ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF FLAT ARCH BRIDGES

The Department of Transport (DoT) in the UK has conducted experimental work and preliminary structural analysis of flat arches, which suggested several advantages for them. It then commissioned Robert Benaim & Associates to participate in a series of studies of the potential of flat arch bridges. Benaim's work had two stages: (1) verifying the preliminary DoT studies by analysing a 4m span 400mm deep slab; and (2) the preliminary design of two arch bridges with clear spans of 10m and 20m, both with a span-to-rise ratio of 10. These bridge designs were then costed and compared with more conventional bridge designs. In both stages, a two-dimensional finite element model was developed for the analysis, using the ENFELA program. Stage (1) investigated the effects of: (1) support stiffness; (2) support movement; (3) longitudinal reinforcement for a reinforced concrete arch; and (4) modulus of elasticity of arch material. Three failure criteria were considered. In Stage (2), a reinforced concrete solid slab monolithic design with reinforced concrete abutments was chosen for the 10m span, and the 20m span comprised precast beams, in-situ top slab deck, and reinforced concrete abutments. Five recommendations for further research are made.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: References;
  • Pagination: p. 387-96

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00719990
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • ISBN: 0-7277-2048-1
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: Apr 26 1996 12:00AM