Measurements of Thermal Gradients and their Effects on Segmental Concrete Bridge

This paper presents concrete temperature data through the depth of a segmental box girder bridge. These data were collected continuously over a 212 year time period. The maximum recorded positive and negative thermal differentials are reported and compared to current design recommendations. The relationships between measured temperatures and ambient climatic conditions as recorded by the National Weather Service were studied and findings are presented. Equations to predict positive temperature differentials are presented and the predictions are compared to measured values. Finally, the results of two one-day studies of the response of the bridge to positive thermal gradients are presented.