Analysis of the Temperature Effect of Piers with Concrete-filled Steel Tubes under Cold Currents

Abstract

The temperature distribution of high piers with concrete-filled steel tubes (CFST) is investigated by continuously observing the temperature distribution of Labajin Bridge in Ya’an-Lugu expressway. Mathematical statistical methods are used to study the temperature gradient of the cooling mode. Results show that the closer the distance between the measurement point and the pier center, the wider the gap between the pier temperature and atmospheric temperature, as indicated by the temperature variations along the radius of the CFST section. Under the cold current effect, the direction of the temperature gradient along the radius of the CFST section can be demonstrated by the cubic polynomial. An exponential function is used to describe the temperature difference in the webs. The temperature difference of the cooling mode results in tensile stress on the surface of the pier. This stress is offset at the top of the pier, significantly influencing the internal force in the structure.