Time-dependent behavior comparison of long-span concrete arch bridge between prototype and model

Beipanjiang Bridge is a long-span concrete arch bridges with stiffened skeleton (CABSS) in China. It has a fixed end arch with the span of 445 m and the rise of 100 m. To evaluate the rationality of the construction sequence and the time-dependent behavior of CABSS, an experimental study of a model bridge was explored. But the measured displacement and stress ratios of arch rib between prototype and model bridge did not subject to linear similarity relation when the time-dependent behavior was considered. So, the three-dimensional finite element models were established, and verified by the measured data. Then, the displacements and stresses of the prototype and model were compared with each other, when the elastic analysis or coupling of temperature and shrinkage, creep effect was considered. Furthermore, a parametric study was studied. The results showed that when the temperature, shrinkage and creep effect of concrete are considered, the finite element analysis results of prototype and model agree well with the measured results. The displacement and stress ratios of prototype and model bridge in construction and bridge completed stage do not present the geometric similarity ratio 7.5 and 1.0, respectively. They are also much influenced by concrete predicting model and variation of temperature.