Temperature Field and Temperature Effects for Concrete Box Girder Bridges Based on Monitoring Data and Numerical Simulation.

The temperature field distribution and temperature effects of concrete box girder bridges were found to be critical to their long-term service safety. Based on long-term structural health monitoring data, the temperature field and temperature effects of a curved continuous concrete box girder bridge in Wuhan were investigated. A finite element model of the temperature field was established through the combined application of finite element software. Extreme weather files were constructed to analyze the bridge's temperature field and temperature effects. To enhance data reliability, wavelet analysis was employed for denoising the monitoring data. The results indicate a strong correlation between girder temperature and ambient temperature. Under solar radiation, significant vertical temperature differences and certain lateral temperature differences are observed within the concrete box girder. The accuracy of the finite element model was validated through comparison with measured data. Temperature field models featuring the most unfavorable vertical and transverse temperature gradient distribution patterns for concrete box girder bridges under extreme weather conditions in the Wuhan region were established. A distinct temperature difference not covered by specifications exists at the webs and bottom slabs of the bridge. Strong correlations were observed between both pier-girder relative displacement and bottom slab stress with the girder temperature.