Construction Engineering Recommendations for Curved and Skewed Steel Girder Bridges

Abstract

NCHRP Research Project 12-79, Guidelines for Analytical Methods and Erection Engineering of Curved and Skewed Steel Deck-Girder Bridges, investigated more than 70 steel girder bridges. The bridges were analyzed with a variety of one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional analysis methods. Recommendations were provided on appropriate levels of analysis based on the geometric complexity of the bridge, proposed improvements to two-dimensional analysis methods, commentary on the impact of cross-frame detailing methods on fit-up and locked-in forces, and proposed guidelines for erection engineering plans and calculations. The recommendations were published as Appendix B of NCHRP Report 725, Guidelines for Analytical Methods and Construction Engineering of Curved and Skewed Steel Girder Bridges. This paper is a summary of Appendix B of the NCHRP Report, which provided specific, immediately implementable recommendations to practicing bridge design engineers.