OpTimization of Steel Plated BRidges in Shape and STrength

2026-07-22

Curved steel panels are increasingly used in the design of new bridges due to architectural and/or structural demands. This is a recent trend which has resulted from technological advances that allow the economical use of curved shapes. However, design rules and design recommendations for curved plated members are still scarce and fundamental knowledge needs to be developed at various levels. The main objective of this research project is to develop solid knowledge on the structural behaviour of curved and nonrectangular steel panels (stiffened and unstiffened) made of mild steel and/or high strength steel for an integrated design approach taking into account also the aesthetic impact of bridges in the LCA assessment. The Structural Eurocodes do not cover the design of curved and nonrectangular panel segments. In fact, the scope of EN 1993-1-5 is limited to flat panels and EN 1993-1-6 is also not applicable to this type of elements since its scope is limited to shells of revolution. Design rules for curved and nonrectangular steel panels with and without stiffeners used in box-girder bridges and bridges with I-profile beams will be developed based on laboratory tests and extensive numerical parametric studies, and the following objectives will be targeted: • Development of integrated design guidelines for the efficient, economic design of curved plated structures taking into account all relevant loading situations and design checks as well as the impact on the environment; • To establish relevant interactions (dual flange/web role of curved cross-sections); • To develop design rules for transverse stiffeners taking account of a possible dual flange/web role in curved panels; • To optimize the number, shape and distribution of longitudinal stiffeners; • To extend the plate buckling rules to plates with variable width, which are not yet in EN 1993-1-5, though they exist in bridges with curved shapes in transverse as well as in longitudinal direction.

Portugal, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, United Kingdom

2026-01-15