Effect of Web Inclination on Box Girder Bridges

Abstract

Bridge is a key element in any transportation system which provides easy access over physical obstacles like road, valley, water bodies etc. without closing the way underneath. Among various types, use of box girder type bridges are gaining popularity in bridge engineering because of its better stability, serviceability, economy, aesthetics, structural efficiency and rigidity in torsion. In this study, a box girder is analyzed by changing its web inclination angle to the horizontal (90°, 83°, 76°, 69°, 62°) using finite element based software CSi Bridge. Finite element models are developed keeping material properties, span length, boundary conditions as constant parameters. All these models are analyzed for self-weight, including load of wearing coat and crash barrier, and live loads specified by Indian Road Congress (IRC) namely IRC Class 70R and IRC Class-A loading. Responses in terms of torsional moment, longitudinal moment, support reactions, displacement and stresses are determined.