ABSTRACT
This paper discusses the results of FEM calculations of a soil-steel arch road bridge. The arch bridge consists of flat steel sheets attached together with joints. Numerical calculations were made under two various static loads using Abaqus software. Two FEM models were taken into consideration. In the first model named as m1, the flat steel plates were used, and in the second one named as m2, corrugated steel plates (150 × 50 × 3 mm) were applied. The effect of corrugation plate application was determined and discussed. As a result of numerical computations (Fig. 1) of the soil-steel bridge under static live loads obtained from two models and comparing the obtained results with the experimental values, following conclusions can be drawn:
Maximum calculated displacements obtained from FEM analysis using calculation model m1 with flat plates are lower than values derived from experimental studies. The experimental bending moments, stresses and axial forces are between the results received from the models m1 and m2 with a tendency to be closer to the model m1. The shape of displacements, stresses, bending moments and axial forces does not differ substantially from those obtained during experimental studies.
Generally, the computation results using model m1 are significantly closer to the real values derived from experimental tests than those obtained using model m2 with corrugated plates. This is related with the greater flexural stiffness (stiffness index k and geometric stiffness index δ) of the shell structures made from flat steel plates (thickness of 23 mm) than those made from corrugated steel plates (150 × 50 × 3 mm). The application of two various contact elements (tie and interface) do not considerably affects (maximum 1–2%) for the calculation results.
It is clearly indicated that there are no beneficial effects of the corrugated plate application on the reducing displacements and stresses, as well as bending moments and axial thrusts in the soil-steel bridge. It can be stated that in the case of soil-steel bridges and culverts with small span there are no necessity of use the corrugated profile. This significantly reduces the construction cost of small bridges (easier production of flat sheets and their installation versus to corrugated plates). In order to provide the detailed regulations, further parametric studies should be conducted, especially for various shell span, plate thickness and height of backfill cover over the shell.
In the model m1, maximum displacements, stresses and axial forces occurred at the shell crown and bending moments at the lower part of shell (near foundations). In the case of model m2, maximum stresses are slightly displaced towards the quarter points of shell, maximum displacements and bending moments appeared at the shell crown, and maximum axial thrusts are located at the lower part of shell structure.
Map of maximum displacements (a) and bending moments (b) for model m1 with flat steel plates. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315207681/cd556cd4-4dcf-4efe-8e29-56fc67b8bfbd/content/fig186_1.jpg"/>