Shear and Reaction Distributions in Continuous Skew Composite Bridges

Abstract

Continuous composite steel-concrete bridges remain one of the most common types built. The proper design of new bridges and evaluation of existing ones require accurate prediction of their structural response to truck loads. North American codes of practice contain guidance for the design of right simply supported composite bridges. To design a continuous composite bridge properly, it is important to determine the maximum reactions and shears. When the bridge is skewed, the distribution of reactions and shears becomes more complicated. In this paper, the influence of skew, as well as other design parameters, on the shear and reaction distribution factors of continuous two-span composite steel-concrete bridges are investigated. Results from tests on three continuous composite steel-concrete bridge models verify the finite-element analysis for such bridges. From a parametric study, expressions for both shear and reaction distribution factors for American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) truck loading as well as for dead load are deduced. An illustrative design example is presented.