Curved Girder Deformation Prediction Effectiveness Using First-Order, Linear Geometric Finite-Element Models

Abstract

This study examines whether a first-order, linear geometric finite-element static model analysis is capable of accurately predicting the deflection and rotation response of a curved steel I-girder bridge and curved steel I-girders. Girder deflections obtained during the erection of a horizontally-curved steel I-girder bridge and deflection and rotation data from curved-beam laboratory tests were used to determine if a linear geometric finite-element analysis could accurately predict their static behavior. Results indicate that the first-order, linear geometric finite-element model accurately predicts the deflection behavior of a horizontally-curved steel I-girder bridge and a curved steel I-girder beam tested under point loads. The results also indicate that the first-order, linear geometric finite-element model predicted the general rotation trends of the experimental beam accurately. However, the model overpredicted peak flange-tip displacements when compared with the experimental results.