Static Model Tests of Curved Girder Bridge

Static tests of a scale model horizontally curved highway bridge are reported. A plexiglas model of an existing two span curved girder highway interchange facility was used for the tests. The fabrication techniques used in construction of the model are described. The model was tested in two stages. In the first stage a grid system consisting of two curved girders interconnected by diaphragms was subjected to concentrated static loads located at various positions along the two girders. In the second stage, a deck slab was added and the model was again tested under static loading. In each test, centerline deflections of the two girders and strains at various locations on the bridge cross section were measured. The measured deflections and strains were compared with values obtained from a computer program for two span horizontally curved bridge structures. In general, the measured deflections and strains were found to be in reasonable agreement with the calculated values.