Skewness Effect on Analysis of Transverse and In-Plane Loading Acting on Skew Bridges

Abstract

Skew bridges are basically required in highway and railway constructions. Unlike straight bridges, the behavior of skew bridges under transverse loading like gravity loads and in-plane loading such as seis mic loading, temperature, shrinkage, creep and braking forces is not quite simple due to the interaction which exists between longitudinal and lateral bridge directions. The aim of the present paper is to study the behavior of skew bridges when subjected to transverse loading, longitudinal and lateral in-plane loading mentioned above. The study is limited to linear analysis approach based on elastic material properties. For seismic analysis, the response spectrum analysis as presented by AASHTO LRFD is considered. Short, medium and long columns as well as slight, moderate and sharp bridge skewness are considered. The skew bridges studied in the present analysis are continuous bridges resting on pot bearings. Finite element models are adopted in the present study, shell elements for deck superstructure and frame elements for substructure. For all above bridge examples, a study is conducted to compare the results obtained from the straight and the corresponding skew bridges.