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TU load on fixed/expansion bearings

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ATHS

Structural
Jan 14, 2022
20
Hello,

When analyzing a simple span bridge (Fixed bearing at one abutment and expansion bearing at other abutment), would I assume for all the temperature movement be taken by the expansion bearing and hence no force traversed down to the abutment piles of fixed bearing?
I am computing loads to give to Geotech for pile design and one load I always get stuck at is TU.

I always take TU conservatively based of half span length in simple span bridges and compute the horizontal TU load at fixed bearings. This approach results in higher horizontal load along bridge for Service case than the strength case and reason being the higher load factor for TU in service.

Has anyone come across this? Would appreciate any response on how to handle TU loads at fixed and expansion bearings.
 
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Forces will need to satisfy equilibrium. For any temperature force at one abutment, there will be an equal and opposite force at the other abutment. You would calculate the force due to deformation (for elastomeric bearings) or friction (for sliding bearings), and apply the forces to both abutments.
 
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