Curved Girder Deformation Prediction Effectiveness Using First-Order, Linear Geometric Finite-Element Models
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 16, Issue 2
Abstract
This study examines whether a first-order, linear geometric finite-element static model analysis is capable of accurately predicting the deflection and rotation response of a curved steel I-girder bridge and curved steel I-girders. Girder deflections obtained during the erection of a horizontally-curved steel I-girder bridge and deflection and rotation data from curved-beam laboratory tests were used to determine if a linear geometric finite-element analysis could accurately predict their static behavior. Results indicate that the first-order, linear geometric finite-element model accurately predicts the deflection behavior of a horizontally-curved steel I-girder bridge and a curved steel I-girder beam tested under point loads. The results also indicate that the first-order, linear geometric finite-element model predicted the general rotation trends of the experimental beam accurately. However, the model overpredicted peak flange-tip displacements when compared with the experimental results.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 16 • Issue 2 • May 2011
Pages: 56 - 61
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 18, 2009
Accepted: Jul 22, 2010
Published online: Apr 15, 2011
Published in print: May 1, 2011
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