Structural Assessment using Non-linear Finite Element Analysis: Evaluation of the Shear Capacity for the Källösund Bridge

It is demonstrated how higher load carrying capacity with respect to combined shear and torsion can be determined by non-linear finite element (FE) analyses of bridges. The Källösund Bridge, a prestressed concrete box girder bridge on the west coast of Sweden, was evaluated. The bridge is a 45-year-old, cast in situ concrete bridge with four spans, constructed by the free cantilevering method. The case study presented indicates a substantially higher load carrying capacity than for bridge assessment by conventional design methods. About 40% higher design bogie load was reached (B = 250 kN) using non-linear analyses, before a shear failure developed