Spatial Temperature Differences in Portal Frame Bridges

Abstract

Thermal actions are considered in the design of bridges, as temperature variations can lead to restraint stresses and subsequent cracking. However, load descriptions are in some cases oversimplified or incompatible with modern applications, and background studies are limited. This paper therefore aims to develop a more detailed load description for the load case describing temperature differences between structural parts in bridges, focusing on portal frame bridges. The temperature in portal frame bridges is investigated by performing long-term thermal simulations using weather data from several locations in Sweden, and thereafter performing statistical analyses of the resulting temperature variations over time. The study gives suggestions of both characteristic and quasi-permanent values to be used in design based on the statistical analyses, and also notes a gradual change in temperature between structural parts, which could be considered in the design. The resulting quasi-permanent values are significantly lower than the values given in the Eurocode for temperature differences between structural parts, which, in turn, will lead to smaller and more realistic stress values in bridge design.