Study of timber bridges with multicellular prestressed decks

Author(s)

Jorge Luís Nunes de Góes

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC/SBD)
• Defense date: 2005-05-30

Examining board members

Antonio Alves Dias; Pedro Afonso de Oliveira Almeida; Carlito Calil Junior; Mounir Khalil El Debs; Everaldo Pletz

• Advisor: Antonio Alves Dias

Abstract

Timber bridges with multicellular prestressed decks is one of the most recent technology for modern timber bridges construction. In this thesis the theoretical and experimental study of the structural behavior of these bridges is accomplished. The main calculation methods are introduced and discussed. Two reduced models on scale 1:3, with the same external dimensions but different number of webs, were used for the experimental investigation. The models were tested with different load positions meanwhile displacements, strains and bar forces were measured. The obtained results have show that either model of Equivalent Orthotropic Plate or Finite Elements can be used for the design of this type of bridge. The Equivalent Beam model can also be employed as long as the correct Load Distribution Factor is chosen. The accomplished studies demostrate that this structural system is viable for bridges with span from 12 to 25 m (AU)