Behavior Study of Curved Composite Box Girders

Abstract

The distortional response and slip behavior of curved composite box girders were investigated. Three curved composite box girders with only end diaphragms were tested in order to provide additional information on the distortional and slip behavior of curved composite box girders. The test specimens were fabricated to exhibit different radii, cross sections, and placements of shear connectors. The test results were compared with analytical results based on the curved beam theory and the distortional theory proposed by Dabrowksi, as well as on the finite strip method. These results are in good agreement. A parametric study was also conducted to evaluate the effects of cross‐sectional deformations on the stresses of the girder.