The AASHTO Standard Specification defines diaphragms as a transverse member between girders in order to maintain sectional geometry. Some of the reasons in favor of using a diaphragm are that it prevents the girders from twisting during the process of construction and helps in distributing vertical live loads between girders and transfers lateral loads (wind or earthquake) to supports. It also provides restraint for the lateral-torsional buckling of the girders. While diaphragms at the ends of bridges are called end diaphragms, the diaphragms away from the bridge ends are called intermediate diaphragms. These members are usually made of steel or cast-in-place concrete. Based on their...
The AASHTO Standard Specification defines diaphragms as a transverse member between girders in order to maintain sectional geometry. Some of the reasons in favor of using a diaphragm are that it prevents the girders from twisting during the process of construction and helps in distributing vertical live loads between girders and transfers lateral loads (wind or earthquake) to supports. It also provides restraint for the lateral-torsional buckling of the girders. While diaphragms at the ends of bridges are called end diaphragms, the diaphragms away from the bridge ends are called intermediate diaphragms. These members are usually made of steel or cast-in-place concrete. Based on their...