Multiple Configuration Curved Bridge Model Studies

In this study, the components of a multiple configuration small-scale horizontally curved bridge were constructed. Using these components, eight different horizontally curved bridge configurations were assembled, analyzed, and tested. In general, the results from analysis and test were sufficiently close to verify the three-dimensional method of analysis and computer program developed at Syracuse University, and the feasibility of using a small-scale multiple configuration model as a research tool to investigate internal forces and displacements in highway bridges. It was also determined that a horizontally curved bridge cannot be effectively analyzed by approximating the curved geometry with chords. If this assumption is made, the analysis will yield internal forces very close to the correct values but will underestimate the deflections of the bridge. Therefore, the stiffness relationship for horizontally curved members subjected to moment, shear, and torsion were derived and incorporated into the three-dimensional analysis and computer program.