Why are bridge slabs simply supported and not continuous?

To reduce redundancy and also to allow for free expansion. What am i saying? Two things; 1. read more

When it is design and constructed as a simply supported structure these stresses can be dissipated regularly along the structure to a point where the overall effect is reduced to a bearable amount. With continuous bridge slabs however, the stresses build up too much to amounts that can damage the bridge. read more

Not all slabs of Bridges are simply supported. Consider a Box Culvert. It is a rigid structure fixed at ends. Analyse the bending moment at various elements. You can understand why top slab of large spans are simply supported. The bending moments are enormous and to neutralize the moment you need large abutments. read more

Continuous reinforced concrete slab bridge design shall be in conformance with AASHTO, latest edition. For simple span reinforced concrete slab bridges cast in place directly on concrete substructures, the effective span length shall be considered equal to the clear span plus twothirds (2/3) the slab bearing width but not more than the clear span plus the slab thickness. read more