Three-dimensional bridge-vehicle interaction analysis of simply supported twin I-girder bridge

Abstract

Elaborate three-dimensional finite element models are generated to deal with the bridge-vehicle interaction dynamics of simply supported twin I-girder bridges. The bridge is modeled in detail with solid and shell elements. The studied vehicle is idealized as 3D non-linear model consisting of several lumped masses connected by rigid beams and supported by spring-dampers. Gap and actuator elements are incorporated into the tire models to simulate the separation between the tires and road surface, and road surface roughness, respectively. Correlated road surface roughness profiles are generated from power spectral density (PSD) and cross spectral functions. The models are capable to consider both bridge and vehicle responses with virtually no limitation on the complexity of vehicle and bridge. The dynamic responses of the twin I-girder bridge are extensively investigated under conditions of various roughness classes, vehicle speeds, etc. From numerous calculated results, some useful information regarding to the impact factor of the studied bridge is presented..