Determination of brace forces caused by construction loads and wind loads during bridge construction : [summary].

PDFTech ReportBDK75-977-70Bridge constructionBracingGirdersPrecast concreteLoad testsAerodynamic forceBridge designFinite element methodStructural analysisScale modelsWind tunnelsFloridaFlorida. Dept. of TransportationConsolazio, GaryUniversity of FloridaUS Transportation CollectionBridges are constructed in stages as pilings,columns, girders, decks, and other componentsare added. At each stage, the structure must bestable. Girders, which add significant weight tothe developing structure, rest on elastomericbearing pads which allow some flexibility underenvironmental conditions but also make themmore vulnerable to wind loading \ue2\u20ac\u201d girders havebeen toppled by sufficient wind \ue2\u20ac\u201d and fromloading due to subsequent construction stages.Girders are usually stabilized by braces untilconstruction is complete. Design of these bracesmust be based on a thorough understanding of theforces involved