A PARAMETRIC STUDY OF INTEGRAL BRIDGES SUBJECTED TO THERMAL LOADING

Bridge construction has maintained a worldwide level of importance in the construction industry. Bridges are the key elements in any road network. An industrial 8 span integral bridge structure having dimensions 261m*12.5m along with open foundation is modelled using STAAD. Pro software as a 3D grillage model and all the required loads were applied to the integral bridge structure as per IRC 6:2014 and IRC 5:2015. Only 4 span model is created due to the presence of an expansion joint after 4 spans with another similar 4 span structure in mirror. After extracting the bending moments and shear forces for the various sections taken along the longitudinal and transverse direction, the load combinations were formed as per IRC: 6-2014 and design is performed in accordance with IRC: 112-2011 for Ultimate Limit State and Serviceability Limit State. The design changes as per the change in parameters viz. structural stiffness, pier geometry, concrete grade etc. and the behavior of integral bridge was then studied specifically for thermal loading in accordance to the changing parameters, as they are dominant in integral bridges. Results helps us in understanding how the parameters on change, affects the bridge superstructure and substructure and how they respond structurally.