Design Optimization of PCI Girders: A Parametric Study

This study investigates the effect of superstructure configuration on the optimum design of slab on Precast I (PCI) girder bridges. For this purpose, more than 20,000 bridge cases of varying superstructure configurations are considered to investigate the effects of various superstructure parameters such as girder spacing, span length, slab thickness and girder types on the optimum design of slab on PCI girder bridges. PCI girders are designed conforming to the AASHTO LRFD for flexure using stress limits at the service limit state, then checked at ultimate for flexure and shear using factored loads at the strength limit state. A modified harmony search optimization algorithm is used to obtain optimum bridge design parameters using standard AASHTO PCI girders according to these AASHTO LRFD requirements. Those girders are designed taking into consideration geometrical constraints, stress constraints and constraints related to the conformity of the design with the AASHTO LRFD code. Various sensitivity analysis are performed to investigate the effect of different geometrical factors on the design of the girders, and easy-to-use design aids were developed. The outcomes of this study may facilitate the bridge engineers to choose optimum design parameters such as girder types and spacing as well as number strands for a certain span length before the design of slab on PCI girder bridges.