Improved Finite-Segment Method for Analyzing Shear Lag Effect in Thin-Walled Box Girders

Abstract

Shear lag effect in thin-walled box girders has been studied over several decades. However, the methods adopted in many papers have some deficiencies. In the present work, an improved displacement function for shear lag warping in a box girder with cantilever slabs is established. Based on the concept of generalized force corresponding to the generalized displacement for shear lag and the relevant geometrical properties, an improved finite-segment method is proposed to simplify the shear lag analysis of complex box girders. The homogeneous solution of the governing differential equation for shear lag is adopted as the element displacement function. The formulas of the element stiffness matrix and the equivalent nodal force vector are derived. A general formula expressed in terms of the generalized moment is presented to calculate the stress. A finite-element computer program is developed by using FORTRAN language and is used to analyze a cantilever box girder model and a continuous prestressed concrete box girder. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the test results, validating the proposed method and formulas. This paper also reveals for the first time the characteristics of the generalized moment for shear lag.