Abstract
As a potential option for transportation applications in coastal areas, curved floating bridges with a same small specified rise to span ratio of 0.134, supported by multiple pontoons, are investigated in this paper. Two conceptual curved bridges are proposed following a circular arc shape with different span lengths (500 and 1000 m). Both bridges are end-connected to the shoreline without any underwater mooring system, while the end-connections can be either all six degrees of freedom (D.O.F) fixed or two rotational D.O.F released. Eigen value analysis is carried out to identify the modal parameters of the floating bridge system. Static and dynamic analysis under extreme environmental conditions are performed to study the pontoon motions as well as structural responses of the bridge deck. Deflections and internal forces (axial forces, shear forces, and bending moment) are thoroughly studied with the variation of the span length and end support conditions in terms of the same specified small rise-span ratio. The ratio of axial force to horizontal bending moment are presented. From the study, it is found that the current parameters for the bridge are relatively reasonable regarding responses. However, the small rise-span does not provide enough arch effects. A higher rise-span ratio or stiffer bridge cross-sectional property is preferred, especially for the long bridge. In addition, the flexible end connections are preferred considering the structural responses at the end regions.
Highlights
Due to the large density of the population in coastal cities, sustaining and developing coastal regions is getting preferable to exploit more space in offshore areas
The structural eigen properties of floating bridges are affected by several parameters, including the bridge’s cross-section properties, end connections, pontoon types and number of pontoons, and the curvature of the curved bridges, etc
The deployment location of the floating bridge in this study is the coastal waters of Singapore, which are characterized as relatively shallow water with a water depth of 20 m and mild environmental conditions
Summary
Due to the large density of the population in coastal cities, sustaining and developing coastal regions is getting preferable to exploit more space in offshore areas. Single pontoon hydrodynamic properties should be considered, together with the finite element method (FEM) applied for the bridge deck and other structural components. The Bergsøysund Bridge, built in Norway in 1990s, is the first free floating pontoon bridge with a cost-effective horizontally arch curved design. The structural eigen properties of floating bridges are affected by several parameters, including the bridge’s cross-section properties, end connections, pontoon types and number of pontoons, and the curvature of the curved bridges, etc. A hybrid test was carried out regarding the tsunami loads on a prestressed girder bridge and the connections, and damage was found in the specimen, indicating the importance of the design and investigation of the bridge’s structural capability [22]. These limit states define various design criteria to ensure proper service states under operational conditions and survivability under extreme or accidental conditions [25,26]
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