In order to help the design engineer to choose the most economical design for
roadway bridges according to the materials of constructions and the structural forms
for various types of bridges, a set of computer programs has been developed to
simplify the method of analysis and design. Although computer programs are valid to
study numerous types of bridges, this work focuses on three types of bridges, the first
type is prestressed concrete ones with AASHTO girders, the second type is steel
plate girders ones and the third type is reinforced concrete box girder bridges. In all
types reinforced concrete deck slabs are used through this study.
The analysis is based on the finite element method using the well-known computer
program SAP90. Thus a set of computer auxiliary programs has been developed for
automatic modeling of different bridges in order to obtain the design forces. In
addition, another set of computer programs has been developed to design the main
element for each type.
The codes used through the study are mainly based on the Egyptian codes which are
“Egyptian code for loads and forces on structures and building works 1994”,
“Egyptian code of practice and design of reinforced concrete structures 1995”, and
the “Egyptian code of practice for the steel structures and bridges 1993”, in addition
to “the American Concrete Institute code (ACI 318-98) provisions with some
modifications to account for the requirements of the Egyptian code of practice for
design of reinforced concrete structures.
A parametric study is carried out to verify the programs facilities. The chosen case
study is a four lanes roadway bridge of 14.0 m width, with a span-ranges from 20.0 m
to 40.0 m length. For the prestressed model the distances used between the main
girders are taken 2.0 m and 3.0 m. For the steel bridge model 3 and 4 main girders
are used. Finally, for the reinforced concrete box girder deck, right angle verticals
webs and inclined webs are studied.
Although computer programs for analysis and design for considered bridges are
explained and given, designed charts and tables are obtained to help the designer to
primary estimate the efficient type for the required system. Finally, several numerical
results have been obtained to demonstrate the capability and efficiency of the
computer programs prepared and developed through-out the thesis work. |
