Original Article | 2010, Vol.32, No.3, pp. 289-297
Improvement on design analyses of composite steel-concrete bridges using elaborate finite element methods
Jaturong Sa-nguanmanasak, Taweep Chaisomphob and Eiki Yamaguchi
pp. 289 - 297
Abstract
In this paper, three-dimensional finite element analysis of composite steel-concrete bridges is performed to simulate the actual bridge behavior. The accuracy of the model is verified against the results acquired from a field test. Thai trucks are loaded at possible locations of the bridge in order to obtain the maximum stresses on the bridge. The influences of concrete barriers, the displacement of bridge piers, and the Young’s modulus of concrete are then discussed, to reveal the actual behavior of the steel-concrete composite bridge. The reactions at the bearings on the bridge piers are also evaluated and discussed in this conjunction. Good agreement is obtained between the models and loading tests to show that the finite element model can aid engineers in design practices.
