
0.9de = 0.9(56.45) = 50.80 in.
0.72h = 0.72(62) = 44.64 in. (O.K.)
Therefore dv = 53.17 in.
A.2.13.1.3 [LRFD Art. 5.8.3.2]

Calculation of The critical section near the support is greater of:
Critical Section
dv = 53.17 in. and
0.5 dv cot = 0.5(53.17)(cot 230) = 62.63 in. from the face of the
support (controls)
Adding half the bearing width (3.5 in., standard pad size for
prestressed girders is 7" × 22") to the critical section distance from
the face of the support to get the distance of the critical section from
the centerline of bearing.
Critical section for shear

x = 62.63 + 3.5 = 66.13 in. = 5.51 ft. (0.051L) from the centerline of
the bearing, where L is the design span length.
The value of de is calculated at the girder end, which can be refined

based on the critical section location. However, it is conservative
not to refine the value of de based on the critical section 0.051L. The
value, if refined, will have a small difference (PCI 2003).
A.2.13.2
Contribution of [LRFD Art. 5.8.3.3]
Concrete to Nominal The contribution of the concrete to the nominal shear resistance is
Shear Resistance given as:
Vc = 0.0316 f c′ bv dv [LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-3]
where:
= A factor indicating the ability of diagonally cracked
concrete to transmit tension
f c′ = Compressive strength of concrete at service = 5.892 ksi
bv = effective web width taken as the minimum web width

within the depth dv, in. = 8 in. (see Figure A.2.4.1)
dv = Effective shear depth = 53.17 in.

436
A.2.13.2.1 [LRFD Art. 5.8.3.4.2]

Strain in Flexural The and values are determined based on the strain in the flexural
Tension tension reinforcement. The strain in the reinforcement, x, is
Reinforcement determined assuming that the section contains at least the minimum
transverse reinforcement as specified in LRFD Art. 5.8.2.5.
Mu
+ 0.5 N u + 0.5(Vu -V p ) cot - Aps f po
dv
x = ≤ 0.001
2( Es As + E p Aps )
[LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.4.2-1]
where:
Vu = Applied factored shear force at the specified section,
0.051L
= 1.25(40.04 + 39.02 + 5.36) +1.50(6.15) + 1.75(67.28 +
25.48) = 277.08 kips
Mu = Applied factored moment at the specified section, 0.051L

> V ud v
= 1.25(233.54 + 227.56 + 31.29) + 1.50(35.84) +
1.75(291.58 + 116.33)
= 1383.09 k-ft. > 277.08(53.17/12) = 1227.69 k-ft. (O.K.)
Nu = Applied factored normal force at the specified section,

0.051L = 0 kips
fpo = Parameter taken as modulus of elasticity of prestressing

tendons multiplied by the locked-in difference in strain
between the prestressing tendons and the surrounding
concrete (ksi). For pretensioned members, LRFD Art.
C5.8.3.4.2 indicates that fpo can be taken as the stress in
strands when the concrete is cast around them, which is
jacking stress fpj, or fpu.
= 0.75(270.0) = 202.5 ksi
Vp = Component of the effective prestressing force in the

direction of the applied shear, kips
= (force per strand)(number of harped strands)(sin )
42.45
= tan-1 = 0.072 rad. (see Figure A.2.7.3)
49.4(12in./ft.)
Vp = 22.82(10) sin (0.072) = 16.42 kips

437
1383.09(12 in./ft.)
+ 0.5(277.08 - 16.42) cot23o - 44(0.153)(202.5)
53.17
x =
2[ 28,000(0.0) + 28,500(44)(0.153) ]
x = –0.00194
Since this value is negative, LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.4.2-3 should be used to

calculate x.
Mu
+ 0.5 N u + 0.5(Vu - V p ) cot - Aps f po
dv
x =
2( Ec Ac + Es As + E p Aps )
where:
Ac = Area of the concrete on the flexural tension side below
h/2 = 473 in.2
Ec = Modulus fo elasticity of girder concrete, ksi

= 33,000(wc)1.5 f c′
= [33,000(0.150)1.5 5.892 ] = 4653.53 ksi
Strain in the flexural tension reinforcement is

