Investigation of the effect of a monolithic reinforced concrete slab on the force distribution between the main components of a span structure, taking into account their collective performance

Abstract

Abstract. Problem. The issue of bridge repair and reconstruction mostly for bridges on motorways has become especially pressing in the last few years, and especially in the year of military invasion. In the article, one of the options for creating a finite element model of a plate girder structure for analysis and calculation is presented. The studies provided in the article investigate the effect of the newly established monolithic reinforced concrete plate, which serves to unify the primary beams (plates) of the truss structure into a temperature-resistant construction, on the distribution of forces between the main constituents of the truss structure in case of their collective operation. The objective of the study is to develop a suitable finite-element model of a composite beam structure joined by a monolithic overlay plate and to analyze the effect of this plate on the spatial performance of the beam structure. Methodology. An analysis was conducted of the forces in the span structure elements in accordance with the standard project, as well as the forces in these elements after the monolithic slab was merged. The comparison results demonstrated that the use of a monolithic overlay slab to create a temperature-proof span structure permits a decrease in forces in the main elements of 27% and 20%, respectively. The scientific innovation presented herein is a finite element model of a plate girder structure, composed of several rods which model individual components of the plate. The practical implications of this work are that the proposed finite element model can be used to accurately calculate both existing girder structures and new reinforcement designs.