Analysis of Shrinkage and Creep Effects on New Steel-Concrete Composite Deck System for Suspension Bridge

Abstract

To study the shrinkage and creep of the new steel-concrete composite deck system of a suspension bridge, an equivalent calculation method based on the existing calculation theory of shrinkage and creep with changing temperatures and creep guidelines was proposed. Two different validation analysis models were established for the same structure using two largely popular finite element programs. The validity and accuracy of the equivalent results were verified, and the equivalent method was found to be practical, feasible, and highly accurate. A fine segment model for the steel-concrete composite bridge deck system of a suspension bridge was created with the use of the ANSYS finite element program. Further research was conducted on the effect of shrinkage and creep on a composite structure using the proposed equivalent calculation method. Research results for the new class of steel-concrete composite bridge deck indicate that the concrete shrinkage effect is dominant, but the creep effect is relatively insignificant. These results may be related to the concrete loading age. The effect of shrinkage and creep on the stress state of the bridge deck and the longitudinal steel truss are significant. However, the effect on the steel truss is not significant.