Box Girder Bridge Research Articles

Application of Multi-Channel Synchronized Dynamic Strain Gauges in Monitoring the Neutral Axis Position and Prestress Loss of Box Girder Bridges.

The aim of this paper was to explore the application of multi-channel synchronized dynamic strain gauges in monitoring the neutral axis (N.A.) position of prestressed concrete box girders. The N.A. position has recently been proposed as an indicator for monitoring the health of bridge structures. Laboratory experiments were conducted on a prestressed T-beam under different prestress level conditions to investigate the correlation between the prestress magnitude and the N.A. position. In the development of the multi-channel synchronized dynamic strain gauges, edge computing was employed to significantly reduce the amount of data transmitted from the sensor nodes on-site. In edge computing, only the dynamic strain response caused by the maximum vehicle load in each minute is transmitted. This approach greatly enhances the monitoring efficiency and enables the realization of on-site non-computer-based monitoring systems. The laboratory test results of the prestressed T-beam showed that the N.A. position tends to move slightly downward as the prestress force increases. In other words, when the prestress force decreases due to loss, the N.A. position exhibits a slight upward movement. This study selected a newly constructed prestressed box girder as the subject for on-site measurement of the N.A. position using multi-channel synchronized dynamic strain gauges shortly after the prestress was applied. The on-site monitoring data indeed revealed a gradual upward movement of the N.A. position. This phenomenon confirmed that soon after the completion of prestressed concrete bridges, there is a gradual loss of prestress due to the significant shrinkage and creep effects of the early-age concrete. The on-site monitoring result aligned with the findings from the laboratory experiments, where the N.A. position was observed to move upward as the prestress decreased.

Damage analyze of prestressed small box girder bridges under explosive loading of vehicle

Damage analyze of prestressed small box girder bridges under explosive loading of vehicle

Fire effect of steel bridge structure with consideration of leaked combustion fuel on asphalt bridge deck

In this paper, a fire load model is introduced for steel bridge decks considering asphalt pavement layers, aimed at exploring the consequences of fire arising from fuel leakage on the bridge pavement. Temperature data, mass loss rates, and radiation measurements from the pavement during fire tests are collected. The fire process on the bridge deck is categorized into four distinct stages, based on the mass loss rate. The temperature-time model is constructed by fitting the temperature data from the first two stages on the top surface. This model is then validated by comparing the temperature data obtained from various temperature-time load inputs with the experimental data from the middle and bottom surfaces. Additionally, a finite element numerical model is developed for a steel box girder bridge, enabling a comparison of different temperature-time models to establish the rationality of the bridge deck temperature-time model. Finally, the thermal mechanical coupling method is employed to investigate the impact of fire on the bridge's mid-span, revealing a close alignment between the simulation temperatures derived from the bridge deck temperature-time curve and the experimental results.

Experimental Study on Shear Lag Effect of Long-Span Wide Prestressed Concrete Cable-Stayed Bridge Box Girder under Eccentric Load

Based on the engineering background of the wide-width single cable-stayed bridge, the shear lag effects of the cross-section of these bridge box girders under the action of the eccentric load were experimentally studied. The behavior of shear lag effects in the horizontal and longitudinal bridge directions under eccentric load in the operational stage of a single cable-stayed bridge was analyzed by a model testing method and a finite element (FE) analytical method. The results showed that the plane stress calculation under unidirectional live load was similar to the results from spatial FE analysis and structural calculations performed according to the effective flange width described in the design specification. At the position of the main beam near the cable force point of action, the positive stress at its upper wing edge was greatest. At a distance from the cable tension point, the maximum positive stress position trend showed that from the center of the top flange to the junction of the top flange and the middle web to the junction of the top flange and the middle web and the side web. Under eccentric load, the positive and negative shear lag effects on the end fulcrum existed at the same time, and the shear lag coefficient on the web plate was larger than the shear lag coefficient on the unforced side. Due to the influence of constraint at the middle fulcrum near the middle pivot point, positive and negative shear lag effects were significant, and the coefficient variation range was large, resulting in large tensile stress on the roof plate in this area. According to FE analytical results, stress and shear forces of a single box three-chamber box girder under eccentric load were theoretically analyzed, the bending load decomposed into the accumulation of bending moment and axial force, using the bar simulation method, and the overall shear lag effect coefficient λ was obtained and verified.

