Optimum Design of Bridge Cross Section with Low Clearance Considering Wave Load Effects Based on Numerical Wave-Tank

ABSTRACT Zhang, X.; Chen X.; Huang, J.; Zhou, H., and Wang, Q., 2015. Optimum design of bridge cross section with low clearance considering wave load effects based on numerical wave-tank. Bridges with low clearance crossing sea are generally partially or fully submerged by surge or wave. The safety of bridge girder in the splash zones is closely related to wave impact. Using the 2D numerical wave-tank established by ANSYS FLUENT, authors make comparative analysis of the numerical simulation results of wave forces acting on three kinds of twin-deck girders (circular arc box girder, trapezoid box girder and T-shaped girder) of bridge with low clearance crossing sea. Wave forces on bridge girder under different circumstances were analyzed. The circumstances include different bridge deck elevation, different seabed elevation, and the influence of revetment. Then authors got economically reasonable, safe and reliable optimal bridge girder cross-section form. It proves that the box girder with arc-shaped bottom...