Dynamic impact of multi-axle trucks on composite girder bridges with CSWs

While both multi-axle trucks and composite girder bridges with corrugated steel webs (CSWs) have been widely implemented in the transport industry, there is limited analysis on the dynamic interaction between them. Composite girder bridges with CSWs generally exhibit complex dynamic behaviors that deviate from the Euler- Bernoulli beam theory. Based on prior static studies outlined using zig-zag theory, we present an efficient analytical method for the dynamic analysis of composite girder bridges with CSWs under multi-axle truck loading scenarios. The developed framework addresses the challenges associated with the dynamic analysis of both continuous and tapered composite girder bridges subjected to different multi-axle trucks, providing both computational efficiency and analytical flexibility. Composite girder bridges with CSWs are modeled as a sandwich beam under conditions of extreme inter-layer modulus mismatch. The accuracy of the analytical method for dynamic analysis is validated through finite element method (FEM). The dynamic amplification factors (DAFs) for both shear force and bending moment of tapered girder bridges with CSWs are systematically investigated through designed numerical examples. By introducing a series of standard composite girder bridges with different cross-sections, span lengths, road surface conditions, girder types and truck loading scenarios, a parametric analysis is conducted to examine the amplified effects of the truck types, moving speed, the road surface condition, girder types and Resal effect on the dynamic response of girders with CSWs. The results highlight the limitations of current bridge design codes in determining DAFs for composite girders with CSWs and provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of such bridges.