engleski

Parametric Analysis of Steel Arch Bbridgers

Arch is a natural and appropriate structural solution, both aesthetically pleasing and clearly revealing its function. Steel arch bridges have historically been constructed for long spans, as true, through and half through arches, the classification depending on the relative position of the deck to the arch. Many researchers have studied the limit spans of steel arches, based on simplified assumptions. This inspired us to perform extensive numerical investigations of true steel arches to determine crucial problems of their design, based on theoretical deliberations, experience and recommendations from available sources and own ideas and conclusions. It was assumed that the arch itself carries all the loads (no frame action) and the erection procedure was not taken into account. After investigating varied funicular arch shapes for different rise to span ratios, the closed form parametric analysis was performed for both the two-hinged truss type arches and the solid rib fixed arches of the inverted catenary shape. The detailed numerical parametric analysis of two-hinged truss type arches was executed for varying span lengths, rise to span ratios, the truss arch depth and material quality. The stability of the arch was investigated by geometrically nonlinear analysis with initial eccentricity. Both closed form analysis and discreet numerical calculations were performed for realistic weights of the superstructure, adopted on the basis of statistical evaluation of built European bridges and own experience and for computed weights of spandrel columns.

true arch bridge; limit span; steel structure; parametric analysis

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