Application of Redundancy to Steel Box Tied Arch Bridge Structural System

摘要

Bridge redundancy is defined as the ability of a bridge system to continue to carry load after the failure of one or several structural components. A bridge will collapse progressively after the failure in some main components, if the bridge is in short of redundancy. The system factors for redundancy have been investigated in the design of the bridges with simple systems. However, there is no corresponding redundancy criteria established for the bridges with long span and complicated structural systems. This paper studied the superstructure of a through steel box tied arch bridge. The member failure state, ultimate limit state and functionality limit state were analyzed with 'Step-by-Step' procedure. Thus, the most critical component and weakest damaged systems are determined. It is concluded that this through steel box tied arch bridge has enough level of redundancy. This finding could be a reference for the design and maintenance for bridges with similar structural systems.