Cross-Frame Spacing and Parametric Effects in Horizontally Curved I-Girder Bridges

The finite-element method was used to create detailed models of horizontally curved steel I-girder bridges connected by cross frames. The effects of a number of parameters on the behavior of the curved girder system were established and compared to the effect of these parameters in straight girder systems. The parameters that most significantly affect the behavior of the systems were determined to be the degree of curvature, span length, and flange width. An equation was developed based on a nonlinear statistical regression to provide a preliminary design limit for the cross-frame spacing interval. The results of the equation were compared to those results obtained by previous equations developed by various methods for the same purpose.