Model Design and Test Study of a New Type Space-Combined Tied Arch Bridge

This paper, based on Zhongshan Bridge, which is a new type space-combined tied arch bridge composed of one middle arch rib, two side arch ribs and two seat arch ribs. The structure of the bridge is innovative and special and almost no similar design can be found at present. Considering the complexity of loading condition and loading transfer characteristics of the detail constructions of the bridge, based on a 1/10-scalemodel study the structural loading transfer behavior; carried out. A 3D shell finite element model of the model bridge was developed and finite element analysis was performed to obtain the theoretic results, then to predict the structural behavior and guide the test loading. By comparison of the test results with the theoretical ones, the values were in good agreement, and the maximum stress under the extreme load were all far below the allowable values. From experimental and theoretical results indicated that the structure design of the bridge is proved to be reasonable and safe.