1383.09(12 in./ft.)
+ 0.5(277.08 - 16.42)cot23o - 44(0.153)(202.5)
= 53.17
2[ 4653.53(473) + 28,000(0.0) + 28,500(44)(0.153)]
x
x= –0.000155
Shear stress in the concrete is given as:

Vu - φV p
υu = [LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.4.2-1]
φbv d v
where:
φ = Resistance factor = 0.9 for shear in prestressed concrete
members [LRFD Art. 5.5.4.2.1]
277.08 - 0.9(16.42)
u = = 0.685 ksi
0.9(8.0)(53.17)
u/ f c′ = 0.685/5.892 = 0.12
438
A.2.13.2.2
Values of and The values of and are determined using LRFD Table 5.8.3.4.2-1.
Linear interpolation is allowed if the values lie between two rows.
Table A.2.13.1. Interpolation for and Values.

x x 1000
u / f c′
–0.200 –0.155 –0.100
18.100 20.400
0.100
3.790 3.380
19.540 20.47 21.600
0.12
3.302 3.20 3.068
19.900 21.900
0.125
3.180 2.990
= 20.470 > 230 (assumed)

Another iteration is made with = 20.650 to arrive at the correct
value of and .
de = Effective depth from the extreme compression fiber to

the centroid of the tensile force in the tensile
reinforcement = 56.45 in.
The critical section near the support is greater of:

dv = 53.17 in. and
0.5dvcot = 0.5(53.17)(cot20.470) = 71.2 in. from the face of the
support (controls)
Add half the bearing width (3.5 in.) to the critical section distance
from the face of the support to get the distance of the critical section
from the centerline of bearing.
Critical section for shear

x = 71.2 + 3.5 = 74.7 in. = 6.22 ft. (0.057L) from the centerline of
bearing
Assuming the strain will be negative again, LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.4.2-3

will be used to calculate x.
Mu
+ 0.5 N u + 0.5(Vu - V p ) cot - Aps f po
dv
x =
2( Ec Ac + Es As + E p Aps )
439
The shear forces and bending moments will be updated based on the
updated critical section location.
Vu = Applied factored shear force at the specified section,

0.057L
= 1.25(39.49 + 38.48 + 5.29) +1.50(6.06) + 1.75(66.81 +
25.15) = 274.10 kips
Mu = Applied factored moment at the specified section, 0.057L

> V ud v
= 1.25(260.18 + 253.53 + 34.86) + 1.50(39.93) +
1.75(324.63 + 129.60)
= 1540.50 k-ft. > 274.10(53.17/12) = 1222.03 k-ft. (O.K.)
1540.50(12 in./ft.)
+ 0.5(274.10 - 16.42)cot 20.47o - 44(0.153)(202.5)
= 53.17
2[ 4653.53(473) + 28,000(0.0) + 28,500(44)(0.153) ]
x
x= –0.000140
Shear stress in concrete

Vu - φV p 274.10 - 0.9(16.42)
υu = = = 0.677 ksi
φbv d v 0.9(8)(53.17)
[LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.4.2-1]
u / f c′ = 0.677/5.892 = 0.115
Table A.2.13.2. Interpolation for and Values.

x x 1000
u / f c′
–0.200 –0.140 –0.100
18.100 20.40
0.100
3.790 3.380
18.59 20.22 21.30
0.115
3.424 3.26 3.146
19.90 21.900
0.125
3.180 2.990
= 20.220 20.470 (from first iteration)

Therefore, no further iteration is needed.
= 3.26
440
A.2.13.2.3
Computation of The contribution of the concrete to the nominal shear resistance is
Concrete given as:
Contribution
Vc = 0.0316 f c′ bv dv [LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-3]
where:
= A factor indicating the ability of diagonally cracked
concrete to transmit tension = 3.26
f c′ = Compressive strength of concrete at service = 5.892 ksi
bv = Effective web width taken as the minimum web width

