Local stability of concrete arch bridge based on Ritz method

Abstract

In order to minimize the self-weight and prevent local buckling failure of thin-walled box concrete arch bridges at the same time, the limit values of width-thickness ratios are deduced based on Ritz method and equivalent strut theory of arch bridge. A new method of determining sectional forms based on the limit values of width-thickness ratios is put forward. Based on Mupeng bridge, the theoretical results are verified by finite element software ANSYS. Results show that the limits of width-thickness ratios are related to concrete grade, equivalent calculation length and radius of gyration, the allowable minimum thickness of Mupeng bridge is 15 cm to avoid local buckling. The limit values of width-thickness ratios deduced in this paper are reasonable and this new method of determining sectional forms is simple and rational to apply in engineering. A scientific engineering calculation method on arch ring design is put forward and it can provide a theoretical basis for the design of thin-walled box concrete arch bridges constructed by cantilever pouring.