Redistribution of internal forces from the span to the support

Abstract

AbstractThis paper presents the results of evaluations on the redistribution of internal forces from the span to the support area using nonlinear finite element calculations. The motivation is the internalization of bridges, particularly the reconstruction of single‐span beams arranged in a row to a continuous beam system. When integralizing a bridge, it can be assumed that the existing bridge is designed according to standards, which are no longer valid. If the integralized bridge is loaded and designed according to the new standard, the problem may be that the existing structure has insufficient reinforcement. For single‐span bridges, the flexural reinforcement in the span may be considered critical. The degree of reinforcement in the support area can then be adjusted individually, which offers the possibility of transferring internal forces from the span to the support area if they cannot be fully absorbed by the existing reinforcement.