Dealing with varying moments of inertia of girders in bridge analysis

Abstract

In many slab-on-girder bridges, especially those that are continuous over two or more spans, the moment of inertia of a girder varies significantly along the length of the bridge. This paper critically examines the practice of analyzing such bridges for load distribution by methods that make the assumption of constant longitudinal torsional and flexural rigidities. It is found that this practice may not be valid for those slab-on-girder bridges in which variations of the girder moments of inertia are very large.A recommended procedure is given for cases in which the variation in moment of inertia is not too severe. The procedure involves (a) the determination of total bending moments, treating the bridge as a beam of variable moment of inertia, and (b) the determination of an equivalent constant moment of inertia for beams of varying moment of inertia. Using this procedure the load distribution properties of the bridge can be realistically analyzed by those computer-based methods (e.g., orthotropic plate, finite strip, and semicontinuum methods) or manual methods (e.g., AASHTO and Ontario methods) that cannot directly take account of the variation of longitudinal flexural rigidity.The validity of the recommended procedure is established by comparing its results with those of the grillage analysis method that does take account of the variation of the girder moment of inertia. Key words: bridge analysis, girders, load distribution, slab-on-girder bridges.