Temperature Variations in Concrete Bridges

Abstract

Nonlinear temperature variation over the cross section of a simplysupported bridge produces longitudinal stresses (eigenstresses). In a continuous bridge, additional continuity stresses develop. Parametric studies are conducted in order to find the effects of various parameters on the eigen and continuity stresses. A method is presented and reference is made to a computer program to predict the temperature distribution over bridge cross sections from data related to the geometry, location, orientation, material and climatological conditions.