FEM MODEL FOR TEMPERATURE PREDICTION IN BRIDGES

Abstract

Thermal effects have been frequently associated with concrete-bridge damage. The nonlinear temperature distributions that arise in bridges are not easily estimated and are often considered in a simplified way, which way lead to structural behaviour problems. In the present work, a discussion of current deSign code provisions is referred to and an approach for estimation of the temperature distributions considering a numerical technique for the resolution of the Fourier heat-transfer equation and its associated boundary conditions is taken to develope a computer program in FORTRAN. This technique is based on the finite-element method and takes into account the geometry of the bridge cross section, the thermal properties of concrete and asphalt, the location of the bridge, and climatic conditions. Several type of bridges viz. box girder, T-beam, slab etc. have been analysed for the prevailing temperature distribution over them. Parametric studies have been accomplished and code the temperature gradients are tried to be obtained.