Deformations in deep continuous reinforced concrete transfer girders

This paper presents a three-parameter kinematic model for the deformation patterns of deep continuous transfer girders. The three degrees of freedom of the model are the average strains along the top and bottom longitudinal reinforcements within each shear span, as well as the transverse displacement in the critical loading zone. The model is validated with the help of a large test of a two-span continuous beam performed at the University of Toronto. It is shown that the apparently complex deformation patterns of the specimen are captured well by the kinematic model.