One-dimensional finite element analysis of thin-walled box-girder bridge

Presented herein is a finite element approach for the static analysis of thin-walled box-girder bridge subjected to Indian railway loading using a three-noded one-dimensional beam element. The one-dimensional model is favoured over the three-dimensional model due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness during the initial design and analysis phase of the box-girder bridge. The complex structural actions of thin-walled box-girders such as torsional warping and cross-sectional distortion are taken into consideration in addition to extension, bending and torsion. Keeping in mind these complex actions, the beam element incorporates three extra degrees of freedom in addition to the familiar six degrees of freedom per node. MATLAB coding is done to obtain various response parameters for single as well as double cell box girders. Furthermore, the variation of different response parameters due to changes in radius, span length, load position, varying cross-section and various combinations of Indian rail loads has also been studied. The finite element approach used in this study is validated by solving two numerical examples which are in excellent agreement with the results of previous studies.