Design of bridge falsework for gravity loads

Abstract

Possible limit states associated with flange and web deformations in W and HP sections, and posts used in bridge falsework constructions are investigated in this paper. Critical limit states were found to be related to flange bending, post compression, and the interactions associated with complex patch loading. Other limit states are associated with web deformations. Two alternative methods based on yield line analyses that establish upper-bound limiting loads for these limit states are proposed. The first method accounts for an interaction between flange bending and post compression strength, whereas the second method uses an effective bearing area of the post. The critical web limit state was due to web yielding. Design recommendations and equations are presented with two design examples.