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    Bridge

    Advanced Analysis of Curved Girder Bridges Explained

    2023.11.03
    Table of Contents Click the table of contents for details.

    Overview

     

    Curved girder analysis is not easy like straight girders, and only limited software can handle this problem. Dr. Watanabe developed a full influence line theory for three-span continuous curved girders. The detailed theory is quite interesting, but only the methodology of how to use his methods is discussed in the article. His methods give an exact solution for a symmetric three-span curved girder, and the warping effects are not included. As always, start with an example. The input and output are self-explanatory and detailed discussion is not provided.


     

    Figure 1 Three-span continuous curved girder

    Figure 1 Three-span continuous curved girder

     

    Input

    Dr. Watanabe's method requires only five inputs.

     

    Side span angle = 25°

    Center span angle = 40°

     

    Side span stiffness ratio

    Side span stiffness ratio

     

    Center span stiffness ratio                 

    Center span stiffness ratio

     

    Moment of inertia ratio                                     

    Moment of inertia ratio 

     

    Influence line due to point load


    Figure 2 Moment at 3/8 location, span 2

    Figure 2 Moment at 3/8 location, span 2

     


    Figure 3 Torsion at 0/8 location, span 2
    Figure 3 Torsion at 0/8 location, span 2

     


    Figure 4 Shear, span 2
    Figure 4 Shear, span 2

     


    Figure 5 Deflection at 4/8 location, span 1
    Figure 5 Deflection at 4/8 location, span 1

     


    Figure 6 Twist angle at 4/8 location, span 2
    Figure 6 Twist angle at 4/8 location, span 2

     

    Influence line due to torsional moment


    Figure 7 Moment at 3/8 location, span 2

    Figure 7 Moment at 3/8 location, span 2

     


    Figure 8 Torsion at 3/8 location, span 2
    Figure 8 Torsion at 3/8 location, span 2

     


    Figure 9 Shear, span 2
    Figure 9 Shear, span 2

     


    Figure 10 Torsion at 8/8 location, span 1
    Figure 10 Torsion at 8/8 location, span 1

     


    Figure 11 Torsion at 0/8 location, span 2
    Figure 11 Torsion at 0/8 location, span 2

     


    Figure 12 Torsion at support B
    Figure 12 Torsion at support B

     


    Figure 13 Deflection at 2/8 location, span 1
    Figure 13 Deflection at 2/8 location, span 1

     


    Figure 14 Twist angle at 2/8 location, span 2
    Figure 14 Twist angle at 2/8 location, span 2

     

    Download Full Analysis Result [Click]

     

     

    About the Editor
    Seungwoo Lee, Ph.D., P.E., S.E.
    Senior Supervising Engineer at WSP USAs (Tampa, FL)

    He is a Senior Supervising Engineer with a high level of expertise in the design and analysis of suspension bridges. He has a solid fundamental understanding of structures and can apply his knowledge exceptionally well to the design and analysis of highly complex structures. He is also a strong communicator, able to identify and distill the key information that is relevant to the task at hand and present it in a clear and quickly understandable manner.
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