PSI - Issue 84

Pavlina Lakatosova et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 84 (2026) 1278–1285

1284

3.2. Bridge bearing regions

Another practical application of the 3D CSFM is the assessment of concrete edge failure under localized loading. Annex J of EN 1992-2 provides a design approach for partially loaded areas, applicable to bridge bearing regions. The resulting reinforcement is intended to prevent splitting of edges and must be arranged parallel to the loaded surface up to the extent of stress dispersion. In bridge reconstruction projects involving bearing replacement, existing pier heads may be subjected to high localized loads from hydraulic jacks. In such cases, it is necessary to assess the existing reinforcement, although it is often unclear which reinforcement layers effectively contribute to resistance.

Fig. 11. Bridge scheme with internal support analyzed

The example presented considers a two-span bridge with a double T-cross-section (Fig. 11), where piers directly support girders. The internal support is analyzed, with the pier head being symmetrically loaded by pairs of jacks in the longitudinal direction of the bridge. The applied load corresponds to the design reaction from permanent actions.

Fig. 12. Pier head model for assessment of locally loaded concrete edge

In the 3D CSFM analysis, the pier head is modeled using solid elements for concrete and bar elements for reinforcement. The geometry and reinforcement layout can be modeled accurately according to the actual structure. The interaction of the entire reinforcement cage and its contribution to the load-bearing capacity are considered (Fig. 13). Reinforcement stresses approaching the design yield strength indicate significant overloading of the pier cap.

Fig. 13. Reinforcement stresses