Longitudinal shear in composite concrete bridge beams. Part 1- Literature review

This report assesses the longitudinal shear provisions in BS 5400 for the design of joints between precast beams and in situ cast slabs in composite bridges. It finds BS 5400 is consistent with both other codes and available test data but that there is a lack of test data for the types of precast beam surface preparation defined in BS 5400 and used by beam manufacturers. It is recommended that a test programme be initiated to define surface preparations in terms of measureable quantities rather than by descriptions, to obtain test data for BS 5400 type surface preparations, and to investigate whether the code should include an additional check of the joint at service loads taking account of the method of construction and differential shrinkage. This Literature Review is the first of two reports. The second report will describe the experimental investigation and recommend amendments as appropriate to the current BS 5400 provisions.