About the Structural Robustness of Through Arch Bridges

Abstract

In EN1991-1-7 Eurocode 1: Part 1-7 Accidental Actions structural robustness is defined as ‘the ability of a structure to withstand events like fire, explosions, impact or consequences of human error without being damaged to an extent disproportionate to the original cause’. Accordingly, the principle of structural robustness is that local damage is acceptable, provided that it will not endanger the structure and that the overall load-carrying capacity is maintained during an appropriate length of time to allow the necessary emergency measures to be taken. For different structures the practical ways to achieve robustness are different. Lots of through arch bridges with hangers have been built throughout the world. However, the structural collapse may happen due to the hanger's damage or failure if the bridge is not designed appropriately. In this paper, the structural robustness of the through arch bridges with vertical hangers are discussed and verified by an example. Based on this study, a few practical suggestions are put forward to achieve the structural robustness for the future through arch bridges' design.