Modified model of wheel load condition in numerical simulation of steel bridge deck reinforced by UHPFRC overlay

Abstract

In this paper, a numerical model based on the finite element method is developed to simulate the steel bridge deck reinforced by UHPFRC overlay subjected to static rubber-wheel load. In the present study, a non-uniform vertical pressure distribution model (considering the concentrated distribution of wheel pressure at the center of the contact area) is proposed. The current numerical analysis has shown that the non-uniform load model caused by rubber wheels improves the numerical predictions of the structural behavior of the composite bridge deck (e.g., displacement and lateral deformation of the steel deck plate), which is better than the previous uniform load model. Therefore, the proposed model in this study can be applied when simulating problems related to truck wheel loads acting on the bridge deck or road pavement, etc.

Keywords: Steel bridge deck; UHPFRC; wheel load; finite elment model.