Numerical investigation of bridge falsework structures

Abstract

Bridge falsework systems are one of the most common temporary structures used in the construction industry, namely to support the formwork during the construction, rehabilitation or retrofit works of concrete bridges and viaducts. In this paper the results of numerical studies of a selected structural system are presented using a novel joint finite element and information gathered from the experimental tests. The accuracy and precision of these numerical models improves the existing bridge falsework systems behaviour and resistance numerical benchmarks. A key contribution of this paper is to present the results of different numerical modelling options, from which the effect of various modelling simplifications are analysed and discussed.