within the depth dv, in. = 8 in. (see Figure A.2.4.1)
Vc = 0.0316(3.26)( 5.892 (8.0)(53.17) = 106.36
A.2.13.3
Contribution of
Reinforcement to
Nominal Shear
Resistance
A.2.13.3.1 Check if Vu > 0.5 φ (Vc + Vp) [LRFD Eq. 5.8.2.4-1]
Requirement for
Vu = 274.10 kips > 0.5(0.9)(106.36 + 16.42) = 55.25 kips
Reinforcement
Therefore, transverse shear reinforcement should be provided.
A.2.13.3.2
Required Area of The required area of transverse shear reinforcement is:
Reinforcement
Vu
≤ Vn= (Vc+ Vs+ Vp) [LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-1]
φ
where
Vs = Shear force carried by transverse reinforcement
Vu 274.10
= - Vc - V p = - 106.36 - 16.42 = 181.77 kips
φ 0.9
441
Avfydv (cotθ + cotα)sin

Vs = [LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-4]
s
where
Av = Area of shear reinforcement within a distance s, in.2
s = Spacing of stirrups, in.
= angle of inclination of transverse reinforcement to

longitudinal axis = 900 for vertical stirrups
Therefore, area of shear reinforcement within a distance s is:

Av = (sVs)/ fydv(cotθ + cotα )sin
= s(181.77)/(60)(53.17)(cot 20.220 + cot 900) sin 900 = 0.021(s)
If s = 12 in., required Av = 0.252 in.2/ft.
A.2.13.3.3
Determine spacing
of reinforcement Check for maximum spacing of transverse reinforcement
[LRFD Art.. 5.8.2.7]
check if vu < 0.125 f c′ [LRFD Eq. 5.8.2.7-1]
or if vu 0.125 f c′ [LRFD Eq. 5.8.2.7-2]
0.125 f c′ = 0.125(5.892) = 0.74 ksi
vu = 0.677 ksi
Since vu < 0.125 f c′ , therefore, s 24 in. [LRFD Eq. 5.8.2.7-2]
s 0.8 dv = 0.8(53.17) = 42.54 in.
Therefore maximum s = 24.0 in. > s provided (O.K.)
Use #4 bar double legged stirrups at 12 in. c/c,
Av = 2(0.20) = 0.40 in2/ft > 0.252 in2/ft
0
0.4(60)(53.17)(cot 20.47 )
Vs= = 283.9 kips
12
442
A.2.11.3.4
Minimum The area of transverse reinforcement should not be less than:
Reinforcement [LRFD Art. 5.8.2.5]
requirement bvs
0.0316 f'c [LRFD Eq. 5.8.2.5-1]
fy
(8)(12)
= 0.0316 5.892 = 0.12 < Av provided (O.K.)
60
A.2.13.5
Maximum Nominal In order to assure that the concrete in the web of the girder will not
Shear Resistance crush prior to yield of the transverse reinforcement, the LRFD
Specifications give an upper limit for Vn as follows:
Vn = 0.25 f c′ bvdv + Vp [LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-2]
Comparing above equation with LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.3-1
Vc + Vs 0.25 f c′ bvdv
106.36 + 283.9 = 390.26 kips 0.25(5.892)(8)(53.17)

= 626.55 kips O.K.
This is a sample calculation for determining transverse reinforcement

requirement at critical section and this procedure can be followed to
find the transverse reinforcement requirement at increments along the
length of the girder.
443
A.2.14
INTERFACE SHEAR
TRANSFER
A.2.12.1
Factored Horizontal
Shear [LRFD Art. 5.8.4]
At the strength limit state, the horizontal shear at a section can be
calculated as follows
Vu [LRFD Eq. C5.8.4.1-1]
Vh =
dv
where
Vh = Horizontal shear per unit length of the girder, kips
Vu = Factored shear force at specified section due to

superimposed loads, kips
dv = Distance between resultants of tensile and compressive

forces (de-a/2), in.
The LRFD Specifications do not identify the location of the critical

section. For convenience, it will be assumed here to be the same
location as the critical section for vertical shear, at point 0.057L
Using load combination Strength I:

Vu = 1.25(5.29) +1.50(6.06) + 1.75(66.81 + 25.15) = 176.63 kips
dv = 53.17 in
Therefore applied factored horizontal shear is:

