Finite Element Simulation of Temperature Variations in Concrete Bridge Girders

Abstract

The internal temperature of cast-in-place concrete bridges undergoes strong variations during the construction as a result of environmental factors. In order to determine precisely such variations, the present study relies on the finite element method, used to model the bridge box girder section and simulate the internal temperature distribution during construction. The numerical results display good agreement with measured temperature values. It is shown that when the external temperature is higher, and the internal and external temperature difference is relatively small, the deviation of the fitting line from existing specifications (Chinese specification, American specification, New Zealand specification) is relatively large and vice versa.