Abstract
The objective of this paper is to develop a consistent one-dimensional finite displacement theory of curved and twisted thin walled box girders, with emphasis on the derivation of finite displacement fields in which the profile deformation and warping displacement are fully examined. The resulting displacement fields are considered to be accurate in the sense that all the second-order terms with respect to the distortional displacement and warping displacement are taken into account.
On the basis of the displacement fields, equilibrium equations and associated boundary conditions are derived from the principle of virtual work.
The validity of the governing equilibrium equations is verified by comparison with currently accepted equilibrium equations for typical cases. In addition, attention is paid on the mode of profile deformation in view of the results of finite element method.
