Structural Performance of a Four-Span Warren Truss Bridge under Combined Horizontal and Vertical Loading

Warren steel truss bridges are widely used in medium-span applications due to their geometric simplicity and efficient load transfer through axial member actions. In practice, bridge structures are often subjected to simultaneous vertical and horizontal forces arising from traffic loads combined with environmental effects such as wind or seismic actions. This study evaluates the structural performance of a four-span Warren truss bridge under combined horizontal and vertical loading using a two-dimensional finite element model developed in Abaqus. The bridge is analyzed under the concurrent application of concentrated loads in the horizontal and vertical directions to capture the interaction between lateral effects and gravity-induced responses. The structural response is assessed in terms of displacement patterns and Von Mises stress distribution within the truss members, with emphasis on identifying critical members governing the combined-load transfer mechanism. The numerical results highlight how the superposition of horizontal and vertical actions influences internal force redistribution, stiffness demand, and stress concentration regions compared with single-direction loading cases. The findings provide useful insight for the analysis and design assessment of multi-span Warren truss bridges subjected to realistic combined loading conditions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Warren steel truss bridge ، horizontal and vertical loading ، force redistribution