Evaluation of Strength Formulations for Horizontally Curved Flexural Members

Abstract

In 1992 the Federal Highway Administration, along with 13 states, began a project to study the behavior of horizontally curved steel bridges. The project is referred to as the Curved Steel Bridge Research Project and involves studying the behavior of curved members through theoretical, analytical, and experimental research. In this paper, detailed finite-element models representing a curved three-girder test frame, which is planned under the Curved Steel Bridge Research Project experimental phase, are used to evaluate the effects of curvature on the bending strength of curved I-girders. Linear-elastic static, buckling, and combined material and geometric nonlinear analyses are conducted using models that represent the test frame and component test specimens that will be inserted into it. The results are compared to various predictor equations developed from analytical work by the writers and to related work by other researchers, including Japanese research that is not readily available in the United States. It is demonstrated that the predictor equations developed by the writers are accurate in representing the behavior of the system. Limitations and needed improvements are described as well.