Effect of Humps on the Dynamic Response of Single-Span Bridges

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of trapezoidal and sinusoidal humps on the dynamic response of single-span bridges. The humps exist due to several factors such as the braking action of heavy trucks, artificial barriers to reduce vehicle speed, and misalignment at the bridge expansion joints. The bridge is modeled as a single-span beam with simple or hinged-hinged supports. The authors study the effects of hump type, the hump's location on the bridge, and characteristics of the hump that affect the bridge's deflection and acceleration responses. The effects of the hump parameters are studied with other parameters that affect the dynamic response of the bridge, such as vehicle speed and tire stiffness.