Analysis of Open-Spandrel Arches

This paper presents a mathematical solution for the open-spandrel arch as a monolithic structure assuming full continuity between the arch rib, the spandrel columns and the deck. The solution is based on the principle of balancing the panel moments by imposing therein a special type of panel distortion which produces moments of a known pattern in the chords of the deformed panel only, and nowhere else in the open-spandrel arch. This makes it now possible to study mathematically the interaction between the deck, the spandrel columns and the arch rib, as well as the effect of introducing expansion joints in the deck, and thus make use of the so called deck participation in the design of this type of arch bridge.