A discussion on neutral axis location in bridge deck cantilevers

This payer discusses the implications of variations in the location of the neutral axis on the accuracy of bridge deck models. The three-dimensional finite element analysis program NIKE3D was used to determine the location of the neutral axis in a number of typical bridge decks with edge cantilevers. It is shown that the neutral axis location may be largely dependant on the nature of the applied loading. An example of a two-span bridge deck is used to demonstrate the degree to which the neutral asis may vary from its commonly assumed position. Comparisons with a planar grillage analysis are used to show the effect of this variation on the design stresses in such a bridge deck. (C) 1999 Civil-Comp Ltd and Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.