Reinforcement Effect Evaluation on Dynamic Characteristics of an Arch Bridge Based on Vehicle-Bridge Coupled Vibration Analysis

To numerically evaluate the reinforcement effect on dynamic characteristics of a concrete-filled steel tube arch bridge with vibration problems, a 12-degree-of-freedom sprung-mass dynamic vehicle model and a 3D finite element bridge model were established. Then, the coupled equations of vehicle-bridge interaction were derived and a computer program was developed using the FORTRAN language. This program can accurately simulate vehicle-bridge coupled vibration considering the bumping effect and road surface irregularity during motion of the vehicle. The simulated results were compared with those of relevant literatures to verify the correctness of the self-developed program. Then, three reinforcement schemes for the bridge (Addition of longitudinal beams, Reinforcement of bridge decks, and Replacement of suspenders) were proposed and numerically simulated, and the vibration reduction effects of the three schemes were evaluated based on the numerical results to find effective ones. It is confirmed that the reinforcement scheme of Addition of longitudinal beams shows the most significant vibration reduction effect. It is recommended in the engineering practice that the combination of the reinforcement schemes of Addition of longitudinal beams and Replacement of bridge deck can be used to solve the excessive vibration problem.