Evaluation of structural cracks in inverted T-pier caps of super T-girder bridges

Survey results from actual projects that have been put into operation in the Southern region of Vietnam show cracks on the shoulder surface of the inverted-T bent caps of the simple-span Super T-girder bridge. The research problem posed for the article is to determine the cause of these cracks. In the article, the finite element method is used to analyze and calculate the mechanical behavior of beam under the effect of dead load and live load HL93. The 3D model of the bridge pier structure is close to reality based on measurement results and design documents. Reinforcements are declared in detail in the model as bar elements. Assume that the reinforcement completely bonds to the concrete. Concrete has a compressive strength of 30MPa, and steel has a yield strength of 420MPa as shown in the design documents of the bridge pier. During the analysis process, the non-linear behavior of both steel and concrete is considered to improve accuracy. The results of the analysis are the mechanical behavior of the pier caps such as stress components in concrete and steel reinforcement. In particular, the results of the non-linear crack analysis show the crack distribution area on the inverted-T bent cap surface and the crack depth. Based on the analysis results, the causes of cracking can be identified, and the level of cracking can be assessed for the structure of the inverted-T bent caps.