Finite element analysis of prestressed concrete box girder

The capability to analyse complex structures in great detail has been possible with the introduction of modern software like GTSTRUDL. While analysing a box girder with GTSTRUDL, application of finite element method is most advantageous, as it is possible to determine the exact nature of stresses and deformations at virtually any point of the structure and offer tremendous flexibility to define the geometrical shape of the structure. On the negative side it becomes difficult to interpret the results in view of voluminous data generated. The author has demonstrated through this paper that this shortcoming can be overcome by suitably interfacing spreadsheet programmes like MSExcel as the post-processor of GTSTRUDL output. Further by doing a dynamic analysis for moving loads and response spectrum analysis for earthquake forces considerable economy in design can be achieved.