Abstract
This thesis presents analysis results from a parametric study investigating the effects of abutment skew and horizontal alignment curvature on bridge reaction forces. Over 800 single-span box girder bridges were modeled using three-dimensional finite element analysis software. The effects of skew angle, curve angle, and a coupled skew-curve effect on abutment reactions in the obtuse corners of single-span box girder bridges were found to be significant. These results are compared with state-of-the-art bridge design practice and LRFD Specification procedures that provide guidance on designing bridges with skew and horizontal curvature. Interestingly, the results demonstrate that the obtuse corner reaction forces are greatly influence by the bridge aspect ratio across a wide variety of skew and curve angles. Furthermore, the horizontal alignment curvature has a large effect, even at very small alignment central angles. Moreover, the effect of skew angle is shown to be partially dependent on bridge curvature; although this coupling of the skew and curve effects is minimal at small skew angles. The bearing stiffness was also varied, which had a large effect on the reactions of skewed and curved bridges. Empirical equations for skew and curve correction are proposed and additional research recommended in the summary chapter.