Service Performance of Long-Span Lightweight Aggregate Concrete Box-Girder Bridges

This paper provides background on the use of lightweight aggregate concrete in long-span bridges. Observed time-dependent deflection of long-span lightweight aggregate concrete box-girder bridges is highlighted. The paper also summarizes the instrumentation program for health monitoring of the new Benicia-Martinez Bridge, which was recently completed in Northern California. Initial service performances of the bridge are assessed through deformation measurement of the superstructure. A primary objective of the instrumentation program is to identify time-dependent effects attributable to creep and shrinkage for future design and analysis of long-span bridges constructed of high-strength lightweight aggregate concrete.