ANALYSIS OF A CONTINUOUS CURVED BOX GIRDER BRIDGE

An analytical method for determining the response of horizontally curved bridges to loads is discussed. The predicted behavior of a curved box bridge under construction was compared to the actual behavior of such a bridge. The superstructure of the bridge tested consists of twin steel box girders in composite action with a 10-in. (25.4 cm) reinforced concrete slab. The portion of the bridge examined in this study was a three-span continuous structure designed for two-lane traffic. Two experimental testing programs were performed on the bridge. The first consisted of measuring the response of the steel box girders when a concrete deck was poured. When the construction of the bridge was completed, a second testing program involved measuring throughout the structure deformations and strains induced by the load of an FHWA test vehicle. Stresses, deformations, and load distributions are plotted, tabulated, and discussed. Comparisons of the analytical predictions, design values, and measured responses of the bridge are also presented.