Optimal Design of Structural Concrete Bridge Systems
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 120, Issue 9
Abstract
Superstructure design of short‐ and medium‐span highway bridge systems may be conceived as a process of multilevel and multiobjective optimization. Three optimization levels are identified: (1) Level 1—component optimization; (2) level 2—structural configuration optimization; and (3) level 3—overall system optimization. Designs may be optimized by separately or simultaneously considering one, two, or more of the following objectives: cost, prestressing steel or concrete consumption, and superstructure depth. The optimal solution may be found by a sequence of nonlinear programming and sieve‐search techniques. Levels 1 and 2 optimizations identify the best solutions for specific components (precast I‐girders, voided and solid slabs, single‐ and two‐cell box girders) and layouts (for precast I‐girder: one, two, and three; simple or continuous spans). Level 3 optimization selects the overall best system for given bridge lengths, widths, and traffic loadings. The present study results in: (1) A systematic procedure for bridge design; (2) a rational approach to optimization of standard precast sections; (3) direct design aids for selection of optimized bridge systems; and (4) simplified optimality criteria for preliminary design.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 120 • Issue 9 • September 1994
Pages: 2653 - 2674
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 16, 1993
Published online: Sep 1, 1994
Published in print: Sep 1994
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