Lateral Load Distribution in Curved Steel I-Girder Bridges
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 10, Issue 3
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to develop new formulas for live load distribution in horizontally curved steel I-girder bridges. The formulas are developed by utilizing computer model results for a number of different horizontally curved steel I-girder bridges. The bridges used in this study are modeled as generalized grillage beam systems composed of horizontally curved beam elements for steel girders and substructure elements for lateral wind bracing and cross frames which consist of truss elements. Warping torsion is taken into consideration in the analysis. The effect of numerous parameters, including radius of curvature, girder spacing, overhang, etc., on the load distribution are studied. Key parameters affecting live load distribution are identified and simplified formulas are developed to predict positive moment, negative moment, and shear distribution for one-lane and multiple-lane loading. Comparisons of the formulas with finite element method and grillage analysis show that the proposed formulas have more accurate results than the various available American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials specifications. The formulas developed in this study will assist bridge engineers and researchers in predicting the actual live load distribution in horizontally curved steel I-girder bridges.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to express their sincere appreciation to the engineers from the various State Departments of Transportation for their support in providing bridge plans and data for this research. Our appreciation is also extended to Mr. Glenn Myers, Principal Technical Professional at PBS&J, for his invaluable comments.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 10 • Issue 3 • May 2005
Pages: 281 - 290
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Sep 23, 2003
Accepted: Apr 13, 2004
Published online: May 1, 2005
Published in print: May 2005
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