Curved bridges

Meyer, C. (1970), “Analysis and Design of Curved Box-Girder Bridges”

Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics Report No. UC SESM  70-22, University of California, Berkeley.

The history of curved bridges and the highway geometric requirements of these structures are discussed. The report outlines the methods developed over the years for analyzing curved bridges. These include straight beam approximation, curved beam theory, refined curved beam theories, plate and grillage analysis methods, finite element analysis, and the finite strip method analysis of curved folded plates. Refined curved beam theories are required to analyze thin walled box sections that can experience warping of the cross section ha relatively thick walls, warping is generally small and ordinary curved beam theory can be used successfully.

Two methods of analysis are developed in the form of computer programs. The first program, FINLAPA2, uses the finite element method. The second program, CURSTR, uses the finite strip method of curved folded plates.

Take from: “Development of design specifications and commentary for horizontally curved concrete box-girder bridges” in http://books.google.it/books?id=1PX_3LiDNaAC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false