Comparative Structural Assessment of Two-Span versus Three-Span Concrete Bridge Decks Under Combined Concentrated and Uniformly Distributed Vertical Loads: A ۴۰ cm Deck Slab Case Study

This study presents a comparative structural assessment of two-span and three-span continuous concrete bridge decks, each with a ۴۰ cm thick slab and ۸-meter span lengths, subjected to combined concentrated and uniformly distributed vertical loads. Utilizing the finite element analysis software Abaqus, detailed models were developed to investigate the influence of span continuity on structural response, including stress distribution (Von Mises) and vertical displacement ( ). The analysis focused on characterizing the load-carrying mechanisms and deformation patterns inherent to each configuration under realistic service conditions. For the two-span bridge, analyses under combined loading revealed significant stress concentrations, particularly around the intermediate support and at the mid-span, with maximum displacements reaching approximately m. The three-span bridge, designed with enhanced continuity, exhibited a more favorable distribution of stresses, with peak values generally lower and more diffused, reaching maximum displacements of around m. The results highlight the critical role of increased span continuity in effectively redistributing internal forces and mitigating deflections, leading to improved structural efficiency and robustness. This research provides valuable insights for engineers designing short-span continuous concrete bridges, emphasizing the benefits of multi-span configurations in managing complex load scenarios and optimizing structural performance.

کلیدواژه ها:

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