Analysis on the long-term performance of a curved composite girder bridge

In order to determine the long-term performance of curved composite girder bridges, a finite element model of a three-span curved continuous composite bridge with a radius of curvature of 75m was established. The stress and deflection of the bridge due to uniform temperature, temperature gradient, shrinkage and creep were obtained with finite element method. The influence of the radius of curvature was further analyzed. Results show that the shrinkage has the greatest influence on the stress and deflection of the bridge. The deflection of side span and the cross-section torsion angle increases by 30% and 38% respectively compared to dead load, and the tensile force of the studs in the negative moment zone increase by 63% under shrinkage. As the radius of curvature increases, the principal tension stress in concrete and torsion angle of the concrete slab decrease by 13% and 45% respectively.