Causes and analysis of position offset of curvilinear continuous beam bridge

Abstract

This study investigates the problem of beam deflection in curved continuous beam bridges. Taking the D0–D6 spans of the Gongbin Road viaduct as a basis, the main factors influencing the deflection of curved beam bridges are analyzed. The Midas/Civil finite element simulation software is used to calculate and analyze the causes of transverse and longitudinal deflection in curved beam bridges. The results show that the main influencing factor for beam deflection during operation is the system temperature, which causes a displacement greater than the combined displacement caused by self-weight, construction stage, gradient load, vehicle load, and bearing settlement. Damages to expansion joints during operation change the boundary conditions of the beam, preventing longitudinal free expansion under temperature load, and increasing the transverse displacement to 2–3 times the normal working state of the expansion joint, resulting in beam deflection. In the design phase, the selection of curvature radius and fixed support displacement is also a major factor affecting deflection. The smaller the curvature radius, the greater the influence on transverse and longitudinal deflection of the beam. However, when the curvature radius R is greater than 400 m, the impact on beam deflection can be neglected. The closer the fixed support position is to the ends of the bridge, the higher the possibility of bearing detachment, ultimately leading to beam deflection.