Experimental assessment of link slabs in continuous span applications of press-brake-formed tub girders

The scope of this effort is to evaluate the performance of a link slab transversely connecting press-brake-formed tub girders (PBFTG). Modular PBFTGs were developed by a technical working group within the Steel Market Development Institute’s (a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute) Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance, led by the current authors. This working group consists of stakeholders in the steel bridge industry, including mills, fabricators, service centers, industry trade organizations, universities, and bridge owners. A full-scale link slab transversely joining two PBFTGs was fatigue loaded simulating a 75-year fatigue life in a rural environment. Strain and deflection data was recorded and compared throughout the fatigue life to determine the link slab’s effectiveness. Results of this effort show the link slab detail performs adequately throughout its fatigue life.