Computer simulations and parametric analysis of long-span PC continuous rigid frame box girder bridge

According to the structure and design characters of an existing long-span PC continuous rigid frame box girder bridge, a series,of three-dimensional computer simulation models is conducted with finite element method (FEM). The integral mechanical performance is firstly processed by the use of link option of the FEM, and then the local mechanical behaviors are particularly analyzed by a 3-D spatial model. All these important parameters that influence the performance of the whole bridge are studied with a systematic approach, and an advanced numerical model is described and the results of the parametric study are presented. This paper also compares the results under the current loading criterion with that of the preceding criterion which was adopted by designing this bridge to reveal the effects of the new criterion on nowadays design. The further analysis results are discussed in detail, and conclusions on the performance of continuous rigid frame box girder bridge are presented.