• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.361-373
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• 2009

Using the genetic algorithm, the optimal-design technique of the Nielsen arch bridge was proposed in this paper. The design parameters were the arch-rise ratio and the steel weight ratio of the Nielsen arch bridge, and optimal-design techniques were utilized to analyze the behavior of the bridge. The optimal parameter values were determined for the estimated optimal level. The parameter determination requires the standardization of the safety, utility, and economic concepts as the critical factors of a structure. For this, a genetic algorithm was used, whose global-optimal-solution search ability is superior to the optimization technique, and whose object function in the optimal design is the total weight of the structure. The constraints for the optimization were displacement, internal stress, and time and space. The structural analysis was a combination of the small displacement theory and the genetic algorithm, and the runtime was reduced for parallel processing. The optimal-design technique that was developed in this study was employed and deduced using the optimal arch-rise ratio, steel weight ratio, and optimal-design domain. The optimal-design technique was presented so it could be applied in the industry.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.405-416
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• 2015

We proposed the concept of nominal rigidity of a long-span V-shaped rigid frame composite arch bridge, analyzed the effects of structural parameters on nominal rigidity, and derived a theoretical nominal rigidity equation. In addition, we discussed the selection of the arch-to-beam rigidity ratio and its effect on the distribution of internal forces, and analyzed the influence of the ratio on the internal forces. We determined the delimitation value between rigid arch-flexible beam and flexible arch-rigid beam. We summarized the nominal rigidity and arch to beam rigidity ratios of existing bridges. The results show that (1) rigid arch-flexible beam and flexible arch-rigid beam can be defined by the arch-to-beam rigidity ratio; (2) nominal rigidities have no obvious differences among the continuous rigid frame composite arch bridge, V-shaped rigid frame bridge, and arch bridge, which shows that nominal rigidity can reflect the global stiffness of a structure.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.855-874
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• 2016

In this paper, it is aimed to evaluate the earthquake angle influence on the seismic performance of steel highway bridges. Upper-deck steel highway bridge, which has arch type load bearing system with a total length of 216 m, has been selected as an application and analyzed using finite element methods. The bridge is subjected to 1992 Erzincan earthquake ground motion components in nineteen directions whose values range between 0 to 90 degrees, with an increment of 5 degrees. The seismic weight is calculated using full dead load plus 30% of live load. The variation of maximum displacements in each directions and internal forces such as axial forces, shear forces and bending moments for bridge arch and deck are attained to determine the earthquake angle influence on the seismic performance. The results show that angle of seismic input motion considerably influences the response of the bridge. It is seen that maximum arch displacements are obtained at X, Y and Z direction for $0^{\circ}$, $65^{\circ}$ and $5^{\circ}$, respectively. The results are changed considerably with the different earthquake angle. The maximum differences are calculated as 57.06%, 114.4% and 55.71% for X, Y and Z directions, respectively. The maximum axial forces, shear forces and bending moments are obtained for bridge arch at $90^{\circ}$, $5^{\circ}$ and $0^{\circ}$, respectively. The maximum differences are calculated as 49.12%, 37.37% and 51.50%, respectively. The maximum shear forces and bending moments are obtained for bridge deck at $0^{\circ}$. The maximum differences are calculated as 49.67%, and 49.15%, respectively. It is seen from the study that the variation of earthquake angle effect the structural performance of highway bridges considerably. But, there is not any specific earthquake angle of incidence for each structures or members which increases the value of internal forces of all structural members together. Each member gets its maximum value of in a specific angle of incidence.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.387-401
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• 2016

This paper takes a half-through steel truss arch bridge as an example. A seismic analysis is conducted with nonlinear finite element method. Contrast models are established to discuss the effect of simplified method for main girder on the accuracy of the result. The influence of seismic wave direction and wave-passage on seismic behaviors are analysed as well as the superstructure and arch ring interaction which is mostly related with the supported bearings and wind resistant springs. In the end, the application of cable-sliding aseismic devices is discussed to put forward a layout principle. The main conclusions include: (1) The seismic response isn't too distinctive with the simplified method of main girder. Generally speaking, the grillage method is recommended. (2) Under seismic input from different directions, arch foot is usually the mostly dangerous section. (3) Vertical wave input and horizontal wave-passage greatly influence the seismic responses of arch ring, significantly increasing that of midspan. (4) The superstructure interaction has an obvious impact on the seismic performance. Half-through arch bridges with long spandrel columns fixed has a less response than those with short ones fixed. And a large stiffness of wind resistant spring makes the the seismic responses of arch ring larger. (5) A good isolation effectiveness for half-through arch bridge can be achieved by a reasonable arrangement of CSFABs.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.109-122
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• 2016

