SKEW PARAMETER STUDIES : AN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FINITE ELEMENT PROGRAM, CELL

This study focused on describing the behavior of common, skewed concrete box girder bridges and recommending design methods based upon the results. Using the CELL finite element program, studies were made of 51 mathematical models. The purpose of the analyses was to assess the effects of varying width-to-length or aspect ratio, the number of cells, skew angle, type of loading, and depth on structural behavior. It was found that span length and skew angle were the most significant parameters influencing girder shear distribution. Width- to-length ratio and skew angle affected longitudinal bending moments to the greatest extent. Based on the study results, methods for shear and bending design of a simple span, skewed bridged are presented.