A Parametric Study on the Elastic Lateral-Torsional-Vertical Buckling Capacity of Horizontally Curved Twin I-Girder Systems Considering the Effect of Curvature and Girder Spacing

This parametric study investigates the effect of significant parameters on the elastic global lateral torsional buckling capacity of horizontally curved twin I-girder systems. Included are the effect of curvature and the effect of girder spacing. Twin I-girder systems analyzed in this study are those which are interconnected by intermediate cross frames and are subjected to uniform moment. The finite element analysis software, ABAQUS, is used to model the horizontally curved twin I-girder system and conduct the buckling analysis. To see the significant effect of curvature and girder spacing, the results from the finite element analysis of horizontally curved twin I-girder systems are compared to the results of a closed form solution for straight twin I-girder systems. The findings of this parametric study will be shown using illustrative figures and tabulated data and conclusions are made.