Ultimate strength curves of compressive member with box sections in real steel bridges

Abstract

This paper describes the discussions on the ultimate strength characteristics for existing compression members of steel truss and arch bridges, and proposes new ultimate strength curve of welded box-section members. The investigation objects are section size, material, initial imperfections, stiffener size of compression member which designed based on Spec. for Highway Bridges 2002. In addition, ultimate strength characteristics of existing compression members with box-section are calculated for several steel types. The results of investigations shows that the 0.2σ_y is able to apply as upper limit of compression residual stress (σ_rc) for HTSS members. The results of numerical analyses provide the ultimate strength characteristics of welded box-section compression members for steel truss and arch bridges. Moreover, new ultimate strength curve is proposed for the compression members in this research.