Structural Response of a Four Span Warren Truss Bridge with a Damaged Member under Horizontal Loading

Truss bridges are widely used in engineering structures due to their high strength to weight ratio, structural efficiency, and ease of construction. However, structural damage in one or more members can significantly influence the overall load carrying capacity and stability of the bridge. In this study, the structural performance of a four span Warren truss bridge with a damaged member under horizontal loading is numerically investigated. The bridge has a total length of ۲۰ m, consisting of four equal spans of ۵ m and a height of ۵ m. A two dimensional finite element model of the structure is developed in Abaqus to evaluate the displacement and stress responses of the bridge. A concentrated horizontal load of ۲۰۰ kN is applied to the structure, while the damaged member is simulated by reducing its stiffness to represent structural deterioration. The results show that the presence of a damaged member alters the load distribution within the truss and leads to increased deformation and stress concentration in adjacent members. The displacement contours indicate a noticeable increase in lateral deformation, while the stress distribution reveals that nearby members carry higher internal forces to compensate for the damaged element. Despite the redistribution of forces, the structure maintains overall stability due to the inherent redundancy of the Warren truss configuration. The findings highlight the importance of considering local member damage in structural assessment and maintenance planning of truss bridges subjected to lateral loading.

کلیدواژه ها:

Warren steel truss bridge ، damaged member ، horizontal loading