Structural Assessment using Non-linear Finite Element Analysis: Evaluation of the Shear Capacity for the Källösund Bridge

Paper in proceeding, 2005

It is demonstrated how higher load carrying capacity with respect to combined shear and torsion can be determined by non-linear finite element (FE) analyses of bridges. The Källösund Bridge, a prestressed concrete box girder bridge on the west coast of Sweden, was evaluated. The bridge is a 45-year-old, cast in situ concrete bridge with four spans, constructed by the free cantilevering method. The case study presented indicates a substantially higher load carrying capacity than for bridge assessment by conventional design methods. About 40% higher design bogie load was reached (B = 250 kN) using non-linear analyses, before a shear failure developed.