Study on the mechanical performance of Butterfly Arch Bridge

Abstract This paper presents issues in the design concept, analysis and test results of a single span special‐shaped arch bridge—the Butterfly Arch Bridge located in Zhongshan, Guangdong, China. The bridge is composed of ribs of tow slope steel arch, steel box girder of bridge deck curves and inclined boom. It is a special‐shape bridge of spatial girder and arch combination. This paper discusses the experimental study and the finite element simulation analysis for the main components of the bridge. Emphasis will be put on the following three aspects: First, model design adopts the similarity principle of the stress and stiffness. The stress similarity was considered first when the two principles are in conflict. Second, the finite element model of the bridge should adopt a composite element according to the different structural members of the bridge. Third, the weight of the two arch ribs and all dead loads of the main girder, in addition to part of the live loads, must be in a balanced condition. Furthermore, based on results from tests and simulation analysis, the following four key issues were studied: (a) theory of the bridge calculation; (b) behaviour of the bridge spatial mechanics; (c) the dynamic behaviour of the bridge; and (d) stiffness relation between the two arch ribs, steel box beam and end cross beam. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.