Network arch timber bridges with light timber decks and spoked configuration of hangers

Network arch timber bridges with light timber decks and spoked configuration of hangers – Parametric study

Weronika Ostrycharczyk, Anna / Arne Malo, Kjell

Highlights • The introduced idea of spoked configuration of hangers can be a valid alternative for the wind bracing in the timber network arch bridges. • It is of equal importance to optimize network pattern both in- and out-of-plane for bridges with spoked network configuration of hangers. • Bases for the design guidance for network arch timber bridges with spoked configuration of hangers are provided in the article.

Abstract The paper presents the results of a parametric study performed on FEM models of network arch timber bridges with inclined and spoked configuration of hangers. The study focuses on performance and instability of the arches depending on the geometry of the bridge. The parameters taken into account are the bridge span, the arch rise and the in-plane and out-ofplane hanger configuration. The parametric study was performed by use of the Abaqus software and an adapted Python framework, which generates complete 3D geometry models inclusive loading, where the geometrical parameters are defined by the user. The findings show that double inclination of hangers is beneficial both for arch stability and structural performance of the bridge.