Botlek Bridge - Minimum reinforcement for the foundation piers of the new Botlek Bridge in Rotterdam; NL

Object of investigation is the requirement of minimum reinforcement for the underwater concrete foundation piers of the new Botlek Bridge in Rotterdam. In general the foundation piers are designed as unreinforced mass concrete members. However, due to concrete hardening as well as due to seasonal changing of climatic conditions several restraint stresses may occur in the concrete. The result of this investigation is a quantification of the accompanying restraint conditions in the member and a conclusion regarding the resulting influences on the structural behavior of the piers. Finally a recommendation to the design of the underwater concrete piers is given.