Mechanical Properties of Fewer-Girder Steel Plate Composite Bridges during Construction

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With the increasing demands of modern transportation and the advancement of engineering technology, composite steel plate girder bridges have emerged as a significant choice in contemporary bridge construction due to their distinctive structural features and benefits. However, stability issues, particularly deflection, torsion, and buckling, continue to present substantial challenges. This research seeks to elucidate the structural behavior, load distribution, and stress responses of such bridge designs, which are critical for optimizing construction efficiency and ensuring structural safety. To achieve these objectives, a comprehensive series of finite element analyses and experimental tests were conducted, focusing on the stress distribution and local stability of composite steel plate girder bridges under various construction conditions. The study highlights that the 2nd and 4th piers, along with the mid-span of the edge spans, are particularly sensitive areas prone to concentrated stress and potential local buckling. The findings suggest that composite steel plate girder bridges with a reduced number of main girders exhibit distinct mechanical properties compared to traditional designs. Specifically, the decreased number of main girders influences load distribution and stress concentration patterns, which have significant implications for both the construction process and the long-term performance of the bridge.