Structural analysis and improvement for a new form traveler in long-span cantilever-casting arch bridge

Abstract

A form traveler used in bridge construction has a great influence on the safety of the performance and alignment of bridges. As a cantilever casting segment of a bridge becomes longer and heavier, the traditional form traveler may not meet the strength and stiffness requirements, and there is a risk of collapse. This study has devised a new triangle truss form traveler and investigated the performance based on the Ye-Lang Lake arch bridge in China. Firstly, the numerical models of the form traveler were established to get the strength and stiffness index of the form traveler used for the arch Segment 2. Subsequently, the improvement scheme of the mechanical properties of the form traveler has been proposed. Then the partial refined numerical analysis model of the C-type hook has been established, a finite element model, and a design scheme for improving partial structures of the C-type hook was proposed. Finally, the field load test was carried out to verify the reliability of the new form traveler. The test results show that the improvement of the new form traveler is effective.