Abstract
The aim of this study is to select the suitable shape of girder cross section that is used in the design of bridges structure, and to evaluate the effect of cross section shape of bridges girders on the static properties such as vertical displacement, vertical shear force, bending moment, tension stress and compressive stresses.
Ten bridges models using different types and shapes of girders were used to study the effect of girder cross section shape in the construction of bridges by adopting static analysis.
The results of finite element analysis showed that the bridges models of separated concrete deck over girders have higher value of vertical displacement, positive bending moment, and tensile stress. These models are not suitable for design of bridges that subjected to higher traffic loads because of these bridges structures will not have enough stiffness and higher carrying capacity. Therefore, they will fail under heavy traffic loads. These models include flat slab bridge model, T-girder bridge model, I-girder bridge model, and steel I-girder bridge model. Most box girders bridge models appeared the lower values of vertical displacement, positive bending moment, and tensile stress. Therefore, these models will have enough stiffness and carrying capacity and they will be more elasticity from others models.
This study recommended that using the box girders bridges models in the construction of new bridges structure that have high traffic loads.
