Abstract
Solar radiation is one of the most important factors influencing the temperature distribution on bridge girder cross-sections. The bridge temperature distribution can be estimated using estimation models that incorporate solar radiation data; however, such data could be cost- or time-prohibitive to obtain. A review of literature was carried out on estimation models for solar radiation parameters, including the global solar radiation, beam solar radiation and diffuse solar radiation. Solar radiation data from eight cities in Fujian Province in southeastern China were obtained on site. Solar radiation models applicable to Fujian, China were proposed and verified using the measured data. The linear Ångström–Page model (based on sunshine duration) can be used to estimate the daily global solar radiation. The Collares-Pereira and Rabl model and the Hottel model can be used to estimate the hourly global solar radiation and the beam solar radiation, respectively. Three bridges were chosen as case study, for which the temperature distribution on girder cross-sections were monitored on site. Finite element models (FEM) of cross-sections of bridge girders were implemented using the Midas program. The temperature–time curves obtained from FEM showed very close agreement with the measured values for summertime. Ignoring the solar radiation effect would result in lower and delayed temperature peaks. However, the influence of solar radiation on the temperature distribution in winter is negligible.
Highlights
Temperature distribution in bridge structures built in the outdoor environment are appreciably influenced by solar radiation and ambient temperature variations [1]
Empirical regression analyses or artificial intelligence techniques are used by researchers to establish the estimation models of daily global solar radiation based on different meteorological factors
The extent of cloud cover was chosen by some researchers to establish estimation models for global solar radiation due to the lack of measured sunshine duration in some regions, especially in the oceans, mountains and deserts, where few meteorological stations exist
Summary
Temperature distribution in bridge structures built in the outdoor environment are appreciably influenced by solar radiation and ambient temperature variations [1]. Solar radiation is one of the most important factors affecting the temperature distribution in bridge structures [2]. The solar radiation levels on different parts of bridge structures represent one of the time-varying boundary conditions, which can be estimated by considering the various model parameters. The geometry of the cross-section, thermal parameters of materials, and bridge location are all determined or known at the beginning of the design process; the solar radiation must be estimated or measured. The similarities and differences of various estimation models for solar radiation are summarized, including models for global, beam, and diffuse solar radiation, all of which should be considered in the analyses of temperature distribution on bridge girder cross-sections. The influence of solar radiation on bridge temperature distribution in different seasons was analyzed. The results can be considered as a model for future development of specifications and estimation models for solar radiation in different regions in China and elsewhere
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