Development of Alternative Load Paths in a Through-Type Steel Truss Bridge
Abstract
The loss of critical members of steel truss bridges by sudden impact loading affects the performance of the structural system. It is crucial for steel truss bridges to possess alternative load paths in order to prevent catastrophic failures. This paper presents results from finite element analysis of the redundancy of a through-type steel truss bridge. The objectives of this study are to identify critical members and to develop a structural system to improve load path redundancy of the studied bridge type. In this study, members that might be fracture critical to the bridge are identified. Through the nonlinear finite element analysis, redundancy factors are calculated to indicate the level of system safety. The procedures outlined in NCHRP 776 and NCHRP 406 were applied to define and quantify structural redundancy of the steel truss bridge. Results from the analysis reveal that strategically adding several ancillary members to the truss can significantly improve redundancy of the bridge and increase the level of system safety.
Degree
M.S.M.E.
Advisors
Chen, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Civil engineering|Mechanical engineering
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