Static and free vibration response of a box-girder bridge using the finite element technique

PurposeIn this study, a finite element model of a box-girder bridge along with the railway sub-track system is developed to predict the static behavior due to different combinations of the Indian railway system and free vibration responses resulting in different natural frequencies and their corresponding mode shapes.Design/methodology/approachThe modeling and evaluation of the bridge and sub-track system were performed using non-closed form finite element method (FEM)-based ANSYS software.FindingsFrom the analysis, the worst possible cases of deformation and stress due to different static load combinations were determined in the static analysis, while different natural frequencies were determined in the free vibrational analysis that can be used for further analysis because of the dynamic effect of the train vehicle.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the current investigation is confined to the structure's static and free vibration analysis. However, this study will help the designers obtain relevant information for further analysis of the dynamic behavior of the bridge model.Originality/valueIn static analysis, the maximum deformation of the bridge deck was found to be 10.70E-03m due to load combination 5, whereas the maximum natural frequency for free vibration analysis is found to be 4.7626 Hz.