Competitive steel and composite bridges by innovative steel-plated structures: Fid-Bau Portal

Competitive steel and composite bridges by innovative steel-plated structures

Kuhlmann, U. / Braun, B. / Detzel, A. / Feldmann, M. / Naumes, J. / Oppe, M. / Galea, Y. / Martin, P.O. / Raoul, J. / Davaine, L. / ... [mehr]

Abstract

Bridges are an integral part of the worldwide traffic infrastructure and long-span bridges, in particular, contribute to mobility and economy of time in travelling. The aim is to improve the steel-plated cross-sections of steel and composite bridge structures for the final and execution state. Investigations for the final state cover the bending and shear resistance of box- and I-girders with few longitudinal stiffeners. The impact of the common increase in the stiffener size and the use of a closed-section shape were studied by experimental testing and numerical simulations. The coupled instability due to local and global buckling of rectangular cross-sections in arch bridges was dealt with in the same way. Thus, recommendations are formulated which allow for an optimisation as early as the design stage. One of the most competitive construction methods for long spans is the incremental launching technique. Appropriate patch loading models taking into account the specific bridge launching conditions have been developed. Recommendations are given with regard to additional realistic aspects arising from the erection phase. In the frame of complementary investigations, a free-of-charge software tool has been developed which helps the designer to overcome difficulties often encountered in the assessment of elastic critical plate buckling stresses. However, a full numerical simulation is essential for more complex plated structures so that, amongst other input parameters, initial geometric and structural imperfections are required for which recommendations are outlined. Generally examples are given where a contribution to the theoretical background seems helpful for the reader.