FORCES AND DISPLACEMENTS OF DIAPHGRAM MEMBERS IN A MULTIGIRDER STEEL BRIDGE

Multigirder steel bridges are one of the most common type of highway bridges today. In these bridges, diaphragm members between girders are used extensively to assist in erection and to distribute wind loads laterally. This paper presents briefly the results of analyzing a five-girder continuous span steel highway bridge. Forces in diaphragm members are examined with respect to vehicle position and are compared with field measurement results. The forces and displacements at some diaphragm connection plate are examined in order to assess the condition of fatigue damage at these structural details. Recommendations for retrofitting technique are made.