176.63
Vh = = 3.30 kips/in.
53.17
Required Vn = Vh / = 3.30/0.9 = 3.67 kip/in.
A.2.14.2
Required Nominal
The nominal shear resistance of the interface surface is:
Resistance
Vn = cAcv + [Avf fy + Pc] [LRFD Eq. 5.8.4.1-1]
where
c = Cohesion factor [LRFD Art. 5.8.4.2]
= Friction factor [LRFD Art. 5.8.4.2]
Acv = Area of concrete engaged in shear transfer, in2.
444
Avf = Area of shear reinforcement crossing the shear plane, in2.
Pc = Permanent net compressive force normal to the shear

plane, kips
fy = Shear reinforcement yield strength, ksi
A.2.14.3
Required Interface For concrete placed against clean, hardened concrete and free of
Shear Reinforcement laitance, but not an intentionally roughened surface:
[LRFD Art. 5.8.4.2]
c = 0.075 ksi
= 0.6 , where = 1.0 for normal weight concrete, and therefore,
= 0.6
The actual contact width, bv, between the slab and the girder is 20 in.
Acv = (20 in.)(1 in) = 20 in.2
The LRFD Eq. 5.8.4.1-1 can be solved for Avf as follows:
3.67 = (0.075)(20) + 0.6(Avf(60) + 0)
Solving for Avf = 0.06 in2/in or 0.72 in.2 / ft.
2 - #4 double-leg bar per ft are provided.
Area of steel provided = 2 (0.40) = 0.80 in.2 / ft.
Provide 2 legged #4 bars at 6 in. c/c
The web reinforcement shall be provided at 6 in. c/c which can be
extended into the cast-in-place slab to account for the interface shear
requirement.
A.2.14.3.1
Minimum Avf (0.05bv)/fy [LRFD Eq. 5.8.4.1-4]
Minimum Interface
shear reinforcement where bv = width of the interface
Avf = 0.80 in.2/ft. > [0.05(20)/60](12 in./ft) = 0.2 in.2/ft. O.K.
0.80
Vn provided = 0.075(20) + 0.6 (60) + 0 = 3.9 kips/in.
12
0.2 f c′ Acv = 0.2(4.0)(20) = 16 kips/in.

0.8Acv = 0.8(20) = 16 kips/in.
445
Since provided Vn 0.2 f c′ Acv O.K. [LRFD Eq. 5.8.4.1-2]

0.8Acv O.K. [LRFD Eq. 5.8.4.1-3]
A.2.15 [LRFD Art. 5.8.3.5]

MINIMUM Longitudinal reinforcement should be proportioned so that at each
LONGITUDINAL section the following equation is satisfied
REINFORCEMENT Mu N V
REQUIREMENT Asfy + Apsfps + 0.5 u + u - 0.5Vs - V p cot
dv φ φ φ
[LRFD Eq. 5.8.3.5-1]
where
As = Area of non prestressed tension reinforcement, in.2
fy = Specified minimum yield strength of reinforcing bars, ksi
Aps = Area of prestressing steel at the tension side of the

section, in.2
fps = Average stress in prestressing steel at the time for which

the nominal resistance is required, ksi
Mu = Factored moment at the section corresponding to the

factored shear force, kip-ft.
Nu = Applied factored axial force, kips
Vs = Shear resistance provided by shear reinforcement, kips
Vp = Component in the direction of the applied shear of the

effective prestressing force, kips
= Angle of inclination of diagonal compressive stresses.

446
A.2.15.1
Required [LRFD Art. 5.8.3.5]
Reinforcement at Width of bearing = 7.0 in.
Face of Bearing Distance of section = 7/2 = 3.5 in. = 0.291 ft.
Shear forces and bending moment are calculated at this section
Vu = 1.25(44.35 + 43.22 + 5.94) + 1.50(6.81) + 1.75(71.05 + 28.14)
= 300.69 kips.
Mu = 1.25(12.04 + 11.73 + 1.61) + 1.50(1.85) + 1.75(15.11 + 6.00)
= 71.44 Kip-ft.
Mu N V
+ 0.5 u + u - 0.5Vs - V p cot
dv φ φ φ
71.44(12 in./ft.) 300.69

