INVESTIGATION OF THE STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOUR OF SPATIAL ARCH BRIDGES

Spatial Arch Bridges (SABs) represent a new form of bridge structure that combines a spatially shaped arch and a deck suspended on cables. Such complex combination creates a not only architecturally appealing composition; but,... [ view full abstract ]

Spatial Arch Bridges (SABs) represent a new form of bridge structure that combines a spatially shaped arch and a deck suspended on cables. Such complex combination creates a not only architecturally appealing composition; but, also a structural system promising interactive behavior. The primary objective of the research is to investigate structural behavior of SABs under thermal loading and changing material composition including Advanced Composite Materials (ACMs). To perform such task on such structures, high number of models had to be analyzed. Therefore, Finite Element (FE) parametric models were developed to address the challenge of broad variety of geometric, loading, and material variables. As the complexity of SABs reaches extensive levels, the investigation of structural behavior without the use of advanced modeling would be nearly impossible. Throughout the FE analysis and post-processing, numerous techniques accommodating use of structural beam elements and their definition within non-linear analysis of ACMs were applied. Obtained results showed several areas of unexpected structural behavior. Spatially inclined arch is the most sensitive element to the thermal loading considering non-linearity of cables. The analysis of variability in deck stiffness disclosed unexpected behavior when curved in plan vertically stiff deck deflects more and experiences lover stresses than vertically flexible deck (opposite in conventional structures). The more gradual deformed shape of vertically stiff deck can reduce the susceptibility of SABs to vibration which light ACM structures are sensitive to. The use of advanced modeling clarified certain aspect of structural behavior of SABs constructed of ACMs and identified future focus.