Lateral structural behaviour of steel network arch bridges

Network arch bridges are arch bridges where hangers intersect each other at least twice. The concept has been developed firstly by Prof. Per Tveit during his Ph.D. Several network arch bridges have been built around the world due to the advantage this type of bridge presents. However, Network arch bridges as to conventional arch bridges are sensitive to lateral displacement under vertical loads. In this study, lateral structural response of network arch bridges against traffic loads has been analyzed through extensive non-linear analyses. The structural response of the arch showed a relationship between the lateral displacement and applied stress. In addition, it is observed that lateral arch’s bracing changes the development of plastic hinges in the arch.