Analysis of diaphragm behaviour in composite multi girder railway bridges

Abstract

This study focuses on mechanical behaviour of diaphragm in composite multigirders railway bridge. The aim is to predict and to compare, with a numerical simulation, the transverse and longitudinal distribution of traffic loads in different girders and in the slab for the cases with and without intermediary diaphragm. A 3‐D finite element model is developed to represent the actual geometry of multigirder bridge. Durability of the concrete bridge deck is directly related to cracking, so a non‐linear constitutive equation is used for the concrete deck. This study focuses on the response of a bridge with and without dipahragm under a UIC and TGV loading. To achieve this aim, a static failure analysis is performed. Our analysis concluded that diaphragm is not necessary, so it seems to be possible to remove the diaphragms.

First Published Online: 14 Oct 2010