Inelastic overload analysis of continuous steel multi-girder highway bridges by the finite element method, PhD dissertation (J. C. Hall), June 1981, 201p.

This dissertation describes an analytical technique for predicting the response to overloads of simple-span and continuous ,multi-girder beam-slab type highway bridge superstructures made of steel beams and reinforced concrete slabs.. The nonlinear overload response is obtained by using a tangent stiffness solution process. The analysis scheme also employs the displacement based finite element method of structural analysis, where -the superstructure is discretized into a series of beam and slab finite elements, and, in addition, where the elements are further subdivided into a series of layers through their depth. The beam. and slab finite elements in this model are allowed to deform in both bending and in-plane displacement modes, while the beam: finite elements are also permitted to deform in shear. Each of the element layers is assumed to have its own stiffness properties and to be in a state of plane stress. The nonlinearities included in the model are: inelastic stressstrain relationships, cracking and crushing of concrete, yielding and strain hardening of steel, buckling of beam compression flanges, and buckling of plate girder webs and compression flanges. The method is verified through comparisons of analytical results and laboratory or field overload test results.