Torsional Behavior and Constancy of Curved Box Girder Superstructures

Abstract

The horizontally curved alignments for the urban interchanges or highway bridges are becoming more common and it is necessary to construct the structures curved in plan. Due to the requirements of more stringent route and high torsional stiffness as well as a desire for a greater sense of aesthetics, curved box girder bridges have become increasingly popular and have been an interesting subject of research. In this paper, the numerous models for curved box girders are analysed using LUSAS FEA software for different parameters such as span lengths, radii and loadings. The resultant bending moments, shear and the torsional moments of the various curved box girders are compared. Also the feasibility and stability of the curved box girder of various span length and radius considering support reactions are discussed.