= +0+ - 0.5(283.9) - 16.42 cot 20.47 0
53.17(0.9) 0.90
= 484.09 kips
The crack plane crosses the centroid of the 44 straight strands at a

distance of 6 + 5.33 cot 20.470 = 20.14 in. from the end of the girder.
Since the transfer length is 30 in. the available prestress from 44

straight strands is a fraction of the effective prestress, fpe, in these
strands. The 10 harped strands do not contribute the tensile capacity
since they are not on the flexural tension side of the member.
Therefore available prestress force is:

20.33
Asfy + Apsfps = 0 + 44(0.153) 149.18 = 680.57 kips
30
Asfy+Apsfps = 649.63 kips > 484.09 kips
Therefore additional longitudinal reinforcement is not required.
447
A.2.16 [LRFD Art. 5.10.10]

PRETENSIONED
ANCHORAGE ZONE [LRFD Art. 5.10.10.1]
A.2.16.1 Design of the anchorage zone reinforcement is computed using the
Minimum Vertical force in the strands just prior to transfer:
Reinforcement
Force in the strands at transfer
Fpi = 54(0.153)(202.5) = 1673.06 kips
The bursting resistance, Pr, should not be less than 4 percent of Fpi
[LRFD Arts. 5.10.10.1 and C3.4.3]
Pr = fsAs 0.04Fpi = 0.04(1673.06) = 66.90 kips
where
As = Total area of vertical reinforcement located within a
distance of h/4 from the end of the girder, in 2.
fs = Stress in steel not exceeding 20 ksi.
Solving for required area of steel As= 66.90/20 = 3.35 in2
Atleast 3.35 in2 of vertical transverse reinforcement should be

provided within a distance of (h/4 = 62 / 4 = 15.5 in). from the end of
the girder.
Use 6 - #5 double leg bars at 2.0 in. spacing starting at 2 in. from the
end of the girder.
The provided As = 6(2)0.31 = 3.72 in2 > 3.35 in2 O.K.
A.2.16.2
Confinement [LRFD Art. 5.10.10.2]
Reinforcement
For a distance of 1.5d = 1.5(54) = 81 in. from the end of the girder,
reinforcement is placed to confine the prestressing steel in the bottom
flange. The reinforcement shall not be less than #3 deformed bars
with spacing not exceeding 6 in. The reinforcement should be of
shape which will confine the strands.
448
A.2.17
CAMBER AND
DEFLECTIONS
A.2.17.1
Maximum Camber
The LRFD Specifications do not provide any guidelines for the
determination of camber of prestressed concrete members. The
Hyperbolic Functions Method proposed by Rauf and Furr (1970) for
the calculation of maximum camber is used by TxDOT’s
prestressed concrete bridge design software, PSTRS14 (TxDOT
2004). The following steps illustrate the Hyperbolic Functions
method for the estimation of maximum camber.
Step 1: The total prestressing force after initial prestress loss due to
elastic shortening has occurred
Pi M D ec As n
P= +
ec2 As n ec2 As n
1+ pn + I 1 + pn +
I I
where:
Pi = Anchor force in prestressing steel
Pi = 54(0.153)(202.5) = 1673.06 kips
fpi = Before transfer, ≤ 0.75 fpu = 202,500 psi

[LRFD Table 5.9.3-1]
f pu = Ultimate strength of prestressing strands = 270 ksi
fpi = 0.75(270) = 202.5 ksi

= 260403 in.4
449

= 19.12 in.
MD = Moment due to self-weight of the girder at midspan

= 1209.98 k-ft.
As = Area of prestressing steel

= (number of strands)(area of strand)
= 54(0.153) = 8.262 in.2
p = As/A
8.262
p = = 0.0105
788.4
n = Modular ratio between prestressing steel and the girder

concrete at release = Es/Eci

= 33(wc)3/2 fci′ [STD Eq. 9-8]
f ci′ = Compressive strength of precast girder concrete at

release = 5,892 psi
1
Eci = [33(150)3/2 5,892 ] = 4,653.53 ksi
1,000
Es = Modulus of elasticity of prestressing strands

= 28,000 ksi
n = 28,500/4,653.53 = 6.12
ec2 As n (19.122 )(8.262)(6.12)

1 + pn + = 1+ (0.0105)(6. 12) +
I 260, 403
= 1.135
1,673.06 (1,209.98)(12 in./ft.)(19.12)(8.262)(6.12)

