Assessment of Load Carrying Capacity of Arch Bridge: Case study on Odie Bridge
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2020-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Arch bridges possess an enormous capacity that can carry larger load than assessed through
the application of limit state analysis and experimental methods. In the case of arch
bridges, accessing detailed information of the structure is a bit difficult.
In this study, load carrying capacity of Odie bridge, which is non-reinforced concrete arch
bridge found in Ethiopia Federal Road Network, is carried out. Nonlinear finite element
analysis was adopted using the total strain crack model in Midas FEA. Arch Bridge can
manage load even with the formation of hinges. The study is focused on identification of
the formation of cracks in arch barrel due to its own weight and vehicular loads applied at
the quarter and crown point of the arch. Moreover, an influence surface along the top
surface of the bridge was generated. Using the influence surface, the vehicular axle load
positions were identified. Crack formation and stress in the arch due to a moving load is
captured.
To validate the numerical model, verification on Prestwood Bridge was used. The study
revealed that the comparison between the numerical model and the full-scale test of
Prestwood Bridge is applicable to estimate load carrying capacity of non-reinforced
concrete arch bridges.
Description
Keywords
Load Carrying Capacity, rch Bridge, Odie Bridge