FINITE-ELEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR THERMAL STRESS IN STEEL-CONCRETE COMPOSITE BRIDGES

The objective was to determine experimentally and analytically steady-state temperature distributions produced in the cross-sectional planes of steel-concrete composite simple-span bridges. The upper and lower surfaces were exposed to different temperatures. The research included the development of finite-element solutions for steady-state temperature distributions from known boundary conditions and the calculation of strains and stresses. Temperature and stress distributions were generally nonlinear with linear strains through the finite elements. Temperatues were predicted to plus or minus 1 degree F (0.6 degrees C). The experimental strains are linear through the composite section, with the computed finite-element strains generally giving slightly higher stresses. The concrete-slab stresses were overstimated for positive curvature and slightly underestimated for negative curvature. Concrete-slab stresses were relatively small when compared to their permissible stress. Temperature stresses in the steel beam were shown to be significantly large to warrant consideration in the design of these bridges. Stresses were calculated for short-term steady- state temperatures. Transient field conditions producing greater thermal stresses are now under investigation.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00144851
• Corporate Authors:

  Society for Experimental Stress Analysis

  21 Bridge Square
  Westport, CT  United States  06880
• Authors:
  • Berwanger, C
  • Symko, Y
• Publication Date: 1976-5

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 168-175
• Serial:
  • Experimental Mechanics
  • Volume: 16
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: Society for Experimental Mechanics
  • ISSN: 0014-4851

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Composite structures; Concrete bridges; Deformation curve; Finite element method; Metal bridges; Steady state; Steel bridges; Thermal stresses
• Old TRIS Terms: Simple span
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00135870
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 22 1976 12:00AM