Comparative Structural Performance of Two-Span and Three-Span Continuous Concrete Bridge Decks (۳۰-cm Thickness) under Vertical Point Loads

The structural efficiency of continuous concrete bridge decks is largely influenced by the span configuration and the resulting degree of structural indeterminacy. This study conducts a comparative numerical analysis to evaluate the mechanical response of ۳۰-cm thick concrete bridge decks, specifically comparing two-span and three-span continuous systems under concentrated vertical point loading. By employing Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the study examines the variations in Von Mises stress distribution and maximum vertical displacement ( ) across these two configurations. The results reveal significant differences in structural behavior: the three-span system exhibits distinct stress patterns and deformation characteristics compared to the two-span arrangement, highlighting the impact of span number on force redistribution and structural stiffness. The findings demonstrate that while continuous configurations improve overall system redundancy, the specific number of spans is a critical parameter in determining the localized stress demands and serviceability performance of the deck. This comparative evaluation offers essential insights for the design optimization of continuous bridge decks, emphasizing the necessity of considering span configuration to achieve balanced structural performance under concentrated service loads.

کلیدواژه ها:

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