P= +
1.135 260,403(1.135)
= 1474.06 + 47.49 = 1521.55 kips
450
Initial prestress loss is defined as

Pi - P 1,673.06 - 1521.55
PLi = = = 0.091 = 9.1%
Pi 1,673.06
The stress in the concrete at the level of the centroid of the

prestressing steel immediately after transfer is determined as
follows.
1 ec2
f cis = P + - f cs
A I
where:
f cs = Concrete stress at the level of centroid of prestressing
steel due to dead loads, ksi
M e (1,209.98)(12 in./ft.)(19.12)
= D c = = 1.066 ksi
I 260,403
1 19.122
f cis = 1521.55 + – 1.066 = 3.0 ksi
788.4 260, 403
The ultimate time dependent prestress loss is dependent on the

ultimate creep and shrinkage strains. As the creep strains vary with
the concrete stress, the following steps are used to evaluate the
concrete stresses and adjust the strains to arrive at the ultimate
prestress loss. It is assumed that the creep strain is proportional to
the concrete stress and the shrinkage stress is independent of
concrete stress. (Sinno 1970)
Step 2: Initial estimate of total strain at steel level assuming

constant sustained stress immediately after transfer
εcs1 = ε ∞ s ∞
cr f ci + ε sh
where:
ε∞cr = Ultimate unit creep strain = 0.00034 in./in. [this value is
prescribed by Sinno et. al. (1970)]
451
ε∞
sh = Ultimate unit shrinkage strain = 0.000175 in./in. [this
value is prescribed by Sinno et. al. (1970)]
εcs1 = 0.00034(3.0) + 0.000175 = 0.001195 in./in.

As 1 ec2
εcs 2 = ε cs1 - ε cs1Es +
Eci A I
8.262 1 19.122
εcs 2 = 0.001195 – 0.001195 (28,500) +
4,653.53 788.4 260, 403
= 0.001033 in./in.

1 ec2
f cs = εcs 2 Es As +
A I
1 19.122
f cs = 0.001033 (28,500)(8.262) + = 0.648 ksi
788.4 260, 403

strains.
∆fcs
εcs 4 = ε∞
cr f cis - + ε∞sh
2
0.648
εcs 4 = 0.00034 3.0 - + 0.000175 = 0.001085 in./in.
2

A 1 ec2
εcs 5 = εcs 4 - εcs 4 Es s +
Eci A I
8.262 1 19.122
εcs 5 = 0.001085 – 0.001085(28500) +
4653.53 788.4 260403
= 0.000938 in./in
452
Sinno (1970) recommends stopping the updating of stresses and

adjustment process after Step 6. However, as the difference between
the strains obtained in Steps 3 and 6 is not negligible, this process is
carried on until the total strain value converges.

1 ec2
f cs1 = εcs 5 Es As +
A I
1 19.122
f cs1 = 0.000938(28,500)(8.262) + = 0.5902 ksi
788.4 260, 403

strains.
∆fcs1
εcs 6 = ε∞ s
cr f ci - + ε∞sh
2
0.5902
εcs 6 = 0.00034 3.0 - + 0.000175 = 0.001095 in./in.
2

As 1 ec2
εcs 7 = ε cs 6 - εcs 6 Es +
Eci A I
8.262 1 19.122
εcs 7 = 0.001095 – 0.001095(28,500) +
4,653.53 788.4 260, 403
= 0.000947 in./in
The strains have sufficiently converged and no more adjustments

are needed.
Step 10: Computation of final prestress loss
Time dependent loss in prestress due to creep and shrinkage strains

is given as
ε cs 7 Es As 0.000947(28,500)(8.262)
PL = = = 0.133 = 13.3%
Pi 1,673.06
453
Total final prestress loss is the sum of initial prestress loss and the
time dependent prestress loss expressed as follows
PL = PLi + PL
where:
PL = Total final prestress loss percent.
PLi = Initial prestress loss percent = 9.1%
PL = Time dependent prestress loss percent = 13.3%
PL = 9.1 + 13.3 = 22.4%
Step 11: The initial deflection of the girder under self-weight is

calculated using the elastic analysis as follows:
5 w L4
CDL =
384 Eci I
where:
L = Total girder length = 109.67 ft.

