• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.297-315
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• 2010

This paper is concerned with free vibration characteristics and natural frequency of horizontally curved composite plate girder bridges. Three-dimensional finite element models are developed for the girders using the software package LUSAS and analyses carried out on the models. The validity of the finite element models is first established through comparison with the corresponding results published by other researchers. Studies are then carried out to investigate the effects of total number of girders, number of cross-frames and curvature on the free vibration response of horizontally curved composite plate girder bridges. The results confirm the fact that bending modes are always coupled with torsional modes for horizontally curved bridge girder systems. The results show that the first bending mode is influenced by composite action between the concrete deck and steel beam at low subtended angle but, on the girders with larger subtended angle at the centre of curvature such influence is non-existence. The increase in the number of girders results in higher natural frequency but at a decreasing rate. The in-plane modes viz. longitudinal and arching modes are significantly influenced by composite action and number of girders. If no composite action is taken into account the number of girders has no significant effect for the in-plane modes.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.325-336
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• 2019

Concrete placement and temporary formwork of bridge deck overhangs result in unbalanced eccentric loads that cause exterior girders to rotate during construction. These construction loads affect the global and local stability of the girders and produce permanent girder rotation after construction. In addition to construction loads, the skew angle of the bridge also contributes to girder rotation. To prevent rotation (in both skewed and non-skewed bridges), a number of techniques have been suggested to temporarily brace the girders using transverse tie bars connecting the top flanges and embedded in the deck, temporary horizontal and diagonal steel pipes placed between the webs of the exterior and first interior girders, and permanent cross frames. This study includes a rigorous three-dimensional finite element analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of several bracing systems for non-skewed and several skewed bridges. In this paper, skew angles of $0^{\circ}$, $20^{\circ}$, $30^{\circ}$, and $45^{\circ}$ were considered for single- and three-span bridges. The results showed that permanent cross frames worked well for all bridges, whereas temporary measures have limited application depending on the skew angle of the bridge.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.321-330
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• 2009

This paper presents numerical analysis results for the lateral-torsional buckling (LTB) strength of steel I-girder bridges. Current Korean and AASHTO design specifications for LTB consider the buckling strength of a single girder with both its ends constrained. The I-girder bridges are composed of more than one girder, and the girders are interconnected with intermediate cross-beams or cross-frames. Therefore, it should be required to evaluate the effects of cross-beam stiffness and the interactionof girders on LTB strength. It is also necessary to consider the effects of transverse web stiffeners on LTB strength. By considering these parameters, a series of four-girder systemswere numerically modeled using 3D shell elements to estimate the LTB strength while considering initial imperfections and residual stresses.