New Bridge Forms Composed of Modular Bridge Panels

Abstract

Panelized bridge systems (e.g., Bailey, Mabey Johnson, Acrow) are intended for girder-type bridges and have been implemented for military, civilian, and disaster relief applications. Design challenges, however, include material efficiency (span squared per number of panels), lateral bracing, and achieving longer spans. These challenges are addressed by investigating the promise of implementing panels in new configurations with longer spans and evaluating bracing strategies. Three new forms (Pratt truss, bowstring truss, and network tied arch) composed of standard length panels, with shapes determined based on geometric considerations and structural performance (resistance to buckling), are presented. A parametric study evaluates lateral bracing strategies for girder-like and column-like configurations. The promise of the new forms, also incorporating the developed bracing strategy, is demonstrated through finite element analyses. Following this investigation using a standard length panel, an optimization procedure for minimum self-weight and maximum structural performance is developed to determine an optimized panel length and form. This paper addresses the design challenges of efficiency, bracing, and span length for panelized bridge systems and indicates future areas for improvement through optimization.