The Lateral Load Distribution Coefficients of Curved Bridges

In this paper, the superstructure of a multibeam curved bridge is regarded as a rigidly connected curved beam system. As in a straight bridge, the rigid connections are released and replaced with redundant forces. According to the condition of displacement compatibility, the superposition equations of the redundant forces could be established by the simultaneous differential equations of the curved beams. Then to obtain the lateral load distribution influence lines. The lateral distribution coefficients of single curved beams are further obtained.
The numerical values obtained by this method are in good agreement with that by SAP5.