Modal analysis of a coupled ballastless railway track surrounding a horse shoe shape shield tunnel linked to a box-girder bridge with substructure using finite element method

Modal analysis of a coupled ballastless railway track surrounding a horse shoe shape shield tunnel linked to a box-girder bridge with substructure using finite element method

Assessment of residual prestress in existing concrete bridges: The Kalix bridge

The direct socio-economic consequences of the deterioration of aging infrastructure systems have triggered a continuous process of revising and updating current design standards and guidelines for critical network components. Specifically, long-term degradation processes demand the analysis and evaluation of vital structural assets such as prestressed concrete bridges. It is crucial to develop theoretically consistent, user-friendly, and non-destructive methodologies that engineering professionals can employ to prevent and mitigate potential catastrophic outcomes during the service life of these bridges. This study provides a thorough review of the available testing methods employed over the years for prestressed concrete bridges and introduces a comprehensive framework for evaluating existing methods for residual prestress force assessment. Through a multi-criteria selection process, the three most feasible tests were designed and carried out on an existing 66-year-old balanced cantilever box girder bridge exposed to freezing temperatures that affected the instrumentation plan and test execution. Finally, predictive models compliant with standard codes were calibrated based on the experimental results and the life cycle loss of prestress forces was evaluated to assess relevant bounding intervals. Findings reveal limited on-site testing and discrepancies between calculated residual forces and predictions by standard codes. The saw cut method showed a 18% difference from the initial applied prestress according to the prestress protocol, suggesting the use of a cover meter and concrete modulus evaluation for improved accuracy. The strand cutting method resulted in a 14% difference, emphasizing the need for stress redistribution assessment. The second-order deflection method showed a 6% difference, indicating a focus on enhanced boundary conditions and thorough sensitivity analysis for future investigations.

Mechanical characteristics of hoisting construction of segmental cantilever assembled box girder bridge

Abstract In order to study the safety of the segmental box girder in the hoisting process, this paper designed the construction method of the gantry crane hoisting segmental box girder in combination with the actual project. By establishing a mathematical model, the mechanical properties of the segmental box girder under two different hoisting schemes were analyzed. Under different load conditions, the lifting analyses, translation analyses and descending analyses of the box girder were carried out respectively, and the deflection and stress corresponding to the box girder were obtained. Considering the displacement and stress results of the box girder under the two hoisting schemes, it was concluded that the hoisting construction of the segmental box girder should give priority to the second hoisting scheme. That is, the hoisting holes were opened at the flange position of the roof. Provide feasible technical support for future construction.

Effect of material characteristics of lead rubber isolators on seismic performance of box girder bridge

Near-field (NF) earthquakes have distinct ground motions, forward directivity pulses, and fling-step motions, causing structural responses to differ from far-field (FF) earthquakes. Seismic isolation is regarded as a developed and successful technology that may be applied to enhance a structure’s functionality and safeguard it against catastrophic earthquake effects. The variation in mechanical properties of seismic isolation also significantly influences bridge seismic response. The study investigates the influence of lead rubber (LRB) isolators and the characteristics of ground motions on seismically isolated bridges, aiming to determine optimal parameters for minimal earthquake response. Key parameters include ground motion characteristics, characteristic strength (Q), and isolator flexibility. The study modeled the force-deformation behavior of isolators using bilinear behavior, reflecting the Bouc-Wen hysteric model. CSI Bridge was used to model seismically isolated steel box girder bridges, with eight natural accelerograms assessing a 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years. The peak responses of pier displacement (MPD), isolator hysteric energy (HED), base shear, and deck acceleration are chosen as the response parameters for the comparison. To evaluate the response parameters, the earthquake data are scaled to the three studied peak ground acceleration (PGA) levels of design level (0.2 g), extreme level (0.4 g), and rare-extreme level (0.8 g). The findings offer insight on the relevance of isolator stiffness and its influences on the seismic performance of isolated bridges. The study identifies minimum values for pier displacement, hysteric energy, deck acceleration, and base shear at specific Q/weight sustained by isolator (W) and time period (T) values. Recommendations are made for the preliminary seismic isolation design of bridges with LRB isolators, highlighting the importance of PGV to PGA ratio in earthquake damage assessment.

