Strength Optimisation and Static Performance Analysis of Arch Ribs of Steel-tube Concrete Arch Bridge

Abstract

By means of finite element simulation, the axial compressive stiffness of different steel-tube concrete short columns was imported into the finite element model, and the effects of adopting new steel-tube concrete arch ribs on the mechanical properties of the key components of steel-tube concrete arch bridges, such as internal forces and displacements, were analyzed. The results show that: with the increase of the axial compressive stiffness of the arch rib chord, under different load combinations, the vertical displacement of the arch rib chord will increase, and the structure will be lifted up, with a maximum of 31.85%; the vertical displacement of the deck slab will also increase, with a maximum increase of 6.8%, which is smaller than the vertical displacement of the arch rib chord; the absolute value of the downward and transverse displacements of the arch rib chord will be reduced, with a maximum reduction of 7.1% respectively. The absolute values of the transverse and crossover displacements of the arch rib chord tube will be reduced, with the maximum reduction of 7.1% and 6.8%, respectively. In the project of arch bridge, the deflection and deformation of the arch rib, deck plate and other components of the more stringent restrictions, especially the vertical displacement, it is recommended to use the higher axial compressive stiffness of the steel pipe concrete arch rib.