Structural Response of a Two-Span Continuous Concrete Bridge with a ۳۰-cm Deck Slab under Combined Concentrated and Distributed Vertical Loads: A Case Study

This study investigates the structural behavior of a two-span continuous concrete bridge with a ۳۰ cm deck slab subjected to a combination of vertical point and uniformly distributed loads. Using finite element analysis in Abaqus, a detailed numerical model was developed to capture the complex interaction between localized concentrated loading and surface-distributed loading on a continuous deck system. The combined loading scenario represents realistic traffic conditions, where wheel loads produce localized effects while distributed loads simulate general lane loading. The results reveal that the interaction of point and distributed loads significantly influences the internal force distribution, stress patterns, and deformation characteristics of the bridge. The continuity over the intermediate support effectively redistributes the applied loads, reducing peak stresses near the point load application areas and limiting excessive deflection across the spans. The deck slab demonstrates efficient structural performance, with stress levels remaining within safe margins and vertical displacements controlled due to the stiffness contribution of the continuous configuration. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of evaluating combined loading conditions for realistic assessment of continuous concrete bridges. The outcomes provide valuable insights for improving the design, serviceability, and safety of short to medium span bridge systems operating under mixed traffic loading scenarios.

کلیدواژه ها:

two-span bridge ، concrete bridge ، deck continuity ، finite element analysis