• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.84 no.3
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• pp.295-310
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• 2022

This paper proposes a modified bar simulation method for analyzing the shear lag effect of variable sectional box girder with multiple cells. This theoretical method formulates the equivalent area of stiffening bars and the allocation proportion of shear flows in webs, and re-derives the governing differential equations of bar simulation method. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified by the model test and finite element (FE) analysis of a simply supported multi-cell box girder with constant depth. Subsequently, parametric analysis is conducted to explore the mechanism of shear lag effect of varied sectional cantilever box girder with multiple cells. Results show that the shear lag behavior of variable box-section cantilever box girder is weaker than that of box girder with constant section. It is recommended to make the gradient of shear flow in the web with respect to span length vary as smoothly as possible for eliminating the shear lag effect of box girder. An effective countermeasure for diminishing shear lag effect is to increase the number of box chambers or change the variation manner of bridge depth. The shear lag effect of varied sectional cantilever box girder will get more server when the length of central flanges is shorter than 0.26 or longer than 0.36 times of total width of top flange, as well as the cantilever length exceeds 0.29 times of total length of box's flange. Therefore, the distance between central webs can adjust the shear lag effect of box girder. Especially, the width ratio of cantilever plate with respect to total length of top flange is proposed to be no more 1/3.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.237-246
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• 2008

The cross-sections of continuous multi-span beams sometimes suddenly increase, or become stepped, at the interior supports of continuous beams to resist high negative moments. The three-dimensional finite-element program ABAQUS (2006) was used to analytically investigate the inelastic lateral-torsional buckling behavior of stepped beams subjected to pure bending moment and resulted in the development of design equations. The flanges of the smaller cross-section were fixed at 30.48 by 2.54 cm, whereas the width and/or thickness of the flanges of the larger cross-section varied. The web thickness and height of beam was kept at 1.65 cm and 88.9 cm, respectively. The ratios of the flange thickness, flange width, and stepped length of beams are considered analytical parameters. Two groups of 27 cases and 35 cases, respectively, were analyzed for double and single stepped beams. The combined effects of residual stresses and geometrical imperfection on inelastic lateral-torsional buckling of beams are considered. First, the distributions of residual stress of the cross-section is same as shown in Pi, etc (1995), and the initial geometric imperfection of the beam is set by central displacement equal to 0.1% of the unbraced length of beam. The new proposed equations definitely improve current design methods for the inelastic LTB problem and increase efficiency in building and bridge design. The proposed solutions can be easily used to develop new design equation for inelastic LTB resistance of stepped beams subjected to general loading condition such as a concentrated load, a series of concentrated loads or uniformly distributed load.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.3A
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• pp.235-249
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• 2011

A new form of I-type PSC bridge girder, which has hole in the web, is proposed in this paper. Three different concepts were combined and implemented in the design. First of all, a girder was precast at a manufacturing plant as divided pieces and assembled at the construction site using post-tensioning method, and the construction period at the site will be reduced dramatically. In this way, the quality of concrete can be assured at the manufacturing factory and concrete curing can be well controlled, and the spliced girder segments can be moved to the construction site without a transportation problem. Secondly, a numerous number of holes was made in the web of the girder. This reduces the self-weight of the girder. But more important thing related to the holes is that about half of the total anchorages can be moved from the girder ends into individual holes. The magnitude of negative moment developed at girder ends will be reduced. Also, since the longitudinal compressive stresses are reduced at ends, thick end diaphragm is not necessary. Thirdly, Prestressing force was introduced into the member through multiple stages. This concept of multi-stage prestressing method overcomes the prestressing force limit restrained by the allowable stresses at each loading stage, and maximizes the magnitude of applicable prestressing force. It makes the girder longer and shallower. Two 50 meter long full scale girders were fabricated and tested. One of them was non-spliced, or monolithic girder, made as one piece from the beginning, and the other one was assembled using post-tensioning method from five pieces of segments. It was found from the result that monolithic and spliced girder show similar load-deflection relationships and crack patterns. Girders satisfied specific girder design specification in flexural strength, deflection, and live load deflection control limit. Both spliced and monolithic holed web post-tensioned girders can be used to achieve span lengths of more than 50m with the girder height of 2 m.