Wind-Induced Response Analysis for a Fatigue-Prone Asymmetric Steel Arch Bridge with Inclined Arch Ribs

Abstract

Steel arch bridges with inclined arch ribs under strong wind fields are prone to fatigue damage due to the stress concentration at the position of hanger connections. Therefore, it is essential to perform the wind-induced response analysis for specified shape hangers, such as inclined hangers, to determine the stress distribution and corresponding influencing factors. In this study, wind-induced response analysis for a fatigue-prone asymmetric steel arch bridge with inclined arch ribs is performed by the numerical simulation approach. The investigated bridge hangers’ models are established by using the COMSOL Multiphysics software. The wind-induced stress of the bridge hangers under different wind directions is obtained based on the finite element method. The influential factor of the stress distribution of the bridge hangers on both the windward side and the leeward side is discussed. In addition, the stress peaks of the long hanger and short hanger are achieved for further fatigue analysis. This paper provides a reference for determining the critical fatigue-prone position of an asymmetric steel arch bridge with inclined arch ribs.