= 4,653.53 ksi = 670,108.32 k/ft.2

= 260403 in.4 = 12.558 ft.4
5(0.821)(109.67 4 )
CDL = = 0.184 ft. = 2.208 in.
384(670,108.32)(12.558)
Step 12: Initial camber due to prestress is calculated using the

moment area method. The following expression is obtained from the
M/EI diagram to compute the camber resulting from the initial
prestress.
M pi
Cpi =
Eci I
454
where:
Mpi = [0.5(P) (ee) (0.5L)2 + 0.5(P) (ec – ee) (0.67) (HD)2
+0.5P (ec – ee) (HDdis) (0.5L + HD)]/(Eci)(I)
P = Total prestressing force after initial prestress loss due

to elastic shortening have occurred = 1521.55 kips
HD = Hold-down distance from girder end

= 49.404 ft. = 592.85 in. (see Figure A.1.7.3)
HDdis = Hold-down distance from the center of the girder span

= 0.5(109.67) – 49.404 = 5.431 ft. = 65.17 in.

= 11.34 in.

= 19.12 in.
L = Overall girder length = 109.67 ft. = 1,316.04 in.
Mpi = {0.5(1521.55) (11.34) [(0.5) (1,316.04)]2 +

0.5(1521.55 ) (19.12 – 11.34) (0.67) (592.85)2 +
0.5(1521.55 ) (19.12 – 11.34) (65.17)[0.5(1316.04) +
592.85]}
Mpi = 3.736 x 109 + 1.394 x 109 + 0.483 x 109 = 5.613 x 109
5.613 × 109
Cpi = = 4.63 in. = 0.386 ft.
(4,653.53)(260,403)
Step 13: The initial camber, CI, is the difference between the
upward camber due to initial prestressing and the
downward deflection due to self-weight of the girder.
Ci = Cpi – CDL = 4.63 – 2.208 = 2.422 in. = 0.202 ft.

455
Step 14: The ultimate time-dependent camber is evaluated using

∆f cs1
∞
cr f cis - + es
2
Ultimate camber Ct = Ci (1 – PL ) s
e
where:
s f cis 3.0
e = = = 0.000619 in./in.
Eci 4,653.53
0.5902
0.00034 3.0 - + 0.000645
2
Ct = 2.422(1 – 0.133)
0.000645
Ct = 5.094 in. = 0.425 ft.
A.2.17.2
Deflection due to
Slab Weight The deflection due to the slab weight is calculated using an elastic
analysis as follows.
Deflection of the girder at midspan

5 ws L4
slab1 =
384 Ec I
where:
ws = Weight of the slab = 0.80 kips/ft.
Ec = Modulus of elasticity of girder concrete at service

= 33(wc)3/2 f c′
1
= 33(150)1.5 5,892 = 4,653.53 ksi
1,000
I = Moment of inertia of the non-composite girder section

= 260,403 in.4
L = Design span length of girder (center to center bearing)

= 108.583 ft.
( 12 in./ft.)
4
5 0.80 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
slab1 =
384(4,653.53)(260, 403)
= 2.06 in. = 0.172 ft.
456
Deflection at quarter span due to slab weight

57 ws L4
slab2 =
6144 Ec I
( 12 in./ft.)
4
57 0.80 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
slab2 =
6,144(4,653.53)(260, 403)
= 1.471 in. = 0.123 ft.
A.2.17.3
Deflections due to
Superimposed Dead Deflection due to barrier weight at midspan
Loads
5 wbarr L4
barr1 =
384 Ec I c
where:
wbarr = Weight of the barrier = 0.109 kips/ft.
( 12 in./ft.)
4
5 0.109 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
barr1 =
384(4,653.53)(651,886.0 )
= 0.141 in. = 0.0118 ft.
Deflection at quarter span due to barrier weight

57 wbarr L4
barr2 =
6144 Ec I c
( 12 in./ft.)
4
57 0.109 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
barr2 =
6,144(4,653.53)(651,886.0)
= 0.08 in. = 0.0067 ft.
Deflection due to wearing surface weight at midspan

