Response of Horizontally Curved Bridge to Moving Load

A method of analysis of the dynamic response of a horizontally curved simple-span bridge is presented subjected to a smoothly moving mass load. The methods of analysis for vibration of bridges on straight alignment involving moving mass loads are reviewed. Solution of the present problem through the use of the method of undetermined coefficients is demonstrated. A parametric study is made of the effects of horizontal curvature, rigidity ratio, speed parameter, weight ratio and frequency ratio on the response of the bridge to flexural and torsional vibrations. The effects of the first three parameters on the response with the moving mass load are nearly the same as those with a constant moving force, while those of the latter two parameters are essentially the same as that of a straight bridge.