Experimental and numerical study of the three-dimensional temperature field in the arch ribs of the reinforced concrete ribbed arch bridge during construction

The unique structural design of an arch ring featuring varying inclination angles for individual segments causes variations in the longitudinal distribution of the temperature field d along the arch axis. This study aims to enhance the understanding of temperature fields in reinforced concrete (RC) arch bridges with diverse arch ring structural configurations during their construction phases. A comprehensive investigation into the three-dimensional distribution pattern of solar-induced temperature fields within arch ribs during the construction of RC ribbed arch bridges was conducted. A field test specifically measuring the temperature distribution across arch rib cross-sections was conducted on-site, involving an RC arch bridge constructed using the cable-stayed cantilever cast in situ method. Analyzing the monitored on-site temperature data revealed the distribution characteristics of temperature fields at the arch foot cross-section under solar radiation. By comparing these findings with international standards, a vertical temperature gradient fitting model for arch rib cross-sections under solar radiation was formulated. Drawing upon meteorological records and solar radiation principles, an adaptive numerical simulation finite element model was developed to depict the temperature field within an arch rib section. This model was rigorously verified. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis of the three-dimensional temperature field of the arch rib under solar radiation was performed. Additionally, a three-dimensional temperature gradient fitting model was proposed, accounting for the longitudinal inclination of the bridge.