Investigation on temperature effect of local structural stress during non-uniform cross-section steel bridge deck pavement paving

During the process of gussasphalt concrete paving on the orthotropic steel bridge deck of a non-uniform cross-section box girder bridge, the high-temperature asphalt mixture often produces temperature stresses that can affect bearings safety. In this study, a refined model of a steel box girder bridge with a 660 m scale was developed and numerical simulations were conducted using the finite element software. The temperature field was applied to the orthotropic steel bridge deck in a quasi-dynamic fashion, leading to the determination of a safe width for concrete paving. To assess the accuracy of the computational predictions, field paving was performed under the safe width condition determined from the calculations, and the temperature and local stress data were measured in the field. The results demonstrate that the finite element predictions are in good agreement with the yield strength of the bearing’s local structure, and the measurements also show a close correspondence with the structural yield strength, validating the reliability of the quasi-static simulation approach. The proposed method offers a computational tool and a reliability criterion for future finite element analyses of large-span non-uniform cross-section steel box girder bridges, as well as a safe width example for subsequent gussasphalt mixture paving on orthotropic steel bridge decks.

COMPARASION PLASTIC BEHAVIOR OF BOX GRIDER BRIDGE WITH MULTIPLE BOX AND CELLULAR BOX CROSS SECTIONS

This study compares plastic deformation behavior in box girder bridges with multiple boxes and cellular box cross-sections. The cross-section's shape significantly influences the girder's post-yield behavior despite being designed to have the exact yield moment. Steel's stress-strain relationship undergoes linear behavior until the yield stress is reached, followed by strain hardening. This study aims to assess the impact of strain hardening on the plastic behavior of girder box bridges.Two types of box girder sections, multiple box and cellular box, are designed with equivalent yield moments. The analysis is conducted with and without strain hardening calculations to evaluate plastic moment, inelastic area length, shape factor, and moment-curvature relationship. The design and analysis follow RSNI T-03-2005 standards using SAP 2000 v.15.Results indicate that multiple box sections exhibit more prominent plastic moments and inelastic area lengths than cellular box sections. Strain hardening calculations show significant increases in plastic moments for both section types. Graphical comparisons highlight the differences in moment-curvature relationships between models with and without strain hardening. Understanding the impact of strain hardening on plastic behavior provides valuable insights for designing and assessing box girder bridges, ensuring structural safety and performance under load conditions.

Calculation of Temperature Action of Flat Steel Box Girder of Long-Span Bridges Using a Joint Model of ARMA Mean and GARCH Variance

Using the monitoring temperature field data from the flat steel box girder, the time histories of temperature data and temperature difference data are investigated using the extreme value analysis method. Because the calculation of standard values of temperature action needs massive temperature field data, the simulation of daily extreme values of temperature data and temperature difference data is carried out by virtual of Probability Statistical Method. The seasonal and nonstationary trend terms are described using the weighted sum of a series of basic elementary functions. The random fluctuation term is represented by a joint model of ARMA mean and GARCH variance. Moreover, the yearly extreme values of temperature data and temperature difference data are considered as statistical variables, and their standard values of temperature action with 50-year return period are calculated by means of the general extreme value (GEV) distributive function. The research results can supply references for temperature action of flat steel box girder.

A Novel Mayfly Algorithm with Response Surface for Static Damage Identification Based on Multiple Indicators

This paper proposes a novel structural damage identification approach coupling the Mayfly algorithm (MA) with static displacement-based response surface (RS). Firstly, a hybrid optimal objective function is established that simultaneously considers the sensitivity-based residual errors of static damage identification equation and the static displacement residual. In the objective function, the static damage identification equation is addressed by the Tikhonov regularization technique. The MA is subsequently employed to conduct an optimal search and pinpoint the location and intensity of damages at the structural element level. To handle the inconformity of the static loading points and the measurement points of displacements, the model reduction and displacement extension techniques are implemented to reconstruct the static damage identification equation. Meanwhile, the static displacement-based RS is constructed to calculate the displacement residual in the hybrid objective function, thereby circumventing the time-consuming finite element calculations and improving computational efficiency. The identification results of the numerical box girder bridge demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the particle swarm optimization, differential evolution, Jaya and whale optimization algorithms about both convergence rate in optimal searching and identification accuracy. The proposed method enables more accurate damage identification compared to methods solely based on the indicator of the residual of static damage identification equations or displacement residual. The results of identifying damage in the 21 element-truss structure and the static experiments on identifying damage in an aluminum alloy cantilever beam confirm the high efficiency of the proposed approach.

