Calculation and Testing of a Reinforced Conical Bridge Beam

The paper addresses the compliance of the actual strength and deformation properties of the standard precast block (hereinafter — UPB 185.25) with the design data. Purpose of the study: We aimed to check convergence of the experimental data for a reinforced concrete beam with variable outline of the bottom chord with the design assumptions. Methods: In the course of the study, the moments of inertia at each section of the unit were taken averaged, in steps. Each section was calculated separately. The results were then summed up. In addition, the calculated values were verified using the finite element method in MIDAS. Results: The adopted design assumptions based on the test results showed high convergence of the results and confirmed the compliance of the beam in terms of stiffness, crack resistance, and strength. The control crack opening width acr = 0.2 mm was achieved at a load of 503.2 kg, which is 22.7 % higher than the design load.