Time-dependent Effects in Curved Composite Beams

Horizontally curved beams under vertical loading not only result in bending but also cause torsion. Due to the curvature torsion is directly connected to bending. Therefore in curved continuous beams the stress resultants and consequently the reactions at the supports depend on the torsion-to-bending stiffness ratio. In composite beams stiffness ratios change depending on time and on the used section type with consequence to the superstructure and bearings. In this essay time-dependent effects on the distribution of stress resultants and bearings are shown in examples of two span bridges with constant curvature.