ABSTRACT
In Chapter 5, the behaviour of bridge slabs is considered. Two methods of analysis are introduced: grillage and nite element (FE) methods, both of which consist of members lying in one plane only. In this chapter, both of these planar methods of analysis are used to model a range of bridge forms. Planar methods are amongst the most popular currently available for the analysis of slab bridges. They can, with adaptation, be applied to many different types of slab as will be demonstrated. Further, their basis is well understood, and the results are considered to be of acceptable accuracy for most bridges.
