Evaluation of Thermal Stresses in Continuous Concrete Bridges

Abstract

This search is mainly concerned with making a comparison between three methods for analyzing continuous concrete bridges, Priestly, Abdul-Ahad and finite elements. Three standard Design temperature distribution, New Zealand, AASHTO and British (5400) were used to analyze the concrete bridges in Baghdad. The analysis of two continues precast prestressed concrete bridges in Baghdad are presented. Another comparison as made between the thermal stresses and the stress associated with dead and live loads. Analytical results indicated that stresses and curvature values are very sensitive to the type of temperature distribution assumed. The suggested analytical models for the bridge can be used to be predict thermal movement and stresses due to any shape of temperature distribution.