2002 Volume 9 Issue 34 Pages 77-86
In this paper, mechanical characteristics of steel bellows as energy absorbing bridge connecters are investigated. Steel bellows are connected between girders in a row or between girders and abutments in order to reduce the damage of steel girders. First, the desired performance of steel bellows is arranged. The loading tests were carried out to examine characteristics of steel bellows and their results are compared with calculated results by FEM. Design formulas concerning the yield strength and yield displacement of steel bellows are developed based on the principle of virtual work. The values obtained by the design formulas are compared with calculated values by FEM. Geometrical dimensions of the steel bellows are changed, and the influence which dimensions of steel bellows exert on initial rigidities, yield loads, yield displacements and the maximum strength are evaluated by using FEM and the design equations.
