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Basic Methods of Analysis For Bridges
Basic Methods of Analysis For Bridges
FOR BRIDGES
Bhumika B. Mehta
M. E. CIVIL – CASAD.
B-2, Kalindi Flats, Opp. Kadwa Patidar Boarding,
C. G. Road, Ahmedabad – 380 006
Ph. No. – (079) 6561093
bhumi_29@rediffmail.com
bhumika_mehta@indiatimes.com
1. INTRODUCTION
Any structure is analysed with static method or dynamic method. Selection of
an appropriate analysis method depends on a number of factors. These factors are
purpose of analysis, importance of structure, methods available for analysis, type of
bridge or structure and soil conditions.
Static analysis can be carried out by hand or using a computer program. The
tools and skills are generally available to the bridge design community. Unfortunately,
static elastic analysis is suitable for only a limited class (but significant number) of
bridges. This class includes short bridges with monolithic abutments.
g) Long bridges
These structures may be subjected to spatial variations of ground motion along
the length. Traveling waves also affect response of the long bridges. At first
analysis, the assumption of uniform ground motion appears conservative
because it forces the entire bridge to vibrate in phase. Spatially varying ground
motion produces out-of-phase dynamic response, which tends to cancel the
energy. However, for long structures with intermediate expansion joints, the
advantages of out-of-phase dynamic response are commonly lost because out-
of-phase movement is taken up in the expansion joints, so that the assumption
of uniform ground motion is reasonable. The spatial variation of the support