Calculation of structurally orthotropic decks with variation method

Abstract

In this paper, there was an executed investigation of the behavior of orthotropic decks with the system of cross and side stiffeners forming structural orthotropy. In order to conduct an analysis of the stress-strain behavior of such structures, the Bubnov-Galerkin variation method has been used. Comparative analysis of results, received in two ways has been conducted: calculation according to actual values of stiffness properties, calculation according to relative bending stiffness. It was shown, that calculation in such two ways gives sufficiently close results to each other. The suggested calculation method can be applied while “primary “non-mechanic” calculation methods of structurally orthotropic decks with different sizes in the plan and other boundary conditions.