Inelastic Strength Behavior of Horizontally Curved Composite I-Girder Bridge Structural Systems

Abstract

This research investigates the strength behavior of horizontally curved composite I-girder bridge structural systems, and the representation of this behavior by the AASHTO (2004b) LRFD provisions. The primary focus is on the design of a representative curved composite I-girder bridge tested at the FHWA Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, interpretation of the results from the testing of this bridge, including correlation with extensive linear and nonlinear finite element analysis solutions, and parametric extension of the test results using finite element models similar to those validated against the physical tests. These studies support the potential liberalization of the AASHTO (2004b) provisions by the use of a plastic moment based resistance, reduced by flange lateral bending effects, for composite I-girders in positive bending.