Lateral Load Effect on Steel Arch Bridge Design

Abstract

Design criteria for lateral load effect of two‐hinged, parabolic, steel arch bridge structures are presented on the basis of the ultimate limit state design concept. The arch structures are composed of two main ribs connected by a lateral bracing system. The load combination that is considered consists of vertical loading and practical lateral loading to which bridge structures are actually subjected. Based on results of their load carrying capacity analyzed by three‐dimensional finite element method, ways of incorporating practical lateral loading effects in the ultimate strength designing of steel arch bridge structures are presented. The required out‐of‐plane rigidities of steel arch bridge structures are also proposed.