Structural Analysis of a Six Span Pratt Steel Truss Bridge under Vertical Loading

Steel truss bridges are widely used in bridge engineering due to their high strength to weight ratio, structural efficiency, and suitability for medium spans. Among different truss configurations, the Pratt truss is one of the most commonly used systems because of its efficient arrangement of tension and compression members. In this study, the structural behavior of a six span Pratt steel truss bridge subjected to vertical loading is investigated. A numerical model of the structure was developed and vertical loads were applied at the upper chord joints. Internal member forces, displacements, and stress distribution within the structure were then analyzed. The results indicate that the bottom chord members primarily experience tension, while the top chord members are mainly subjected to compression. The maximum axial forces occur in the middle spans of the bridge. Furthermore, the distribution of forces in the central spans is greater than that in the edge spans. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the structural performance of steel truss bridges under vertical loading.

کلیدواژه ها:

Steel truss bridges ، Pratt truss ، axial forces