Effect Of Types Of Bearing On The Load Distribution Among Girders Of The Bridge

Abstract

Abstract The present paper involves three-dimensional nonlinear analysis for reinforced concrete bridge deck consisting of three main girders. Finite brick element is used to predict response of the bridge under monotonically increasing static loads up to failure.A main concern is given to the effects of boundary conditions at the supports, and their effects on the behaviour of the bridge. Three types of supports were considered, these are simple support, elastomeric pads and a simple springs. The study includes also the effect of boundary conditions on the failure load, the load distribution amongst the main girders, and variation of bearing reactions in both pre and post cracking phases. The study shows that the method of representing the supports significantly affects the distribution of the loads among the main girders of the bridge.Key Words : Bearings, Bridge, Finite Element, Load Distribution, Nonlinear Analysis, Reinforced Concrete.