Parametric Optimization of Orthotropic Girders in a Cable-Supported Bridge
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 24, Issue 12
Abstract
In the last six decades, closed-box orthotropic steel girders have been widely used in cable-supported bridges. Several parametric studies were previously carried out to reduce inherent fatigue stress problems and to generally improve bridge girder designs. However, in most cases, only one or two parameters were studied simultaneously; hence, the full potential of orthotropic girders is not achieved. In the present work, a multiscale finite-element (FE) model of a suspension bridge is established with sophisticated boundary conditions applied to a local parametric submodel of a bridge girder. With this local model an automated gradient-based parametric optimization is carried out with the goal of minimizing the weight and price of the girder. It is possible to simultaneously optimize several design variables and fulfill constraint functions on fatigue stresses, deformation, and buckling. The results show potential weight savings of 6%–14% and price savings of 9%–17%, mainly found by using thinner plates and narrower troughs. Besides the explicit savings, the results indicate the potential for applying gradient-based optimization in civil engineering designs.
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Acknowledgments
The presented study is part of an industrial Ph.D. project with the title “Innovative Design of Steel Bridge Girders in Cable-Supported Bridges” and is carried out in cooperation with COWI A/S DTU Civil Engineering and DTU Mechanical Engineering. The project is supported financially by the COWI Foundation grant C-131.02 and Innovation Fund Denmark Grant 5189-00112B.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 24 • Issue 12 • December 2019
Copyright
© 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 21, 2018
Accepted: Jun 27, 2019
Published online: Sep 25, 2019
Published in print: Dec 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Feb 25, 2020
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