Abstract
The use of complex interchanges in modern highway urban systems have increased recently in addition to the desire to conform to existing terrain; both have led to increase the demand for horizontally curved bridges. One type of curved bridges consists of composite concrete deck over steel I-girders which has been the preferred choice due to its simplicity in fabrication, transportation and erection. Although horizontally curved steel bridges constitute roughly one-third of all steel bridges being erected today, their structural behavior still not well understood. Due to its geometry, simple presence of curvature in curved bridges produces non uniform torsion and consequently, lateral bending moment (warping or bi-moment) in the girder flanges. The presence of the lateral bending moments would significantly complicate the analysis and the design of the structure. Hence, a parametric study is required to scrutinize a simplified method in designing horizontally curved steel I-girder bridges. A parametric study is conducted, using the finite-element analysis software "SAP2000", to examine the key parameters that may influence the load distribution on the curved composite steel girders. Based on the data generated from the parametric study, sets of empirical equations are developed for the moment and shear distribution factors for straight and curved steel I-girder bridges when subjected to the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (HCHBDC) truck loading.
Highlights
ObjectivesThe objectives o f this study are: 1. Identifying the key parameters that influence the lateral distribution o f loads in straight and curved composite concrete-steel I-girder bridges and calculating the load distribution factors, 2
In addition to that; another parametric study conducted on 64 composite bridge prototypes to investigate the moment and deflection distribution factors as a continuation o f W assefs research work (2004)
All the above-mentioned bridge prototypes were analyzed to evaluate their structural response against a total of 48 different combinations o f load cases
Summary
The objectives o f this study are: 1. Identifying the key parameters that influence the lateral distribution o f loads in straight and curved composite concrete-steel I-girder bridges and calculating the load distribution factors, 2. Identifying the key parameters that influence the lateral distribution o f loads in straight and curved composite concrete-steel I-girder bridges and calculating the load distribution factors, 2. Providing accurate database that can be used for developing simplified design method for curved composite concrete-steel I-girder bridges, 3. Developing simplified formulas for shear, moment, and deflection distribution factors for straight and curved composite concrete-steel I-girder bridges. Conducting a parametric-design-oriented study on the effect of key parameters on load distribution among girders. The range of studied parameters include: The radius of curvature, span length, number of girders, girders spacing, number of designs lanes, cross-bracing intervals, and truck loading conditions, The parametric study was performed using commercially available Finite Element Software “SAP2000” on 240 curved and 80 straight composite I-girder bridge prototypes subjected to CHBDC truck loading and bridges’ own weight, 3. Developing shear, moment, and deflection distribution factor formulas for curved Igirder bridges
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