Design resistance strengths of composite steel box girder bridge using different codes

Abstract

Bridges design based on prescriptive normative rules regarding loads and their combinations, safety factors, material properties, analysis methods, required verifications, and other issues that are included in design codes. In addition, Composite Steel Box Girder (CSBG) bridges present a prominent structural solution for straight and curved bridges with moderate spans, because of their large bending resistance and high torsional stiffness as well as rapid erection. This paper aims to perform a detailed theoretical comparative study between fundamental calculations of the design resistance strengths of shear, Vn or VRd, and flexure, Mn or MRd, in positive (sagging) and negative (hogging) moment regions, of CSBG highway bridges. The comparison is involved with design specification methodologies proposed by Egyptian Code of Practice (ECP-207-part 6), Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) presented by Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and European Standard (EC-4). On its turn, the study aims to standing on differences and similarities between considered standards in the design of such bridges.