ANALYSIS OF GIRDER BRIDGES BY SEMT-CONTINUUM METHOD FOR IRC LOADS

Abstract

Birder bridges comprise a system of parallel longitudinal girders interconnected by deck slab and/or cross beams in the transverse direction. Thus, it becomes a system of discrete structural members aligned along the bridge axis topped by a continuous deck slab in the transverse direction. From the structural analysis point of view, a girder bridge may, therefore, be simulated as a Semi-continuum system. This dissertation work deals with this concept for developing a mathematical model for girder bridge analysis and is referred to as Semi-continuum method. The Semi-continuum method for girder bridge analysis is presented in a manner conceived and developed by Bakhat and Jaeger (83. As part of this study, this method has been extended to compute girder slope at various locations. The existing computer programme has been suitably modified and updated to incorporate the IRC-tracked and wheeled vehicles of category class-AA and 70R. Presently, computational requirements being substantially less* compared to stiffness matrix and FEM based programs, it eminently suits the present day environmnet of PC's in design office.