Structural Response of a Two-Span Concrete Bridge with a ۵۰-cm Deck Slab under Distributed Vertical Loading: A Case Study

This study investigates the structural behavior of a two-span continuous reinforced concrete bridge subjected to vertical distributed loading, with particular emphasis on the influence of a ۵۰ cm deck slab. The bridge consists of two equal ۸ m spans and is modeled as a monolithic continuous deck supported by two abutments and an intermediate pier. A uniformly distributed vertical load was applied along the deck to simulate lane loading and service-level traffic effects. Finite element analysis was performed using Abaqus to evaluate stress distributions, vertical displacement (U۲), and the structural implications of deck continuity. The results reveal that the ۵۰ cm slab provides significant flexural stiffness, leading to reduced mid-span deflections and more uniform stress distribution compared with thinner deck configurations commonly used in short-span bridges. Negative bending moments develop at the intermediate support, demonstrating the effective role of continuity in redistributing loads between spans. The observed von Mises stress levels remain within acceptable serviceability limits, and the displacement profile exhibits a smooth and controlled pattern across the bridge length. Overall, the findings confirm that increased deck thickness enhances the global stiffness and serviceability performance of continuous concrete bridge systems subjected to vertical distributed loading. This study provides useful insights for the design, evaluation, and optimization of short-span continuous reinforced concrete bridges under realistic traffic load conditions.

کلیدواژه ها:

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