5 wws L4
ws1 =
384 Ec I c
where
wws = Weight of wearing surface = 0.128 kips/ft.
457
( )
4
5 0.128 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
= 12 in./ft.
ws1
384(4,653.53)(651,886.0 )
= 0.132 in. = 0.011 ft.
Deflection at quarter span due to wearing surface

57 wws L4
ws2 =
6144 Ec I
( )
4
57 0.128 [(108.583)(12 in./ft.)]
= 12 in./ft.
ws2
6,144(4,529.66)(657,658.4)
= 0.094 in. = 0.0078 ft.
A.2.17.4
Total Deflection due The total deflection at midspan due to slab weight and
to Dead Loads superimposed loads is:
= 0.172 + 0.0118 + 0.011 = 0.1948 ft.
The total deflection at quarter span due to slab weight and

superimposed loads is:
= 0.123 + 0.0067 + 0.0078 = 0.1375 ft.
The deflections due to live loads are not calculated in this example
as they are not a design factor for TxDOT bridges.
458
VITA
Name: Safiuddin Adil Mohammed
Address: 9377 Lincoln Blvd. Apt. 2259

Los Angeles, CA – 90045
Email Address: [email protected]
Education: Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Engineering, 2001

Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.
Master of Science, Civil Engineering, 2005

Texas A&M University, College Station

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IMPACT OF AASHTO LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN

SPECIFICATIONS ON THE DESIGN OF TYPE C AND AASHTO

TYPE IV GIRDER BRIDGES

SAFIUDDIN ADIL MOHAMMED

Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of

Major Subject: Civil Engineering

SPECIFICATIONS ON THE DESIGN OF TYPE C AND AASHTO

TYPE IV GIRDER BRIDGES

SAFIUDDIN ADIL MOHAMMED

Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of

Chair of Committee, Mary Beth D. Hueste

Major Subject: Civil Engineering

This research study is aimed at assisting the Texas Department of Transportation

The transverse shear reinforcement requirements are found to be varying

ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................. iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................. vii

LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... xii

1.1 Background and Problem Statement .............................................. 1

2. LITERATURE SURVEY ................................................................................ 8

2.1 General ........................................................................................... 8

3. TXDOT BRIDGE DESIGN PRACTICES ...................................................... 34

3.1 Introduction .................................................................................... ...34

4. PARAMETRIC STUDY OUTLINE ............................................................... 47

4.1 General ........................................................................................... 47

4.2 Girder Sections ............................................................................... 48

5. RESULTS FOR AASHTO TYPE IV GIRDERS ............................................ 147

5.1 Introduction .................................................................................... 147

6. RESULTS FOR TYPE C GIRDERS ............................................................... 197

6.1 Introduction .................................................................................... .197

7. SHEAR DESIGN ............................................................................................. 230

7.1 Introduction .................................................................................... .230

8. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................... 241

8.1 Summary ........................................................................................ .241

8.2 Conclusions .................................................................................... .242

APPENDIX A DETAILED DESIGN EXAMPLES FOR INTERIOR AASHTO

VITA .......................................................................................................................... 458

Table 2.1 Statistical Parameters for Dead Load ...................................................... 13

Table 5.21 Comparison of Maximum Span Lengths for AASHTO

Table 6.14 Comparison of Concrete Strength at Release (f’ci) for AASHTO

1.1 BACKGROUND AND PROBLEM STATEMENT

This thesis follows the style of Journal of Structural Engineering.

1.2 OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE

1.3 RESEARCH PLAN

Task1: Literature Review

designs based on other methodologies employed in the Standard Specifications. The

Task 2: Development of Detailed Design Examples

The detailed design examples highlight major differences in the AASHTO

Task 3: Review of TxDOT Design Criteria for Bridge Design

Task 4: Identification of Critical Parameters

Task 5: Parametric Study

Task 6: Identification of Critical Design Issues

Task 7: Guidelines for Critical Design Issues

2.2 COMPARISON OF AASHTO STANDARD AND LRFD SPECIFICATIONS

2.2.2 Significant Changes

2.2.3 Limit States for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders

2.3 RELIABILITY OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE GIRDERS

2.4 LOAD MODELS

2.4.2 Dead Load Models

Table 2.1. Statistical Parameters for Dead Load