• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.6A
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• pp.779-788
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• 2008

In this present study, the three dimensional shell elements analysis method for exact distortional behavior of multicell trapezoidal box girders subjected to an eccentric loading is proposed. In order to perform the independent distortional analysis using shell elements, it is necessary to calculate exact distortional forces. In this study, the force-decomposition equation for applied eccentric load acting on multicell trapezoidal box girder is derived and the equation based on static force equilibrium and superposition theory decompose the eccentric load to the loads cause flexture, torsion and distortion. So by using this force-decomposition equation and shell element analysis, each behavior can be easily analysis independently. This independent analysis method is very useful to physically understand each major behavior of multicell box girder, especially distortional phenomenon. Furthermore, it may be also very useful for designer to perform the independent distortional analysis for diaphragm design using simple 3D shell elements model without preliminary complex calculation for distortional constants.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.275-293
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• 2005

When a thin-walled multicell box girder is subjected to an eccentric load, the distortion becomes an important global response in addition to flexure and torsion. The three global responses appear in a combined form when a conventional shell element is used thus it is not an easy task to examine the three global responses separately. This study is to propose an analysis method using conventional shell element in which the three global responses can be separately decomposed. The force decomposition method which was designed for a single-cell box girder by Nakai and Yoo is expanded herein to multicell box girders. The eccentric load is decomposed in the expanded method into flexural, torsional, and multimode distortional forces by using the force equilibrium. From the force decomposition, the combined global responses of multicell box girders can be resolved into separate responses and the distortional response which is of primary concern herein can be obtained separately. It is shown from a series of extensive comparative studies using three box girder bridge models that the expanded method produces accurate decomposed results. Noting that the separate consideration of individual global response is of paramount importance for optimized multicell box girder design, it can be said that the proposed expanded method is extremely useful for practicing engineers.

• 한국방재학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2007.02a
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• pp.71-74
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• 2007

Thin-walled multicell box girders subjected to an eccentric load can be produced the three global behaviors of flexure, torsion, and distortion. But it is very difficult to evaluate each influences of major behaviors numerically. If we can decompose an eccentric load P into flexural, torsional, and distortional forces, we can execute quantitative analysis each influences of major behaviors. Decomposition of Applied Load for Thin-walled Rectangular multi-cell box girders is researched by Park, Nam-Hoi(Development of a multicell Box Beam Element Including Distortional Degrees of Freedom, 2003). But researches about thin-walled trapezoidal multi-cell section is insufficient. So, this paper deals with decomposition process and independent analysis method of multi-cell box girders include trapezoidal section.