Integrated analysis of curved bridge superstructures by variational finite difference method

Abstract

Static analysis of bridge superstructures which are curved in plan, having radial as well as circumferential beams, and continuous over axially flexible column supports is proposed using a variational based finite difference energy method. The total potential energy of the system composed of different components of the bridge decks is discretized in terms of pivot displacements with the help of finite difference operators with constant order of truncation error. The principle of minimum total potential energy is applied to obtain the force-displacement relationship which was solved for pivot displacements. In order to estimate the accuracy and reliability of the present formulation several problems of curved plates with increasing order of complexity are solved. The results are compared with the existing solutions.