Optimizing Horizontally Curved, Steel Bridge, Cross-Frame Arrangements to Enhance Construction Performance

Abstract

Unlike straight bridges where cross frames and diaphragms are considered secondary members that predominantly stabilize the compression zones of noncomposite girders during construction, the interaction of bending and torsion in horizontally curved, steel, I-girder bridges renders these components primary load-carrying members. The effect of curvature on horizontally curved bridge behavior has been shown to be more critical during construction owing to a lack of a large, hardened, concrete deck that helps to stiffen and stabilize the entire system. Therefore, cross frames play important roles with respect to stabilizing the girders and distributing loads in curved bridges during construction. This work examined the effects of a bracing system that involved skewing cross frames relative to a normal to the girder’s web, termed