Simulation Study on Sunshine Temperature Field of a Concrete Box Girder of the Cable-Stayed Bridge

Abstract

This paper investigates the distribution of the sunshine temperature field in bridge structures. To implement thermodynamic boundary conditions on the structure under the influence of sunshine, this study utilized the FILM and DFLUX subroutines provided by ABAQUS. Based on this method, the sunshine temperature field of the concrete box girder of a cable-stayed bridge was analyzed. The results showed that the simulated temperature values were in good agreement with the measured values. The temperature difference between the internal and external surfaces of the box girder under the influence of sunshine was significant, with the maximum negative temperature difference appearing around 6:00 a.m. and the maximum positive temperature difference appearing around 2:00 p.m. The temperature gradient of the box girder section calculated by the method presented a C-shaped distribution pattern, which differs from the double-line distribution pattern specified in the current “General Specifications for Design of Highway Bridges and Culverts” in China (JTG D60-2015). Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis of thermal parameters using the proposed simulation method for the sunshine temperature field of the concrete box girder was conducted, and the results indicated that the solar radiation absorption coefficient had a significant impact on the temperature field. A 30% increase or decrease in the solar radiation absorption coefficient caused the maximum temperature change on the surface of the structure to exceed 10 °C. This paper provides an accurate simulation of the sunshine temperature field of the concrete box girder of a cable-stayed bridge, and the research results are significant for controlling bridge alignment and stress state during the construction period, ensuring the reasonable initial operating state of the bridge, and enhancing the sustainability of the structure.