Study on the Effect of Temperature on the Alignment of a Long-Span Steel–Concrete Composite Beam Track Cable-Stayed Bridge

Abstract

In order to study the effect of temperature on the alignment of a long-span special track bridge, this paper provides a theoretical basis and technical support for bridge design, construction and later operation. This research established the section model of the steel-hybrid beam by COMSOL, and the internal temperature field, transverse temperature, and vertical temperature gradient were analyzed. The Midas Civil bridge model analysis system was established to investigate the influence of temperature difference and temperature gradient on the vertical deformation of the whole bridge. Based on the temperature and displacement monitoring system of the Chongqing Nanjimen track bridge, the temperature and displacement data in 2023 were obtained for comparative analysis. The results show that the temperature field inside the composite beam presents a nonlinear distribution, the daily temperature difference can reach 26.0 °C, and there is a significant temperature gradient between the steel beam and the concrete. The highest temperature is 60.3 °C at 15:00 when the temperature difference between the upper and lower edges of the concrete slab is 11.1 °C, and the daily transverse temperature gradient is 3.2 °C, 5.3 °C and 7.4 °C, respectively. Under the temperature difference in the system, the maximum displacement of the main beam is 92.3 mm, and the mid-span displacement is 132.1 mm under the positive temperature difference. Based on the measured data for the whole year, it is found that the displacement of the main beam under the combined action of ambient temperature and solar radiation significantly exceeds the influence of a single temperature. The research shows that temperature change has an important impact on the stability and durability of the bridge, and temperature monitoring and management should be strengthened in the design and operation stage to ensure the bridge’s safety and smooth operation of the train.