Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 17 views

    BTN 2015-001 Step - Half - Joints V1.0 Dec 2015

    Uploaded by

    aeroforce1007
    This Bridge Technical Note discusses issues with step joints used in bridge construction. Step joints are difficult to access for inspection and maintenance, requiring extensive scaffolding or suspended platforms. They do not comply with design standards that require joints and bearings to be readily accessible. As a result of high maintenance costs and risks of deterioration from inaccessibility, the use of step joints is no longer permitted for new bridges. Existing bridges with step joints require special consideration and approval if they are to be used.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    BTN 2015-001 Step - Half - Joints V1.0 Dec 2015

    Uploaded by

    aeroforce1007
    17 views1 page
    This Bridge Technical Note discusses issues with step joints used in bridge construction. Step joints are difficult to access for inspection and maintenance, requiring extensive scaffolding or suspended platforms. They do not comply with design standards that require joints and bearings to be readily accessible. As a result of high maintenance costs and risks of deterioration from inaccessibility, the use of step joints is no longer permitted for new bridges. Existing bridges with step joints require special consideration and approval if they are to be used.

    Original Title

    BTN 2015-001 Step _Half_ Joints V1.0 Dec 2015

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    This Bridge Technical Note discusses issues with step joints used in bridge construction. Step joints are difficult to access for inspection and maintenance, requiring extensive scaffolding or suspended platforms. They do not comply with design standards that require joints and bearings to be readily accessible. As a result of high maintenance costs and risks of deterioration from inaccessibility, the use of step joints is no longer permitted for new bridges. Existing bridges with step joints require special consideration and approval if they are to be used.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    17 views1 page

    BTN 2015-001 Step - Half - Joints V1.0 Dec 2015

    Uploaded by

    aeroforce1007
    This Bridge Technical Note discusses issues with step joints used in bridge construction. Step joints are difficult to access for inspection and maintenance, requiring extensive scaffolding or suspended platforms. They do not comply with design standards that require joints and bearings to be readily accessible. As a result of high maintenance costs and risks of deterioration from inaccessibility, the use of step joints is no longer permitted for new bridges. Existing bridges with step joints require special consideration and approval if they are to be used.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 1

    BTN 2015 / 001 – December 2015

    BRIDGE TECHNICAL NOTE

    Step (Half) Joints 2015/001


    Version 1.0

    1. General extensive scaffolding, machinery or custom designed


    suspended platforms are required to provide a safe
    This Bridge Technical Note discusses the issues access for personnel to inspect and maintain the
    associated with step (half) joints and the ongoing joints.
    issues with their inspection and maintenance.

    AS5100 requires that deck joints and bearings to be


    2. Introduction readily accessible with provisions to allow for
    Step joint or half joint is a type of articulation in inspection, maintenance and replacement (including
    which a suspended beam or deck slab (the drop-in jacking of components). These requirements cannot
    span) is supported on a short cantilever or corbel as be easily satisfied with the use of step joints.
    shown in Figure 1.
    Step Joint
    Cantilever (Refer to detail
    below)
    4. Conclusion
    structure Drop in Span
    As a result of the high cost of inspection,
    maintenance and rehabilitation of step joints and the
    high risk of inaccessibility of such joints leading to
    deterioration of the bridges, the use of step joints
    Bearing Movement Joint shall not be permitted for new bridges.

    Suspended It may be necessary to consider the use of step


    Cantilever
    (drop-in) support joints if an existing structure with step joints is
    beam or slab (corbel) widened. In such an instance the designer shall
    demonstrate all other alternatives considered and
    why a step joint is the only feasible option and seek
    Figure 1 - Cantilever and Drop in Span Structure approval from the Principal Bridge Engineer. If the
    Although there are advantages such as ease of use of step joints is permitted, the design must be in
    construction and enhanced vertical clearance due to accordance with AS5100 and access for inspection
    reduction in superstructure depth, the following and maintenance must be appropriately addressed.
    issues are encountered during the life of a bridge
    structure with step joints;
    • Difficult to access safely for inspection and MARY DARCY
    maintenance PRINCIPAL BRIDGE ENGINEER
    • Difficult to strengthen bridges to cater for VicRoads
    heavier loads due to inaccessibility of step-joints
    For further information please contact:
    • Road closures and other disruptions to the
    community related to maintenance activities Principal Bridge Engineer
    Level 3, 60 Denmark Street
    Kew Victoria 3101
    3. Discussion Telephone: (03) 8391 7137
    This type of construction inherently leads to leakage Facsimile: (03) 8391 7199
    through the joint. This causes debris and moisture Email: [email protected]
    to accumulate at the beam seats and eventual
    deterioration of the concrete and steel surfaces. Bridge Technical Notes are subject to periodic review and
    may be superseded

    The gap between members is usually very narrow


    which make it difficult to inspect hidden surfaces
    and components such as bearings and the bearing References
    seats.
    AS 5100 (2004), Bridge Design, Standards Australia,
    Sydney, Australia
    Step joints are normally positioned several metres
    Austroads, 2009. Guide to Bridge Technology Part 1:
    away from the pier or abutment and often over live
    Introduction and Bridge Performance. Sydney:
    traffic or wide waterways. Traffic management,
    Austroads

    You might also like