Abstract
Subdividing the cross-section of a main girder, into suitable sections in a factory-made precast segmental bridges, was a viable solution for the construction of bridges that were difficult to build using conventional techniques, considering the weight limits on the national routes and narrow roads as found in Japan. However, the subsections need to be made monolithic in site. To connect the individual box section to form a twin box girder, a double looped joint connection developed by the authors was adopted. This paper describes the flexural behavior of the transverse RC slab formed by the monolithic joint and its mechanical characteristics based on flexural load tests. Comparison is also made on the flexural behavior and on the safety of such joints with the conventional reinforcement arrangement. As a result, valuable information was obtained for adopting this innovative technique for practical applications.