Book review

Book review

Insights into structural assessment and long-term effects of a post-tensioned multispan concrete box girder bridge with vertically prestressed internal joints

The study focuses on multi-span prestressed bridges, where time-dependent effects like creep, shrinkage and prestress losses can have a significant impact on long-term behaviour. Specifically, the paper analyses a bridge constructed with the balanced-cantilever method and presenting the peculiarity of vertically prestressed internal joints, which significantly influence the deformed shape and require proper modelling approaches. The testing campaign is fundamental to achieve a deepened awareness of the actual behaviour of the bridge and to correctly reproduce it through a Finite Element (FE) model. The constructed FE model accurately predicts actual and future deformations and stresses, and allows simulating the actual service conditions of the structure. The novelty of the work presented in this paper lies in the development of a detailed model specifically tailored for the analysed bridge typology, considering real construction stages and long-term phenomena of both steel and concrete. The model has reached a high level of validation through the comparison of the results with extensive in-situ tests and theoretical formulations, so as to be able to achieve insights and learn important lessons on the long-term structural behaviour of post-tensioned bridges with special internal connections.

A novel train–bridge interaction computational framework based on a meshless box girder model

In traditional train–bridge coupled system (TBCS), simply supported box girder bridges are often modeled using Euler beam elements, neglecting their spatial structure. This simplification may yield inaccurate results, impacting the running safety analysis of high-speed railway. To address this issue, a novel train–bridge interaction computational framework based on first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and radial point interpolation method (RPIM) for the box girder bridge model is proposed. In this model, the displacement fields of top, bottom, and web plates are represented using FSDT and numerically discretized by RPIM. The traditional TBCS is upgraded by replacing the Euler beam model with the novel model. This is the first time that the framework has been applied to TBCS field. Several numerical examples are presented to highlight the accuracy of this novel model, and illustrate the differences, and advantages of it over the traditional model. The results indicate that the proposed model closely matches the accuracy of the solid element (C3D20) model; it can provide a comprehensive bridge response compared to traditional TBCS, and the latter may underestimate the dynamic response of the structure. The proposed model holds significant potential for the simulation of box structures and widespread application in the field of TBCS.

Study on Fatigue Life of PC Composite Box Girder Bridge with Corrugated Steel Webs under the Combined Action of Temperature and Static Wind Loads

The large-span bridge is highly sensitive to temperature and wind loads. Therefore, it is essential to study the bridge’s fatigue life under the combined effects of temperature and static wind loads. This study focuses on the main bridge of Qiao Jia-fan 2# on the Yinkun Expressway (G85), with a span of 250 m and a configuration of a PC composite box girder bridge with corrugated steel webs. Firstly, on-site temperature and wind direction measurements with wind speed were conducted at the bridge site. Origin 2022 software is used to make mathematical statistics on the data, the representative values of atmospheric temperature difference between day and night and the basic wind speeds are calculated. Secondly, based on the basic wind speed in the most unfavorable wind direction, the static three-component force coefficients of bridge at different angles of attack are calculated by FLUENT 2022 R1 software. By comparison, the most unfavorable wind angle of attack, wind direction and wind load value of Qiao Jia-fan 2# Bridge are obtained. Finally, the finite element software MIDAS/FEA NX 2022 is used to analyze the fatigue life of the main bridge of the Qiao Jia-fan 2# Bridge. The analysis results show that the representative value of the temperature difference between day and night in the area where PC composite box girder bridge with corrugated steel webs is located is 22 °C, the most unfavorable wind direction is NNE wind direction, and the most unfavorable wind attack angle is 3° wind attack angle. It is found that the maximum stress of concrete and corrugated steel webs appears near the 0# block, and the life of corrugated steel webs is far greater than that of concrete.