Concrete creep, while significantly changing the static behaviors of concrete filled steel tube (CFST) structures, do alter the structures' dynamic behaviors as well, which is studied quite limitedly. The attempt to investigate the influence of concrete creep on the dynamic property and response of CFST arch bridges was made in this paper. The mechanism through which creep exerts its influence was analyzed first; then a predicative formula was proposed for the concrete elastic modulus after creep based on available test data; finally a numerical analysis for the effect of creep on the dynamic behaviors of a long-span half-through CFST arch bridge was conducted. It is demonstrated that the presence of concrete creep increases the elastic modulus of concrete, and further magnifies the seismic responses of the displacement and internal force in some sections of the bridge. This influence is related closely to the excitation and the structure, and should be analyzed case-by-case.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.639-650
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• 2007

Applying the method calculating creep of Concrete Filled steel Tube (CFT) members based on the Elastic Continuation and Plastic Flow theory for concrete creep with the finite element method, the paper develops a new numerical method for the creep of CFT arch bridges considering effects of bending moment. It is shown that the method is feasible and reasonable through comparing the predicted stresses and deflection caused by the creep with the results obtained by the method of Gu et al. (2001) based on ACI209R model and experimental data of an actual CFT arch bridge. Furthermore, nine CFT arch bridges with different types are calculated and analyzed with and without the effects of bending moment. As a result, the bending moment has considerable influences on long-term deformations and internal forces of CFT arch bridges, especially when the section of arch rib is subjected to a large bending moment.

• Coupled systems mechanics
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-19
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• 2021

Composite nature of the masonry structures in general causes complex and non-linear behaviour, especially in intense vibration conditions. The presence of different types and forms of structural elements and different materials is a major problem for the analysis of these type of structures. For this reason, the analysis of the behaviour of masonry structures requires a combination of experimental tests and non-linear mathematical modelling. The famous UNESCO Heritage Old Bridge in Mostar was selected as an example for the analysis of the global behaviour of reinforced stone arch masonry bridges. As part of the experimental research, a model of the Old Bridge was constructed in a scale of 1:9 and tested on a shaking table platform for different levels of seismic excitation. Non-linear mathematical modelling was performed using a combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM), including the effect of connection elements. The paper presents the horizontal displacement of the top of the arch and the failure mechanism of the Old Bridge model for the experimental and the numerical phase, as well as the comparison of the results. This research provided a clearer insight into the global behaviour of stone arch masonry structures reinforced with steel clamps and steel dowels, which is significant for the structures classified as world cultural heritage.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.469-488
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• 2015

Thermal loads, especially thermal gradients, have a considerable effect on the behaviors of large-scale bridges throughout their lifecycles. Bridge design specifications provide minimal guidance regarding thermal gradients for simple bridge girders and do not consider transversal thermal gradients in wide girder cross-sections. This paper investigates the three-dimensional thermal gradients of arch bridge girders by integrating long-term field monitoring data recorded by a structural health monitoring system, with emphasis on the vertical and transversal thermal gradients of wide concrete-steel composite girders. Based on field monitoring data for one year, the time-dependent characteristics of temperature and three-dimensional thermal gradients in girder cross-sections are explored. A statistical analysis of thermal gradients is conducted, and the probability density functions of transversal and vertical thermal gradients are estimated. The extreme thermal gradients are predicted with a specific return period by employing an extreme value analysis, and the profiles of the vertical thermal gradient are established for bridge design. The transversal and vertical thermal gradients are developed to help engineers understand the thermal behaviors of concrete-steel composite girders during their service periods.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.423-434
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• 2011

Tongwamen Bridge is a critical link between Dongmen Island and the land in Shipu town, Zhejiang province, China. It is a 238 m span, half-through, concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) X-type arch bridge. The width of the deck is only 10 m, yielding a width-to-span ratio of 1/23.8. The plane truss type section rib was adopted, which made of two CFST chords and web member system. The lateral stability is the key issue to this bridge. However, the existing researches on Tongwamen Bridge's lateral stability are all the deterministic structural analysis. In this paper, a new strategy for positioning sampling points of the response surface method (RSM), based on the composite method combining RSM with geometric method for structural reliability analysis, is employed to obtain the reliability index of lateral stability. In addition the correlated parameters were discussed in detail to find the major factors. According to the analysis results, increasing the stiff of lateral braces between the arch ribs and setting the proper inward-incline degree of the arch rib can enhance obviously the reliability of lateral stability. Moreover, the deck action of non-orienting force is less than the two factors above. The calculated results indicate that the arch ribs are safe enough to keep excellent stability, and it provides the foundation that the plane truss rib would be a competitive solution for a long-span, narrow, CFST arch bridge.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.161-175
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• 2018

In this study, in-situ dynamic tests of the world's longest steel box tied-arch bridge over the Yangtze River, China, are reported. The double deck bridge supports highway and monorail systems at upper and lower levels, respectively. Strain, displacement, and acceleration responses were measured and used to investigate the vibration characteristics of the bridge when excited by running trains and/or trucks at a speed of 5-60 km/h, train braking, and truck bouncing. Impact factors were correlated with the running speed of trains and trucks. A three-dimensional finite element model of the coupled monorail-train-bridge vibration system accounting for track irregularities was established to understand the system behavior and validated by the experimental results. Truck bouncing was the dominant impact factor on bridge responses. The running speed of vehicles determined the riding comfort of traveling trains.