Optimization of Hanger Spacing of Steel Arch Bridges Using Dynamic Loads

Bridges are basic infrastructure that must be met to create regional connectivity in Indonesia. One type of bridge that is often used is a curved bridge, which has the advantages of high strength, attractiveness, aesthetics and economy. In order to accelerate the development of bridge infrastructure, an efficient innovation in curved bridge design is needed. The development of curved bridge structures to achieve efficient designs has received much attention in several decades. However, researchers have only focused on optimising the geometry variation of the arch height. Therefore, the aim of this research is to innovate the optimisation of the hanger spacing on the arch bridge structure. In order to obtain optimal results, a bridge model is carried out by varying the hanger spacing of the centre model with a hanger spacing ratio of (1.3 - 1.1 - 0.9 - 0.7), a flat model with a hanger spacing ratio of (1 - 1 - 1 - 1) and an edge model with a hanger spacing ratio of (0.7 - 0.9 - 1.1 - 1.3), so that from the three models, the effect of hanger location on three conditions is obtained. Each model is modelled in the SAP2000 software and given a bridge service load to obtain the internal forces and deflections that occur. The output of the internal force and deflection is then analysed to determine the effect of the location of the bridge service hanger. The serviceability of the bridge is also analysed by calculating the ratio between the weight of the bridge and the deflection that occurs. The results of the analysis show that the location of the hanger affects the performance of the arch bridge structure. The centre model bridge design produces the most efficient structural performance in resisting the compressive axial forces and moments that occur, and produces the least deflection. Meanwhile, the edge model will provide the most efficient structural performance in resisting tensile axial forces. By referring to the results of the bridge weight to deflection ratio analysis, it can be concluded that the centre model produces the most efficient structural design when compared to other curved bridge models.