Direct design of truss bridges using advanced analysis

This paper presents a new design method of truss bridges using advanced analysis. In this approach, separate member capacity checks encompassed by the specification equations are not required because the stability of separate members and the structure as a whole can be treated rigorously for the determination of the maximum strength of the structures. The method is developed and refined by modifications to the conventional elastic-plastic hinge method. Verification studies are carried out by comparing with the plastic-zone solutions. The load-deflection behavior of the truss shows a good agreement between the plastic-zone analysis. A case study is provided for a truss bridge. Member sizes determined by the proposed method are compared with those determined by the conventional method. It is concluded that the proposed method is suitable for adoption in practice.