Automated Generation of Geometric Models of Box Girder Bridges

Using 3D models in the design phase of bridges helps the engineer to verify the bridge’s geometry and to analyse its aesthetic qualities. When these models are parameterized, the whole design process becomes more dynamic and standardized, which is very attractive to the infrastructure area of bridge engineering. This work presents a technique for automated generation of box girder bridge models, in which the geometric parameters are defined based on current design standards and criteria. Fast generation of a bridge’s model allows the engineer to make quicker decisions about the adopted structural solution, which expedites bridge design. Two case studies are chosen to present more details and validate the proposed technique: an existing overpass located in an urban area, and a fictitious bridge connecting two coastal cities.

Study on the Stress Histories and Fatigue Stress Spectrums of Longitudinal Connected Slab Track on Bridge During Service Life

The paper aims to study the stress histories and the fatigue stress spectrums (FSS) of longitudinal connected slab track (LCST) on the bridge during service life, and to provide an important basis for the fatigue test design of slab track (ST) in the laboratory and in situ, fatigue life prediction and fatigue designing of ST for the actual engineering. First, the temperature field model for LCST on bridge, high speed train (HST)-LCST-bridge coupling dynamic model, and LCST-bridge-piers and abutments longitudinal interaction model are established and verified. Then, based on these models, a calculation method of the FSS for the LCST on bridge under combined loads is proposed. Finally, taking the climate of the Guangzhou district in China as an example, the stress histories and FSS of LCST on a multi-span simply supported box girder bridge under combined loads are numerically simulated. The simulation results show that: (1) the stress of each component of LCST is small when considering only the vertical train load, and there will be no fatigue failure for LCST. (2) The temperature gradient load and longitudinal loads of ST significantly affect the stress distribution of LCST, so the combined effects of these loads should be considered when calculating the FSS. (3) The mechanical state of LCST is more severe around the beam end. The concrete stresses of track slab (TS) on the bottom surface and base plate (BP) on the top surface are significantly larger than the concrete stresses of TS on the top surface and BP on the bottom surface, respectively. (4) There are many peaks in the FSS of LCST on bridge under combined loads. Therefore, several probability curves should be used together to fit the FSS of LCST.

Discussion on Detection and Evaluation of Simply Supported Prestressed Concrete Small Box Girder Bridge After a Fire

The article takes a simply supported prestressed concrete small box girder bridge project as an example for inspection and evaluation after a fire incident. This includes appearance detection, concrete color hardness detection, concrete strength detection, concrete surface damage layer detection, reinforcement protective layer detection, and concrete carbonation detection. It is hoped that this analysis can be used as a reference for the detection and evaluation of future bridge projects with fire incidents to smoothen its subsequent repair and maintenance.

Investigations on the fatigue loading of thin-walled and resource-efficient UHPFRC segmental bridges

Many reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete bridges are defective or can no longer withstand the increased traffic loads for a sufficiently long time. In the long term, they will have to be replaced by new structures. In previous reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete bridges, fatigue loading (e.g. traffic, wind) is rarely a problem with regard to the concrete, especially since the cyclic traffic loads are relatively low compared to the static dead loads due to a solid construction method. However, for reasons of sustainability and compliance with climate targets, future structures and bridges should be built in a resource-efficient and materials-compatible manner, while at the same time fast and durable. A target-oriented approach to this is segmental bridge construction with keyed dry joints made of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). In these bridge structures the fatigue loads could become more relevant due to the slenderness of the thin-walled UHPFRC bridges superstructure and fatigue problems could occur. In order to investigate this in more detail, FE investigations on segmental box girder bridges under variation of the concrete strength (NSC, HSC and UHPFRC) were carried out, while optimising the cross-section dimensions. It was shown that due to the performance of UHPFRC and the associated cross-section optimisation, an exponential increase in the ratio of cyclic live loads to static dead loads and thus an exponential increase in fatigue loading occurs at thin-walled and resource-efficient UHPFRC segmental bridges compared to NSC and HSC bridges and that this can become relevant for the design of such bridges.