Accurate time-dependent analysis of concrete bridges considering concrete creep, concrete shrinkage and cable relaxation

This paper proposes a new relaxation model for steel tendons based on the equivalent creep coefficient to enable the accurate estimation of losses of cable forces. The equivalent creep coefficient works not only in the case of intrinsic relaxation but also under various boundary conditions. Based on the proposed relaxation model, an accurate finite element analysis of the time-dependent behavior of concrete bridges considering concrete creep, concrete shrinkage and cable relaxation is devised based on the time integration method. Concrete members are modeled by beam elements while tendons are modeled by truss elements with nodes connected to the beam axis by perpendicular rigid arms. Then the individual and combined effects of concrete creep, concrete shrinkage and cable relaxation on the long-term performance of concrete structures are investigated. It is found that the proposed relaxation model and time integration method can provide a reliable method for time-dependent analysis. The numerical results obtained indicate that the interactions among these factors should be considered carefully in analyzing the long-term performance of concrete bridges.