Effect of longitudinal stiffening on bridge girder webs at incremental launching stage

Patch loading is a predominant load case at incremental bridge launching. Bridge girder webs are frequently provided with longitudinal stiffeners to increase in-service shear and bending strength, and its effect has been included in design codes. However, no straightforward rules are given to accoun...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Carlos Graciano, David G. Zapata-Medina
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universidad Nacional de Colombia 2015-01-01
Series:Ingeniería e Investigación
Subjects:
Online Access:https://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/ingeinv/article/view/42220
Description
Summary:Patch loading is a predominant load case at incremental bridge launching. Bridge girder webs are frequently provided with longitudinal stiffeners to increase in-service shear and bending strength, and its effect has been included in design codes. However, no straightforward rules are given to account for the influence of such stiffeners on improving the patch loading resistance. This paper presents a review of some available formulae found in the literature to estimate the girder ultimate strength including the provisions of the European, American and Colombian design codes. Additionally, a nonlinear finite element analysis is conducted on three case studies related to actual launched bridges. The case studies are also used to study the influence of the longitudinal stiffener and girder depth on the girder capacity. Different load-displacement responses are observed depending on the girder depth. Finally, the finite element analysis shows to what extent the longitudinal stiffeners can increase the patch loading capacity of bridge girder webs during launching.
ISSN:0120-5609
2248-8723