Bridge deck analysis

TL;DR: In this article, the theory and applications of the analytical techniques used in finding stresses in highway and other bridge decks are discussed and an approximate method of determination of bending moments for initial design is described.

Abstract: The book presents the theory and applications of the analytical techniques used in finding stresses in highway and other bridge decks. Current trends in bridge design and construction are discussed and are followed by the various analytical methods. The plate method is dealt with, initially by the basic derivation and solution of the plate equation. A chapter is devoted to the determination of the equivalent plate rigidities of various representative types of bridge deck. An approximate method of determination of bending moments for initial design is described. Various special applications of orthotropic plate theory are covered and the finite difference method for plates is described, including a summary of the dynamic relaxation method. The last four chapters deal with the stiffness method and its application: grillage and space frame analysis, the folded plate method, the finite element method, and the finite strip method. The book is intended for use by bridge designers and students with a particular interest in bridge engineering. /TRRL/