Analytical Study on the Behavior and Reinforcement of Modular Girder Joints

doi:10.15683/kosdi.2025.12.31.1056

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2025 Vol.21, Issue 4 Preview Page Next Page

Research Article

Analytical Study on the Behavior and Reinforcement of Modular Girder Joints 모듈러 거더 접합부 구조해석을 통한 거동특성 및 보강방안에 관한 연구: 박경린¹ㆍ강상규²ㆍ박종호³ㆍ김성겸⁴*
Kyoung-Rin Park¹, Sang-Gyu Kang², Jong-Ho Park³, Seong-Kyum Kim⁴*; 모듈러 거더, 스마트 건설, 모형시험, 접합부(이음부) 구조해석, 중립축 변화

¹Ph.D. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi, Republic of Korea
²Principal Research Engineer, Korea Expressway Corporation Research Institute, Hwaseong, Republic of Korea
³Research Engineer, Korea Expressway Corporation Research Institute, Hwaseong, Republic of Korea
⁴Associate Professor, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi, Republic of Korea

31 December 2025. pp. 1056-1065

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Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the structural stability of modular bridge girders by analyzing the stress behavior and neutral axis variation of their joints, in response to the growing adoption of off-site construction and smart construction technologies. Method: A 40m modular girder was analyzed using nonlinear finite element analysis(FEA) and scaled model tests. The study examined stress distribution, load–deflection behavior, rebar strain, joint separation, and neutral axis movement, and applied shear reinforcement to verify its effect on reducing joint cracking. Result: Increasing concrete strength reduced both joint stress and maximum principal stress. As the load increased, the neutral axis shifted upward, and transverse cracks concentrated near the joints, but shear reinforcement effectively improved stress dispersion and overall stability. Conclusion: The structural stability of modular girders depends strongly on joint stiffness and reinforcement conditions. Applying shear reinforcement proved effective, and considering neutral axis variation and stress concentration in design can enhance the safety, durability, and economy of modular bridges, contributing to the advancement of smart construction.

Keywords

Modular Girder

Smart Construction

Model Test

Structural Analysis of Joints

Neutral Axis Variation

연구목적: 본 연구는 건설 현장의 탈현장(Off-Site) 시공 확대와 스마트 건설기술 발전에 대응하여, 모듈러 교량 거더 접합부의 응력 거동과 중립축 변화를 분석함으로써 구조적 안정성을 평가하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 연구방법: 모듈러 거더(40m)를 대상으로 비선형 유한요소해석(FEA)과 축소모형 실험을 병행하여 모듈 접합부 응력 분포를 검토하였고, 모형실험에서는 하중-처짐, 철근 변형률, 이음부 이격, 중립축 이동 등을 측정하여 구조 거동을 확인하였으며, 접합부 균열 등에 대해서는 철근 보강 방안을 적용하여 응력 완화 효과를 검증하였다. 연구결과: 콘크리트 강도 향상 시 접합부 응력과 최대 주응력이 모두 감소하였으며, 하중 증가에 따라 중립축이 상부로 이동하고, 접합부에서 횡방향 균열이 집중 발생하였으나 전단철근 보강을 통해 안전성을 확보하였다. 결론: 모듈러 거더의 구조 안정성은 접합부 강성과 보강 조건에 따라 영향을 받으며, 전단철근 보강 등이 효과적인 대책으로 검증되었다. 따라서 중립축 변화와 응력 집중을 고려한 합리적 설계가 필요하며, 이는 모듈러 교량의 안전성, 내구성, 경제성 향상 및 스마트 건설 기술 확산에 기여할 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

References

Jung, B.-N. (2010). Experimental Study on the Joints of Precast Concrete Unit Modules. Master Thesis, Kyung Hee University.
Kim, Y.-J., Kim, S.-W., Jo, S.-T. (2010). “Development of a fully prefabricated bridge system for rapid construction.” Magazine of the Korea Concrete Institute, Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 42-48.
Lee, B.-J., Choi, J.-W., Kang, S.-G., Jung, G.-J. (2021). A Study on the Modularization of Bridges Using Prefabricated Members. Korea Expressway Corporation Road Traffic Research Institute.
Lee, C.-H., Jin, W.-J., Choi, E.-S., Kim, Y.-J. (2011). “Experimental study on the joints of ultra-high performance precast concrete segmental bridges.” Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute, Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 235-244. 10.4334/JKCI.2011.23.2.235
Moon, B.-H. (2011). Structural Behavior of Divided PSC Girders. Master Thesis, Hongik University.
Nam, J.-W. (2019). “A study on the influencing factors of the joint behavior in segmental bridges.” Journal of the Korea Society of Structural Maintenance and Inspection, Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 9-16.

Information

Publisher :The Korean Society of Disaster Information
Publisher(Ko) :한국재난정보학회
Journal Title :Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
Journal Title(Ko) :한국재난정보학회논문집
Volume : 21
No :4
Pages :1056-1065
DOI :https://doi.org/10.15683/kosdi.2025.12.31.1056

[1] Jung, B.-N. (2010). Experimental Study on the Joints of Precast Concrete Unit Modules. Master Thesis, Kyung Hee University.

[2] Kim, Y.-J., Kim, S.-W., Jo, S.-T. (2010). “Development of a fully prefabricated bridge system for rapid construction.” Magazine of the Korea Concrete Institute, Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 42-48.

[3] Lee, B.-J., Choi, J.-W., Kang, S.-G., Jung, G.-J. (2021). A Study on the Modularization of Bridges Using Prefabricated Members. Korea Expressway Corporation Road Traffic Research Institute.

[4] Lee, C.-H., Jin, W.-J., Choi, E.-S., Kim, Y.-J. (2011). “Experimental study on the joints of ultra-high performance precast concrete segmental bridges.” Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute, Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 235-244. 10.4334/JKCI.2011.23.2.235

[5] Moon, B.-H. (2011). Structural Behavior of Divided PSC Girders. Master Thesis, Hongik University.

[6] Nam, J.-W. (2019). “A study on the influencing factors of the joint behavior in segmental bridges.” Journal of the Korea Society of Structural Maintenance and Inspection, Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 9-16.

Journal of the Society of Disaster Information ISSN:1976-2208(Print) 2671-5287(Online) 한국재난정보학회논문집

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