Shear strength of joints in precast posttensioned segmental bridges during 1959-2019, review and analysis

The conception, development, and worldwide acceptance of segmental construction in the field of precast concrete segmental bridges represent one of the most interesting achievements in civil engineering. The structural behavior of segmental bridges depends largely on the behavior of the joints between segments. In this paper the beginning steps and the development of segmental bridges were presented through a brief history of segmental bridges. The basic types and construction methods of the segmental bridges were discussed, as well. The design concepts of the segments, types of the joints, and role of the shear keys were also explained. The previous experimental, analytical and numerical studies were reviewed and evaluated through providing summary and comments on the works and trends still exist in the design of the box girder segmental bridges. The existing most common formulations for prediction of the joint shear strength were also presented and discussed, comparison have been made between different models, and four additional statistical equations were proposed. It was determined that, the research performed in this field is still incomplete to fill the design trends, and the joint shear strength predictions are not sufficiently accurate.