Vehicle-Induced Vibration of Steel Deck Arch Bridges and Analytical Methodology

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamic behavior of steel deck-arch bridges with side-by-side multiple vehicle loadings moving over a rough deck. A brief description of analytical theory is provided, including vehicle model, bridge model, and numerical methods. Both vehicle and bridge are treated as three-dimensional models. The effectiveness of mode superposition and Newmark numerical methods are investigated. Most of the important factors that affect the dynamic response of bridges are considered in this study. The effects of the deck, column and arch boundary conditions are also studied, and the analytical impact factors of deck, column, and arch rib are compared with those determined on the basis of current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specifications. Study results are useful for both bridge engineers and bridge engineering researchers.