Investigation on load - transfer characteristics of spherical hinge structure of swivel bridge based on scale distortion model

Abstract

The mechanical properties of the swivel spherical hinge, a critical component in swivel bridge structures, remain inadequately understood. This study precisely examines the load-transfer characteristics of the swivel spherical hinge using a combination of finite element simulation and scaled model loading tests. An optimized hinge model, accounting for distortion effects and strategic placement of measurement points, was constructed and tested in the laboratory. Results indicate that the scaled model exhibited consistent elastic deformation, ensuring structural integrity and stability. The results indicate that under a 122 kN load, the average discrepancy between the experimental data and numerical predictions was only 1.53 %, highlighting the numerical model's accuracy and reliability. Additionally, the center of the slider experienced a compressive stress of approximately 2.7 MPa, while the edge endured 5.3 MPa, reflecting a non-uniform load distribution. Stress concentrations at the slider's projection were 2–5 times greater than at other measurement points on the steel-concrete interface of the hinges. The lower spherical hinge surface displayed a complex stress pattern combining tensile and compressive stresses, resulting from slider compression and hinge surface expansion. This research provides valuable insights into the load-transfer mechanisms of swivel spherical hinges, offering guidance for the design and construction of swivel bridges.