Abstract:
Finite element analysis is widely used by practicing engineers and researchers in design of bridges.Grillage method of analysis was practiced before the finite element analysis came into prominence. For many years, design of concrete bridge structures has been based on two dimensional frame analysis. Recently three dimensional elements have been employed in finite element analysis. Modelling of various components in the model needs to be given importance. The present study envisages modeling and analysis of a box girderbridge. Modeling of deck is studied in finite element software CSiBridge. The bridge deck is analysed by conventional manual calculations as well as grillage analysis and the results are compared with that of the finite element analysis using shell model. Comparison showed that the values for bending moment and shear force from finite element method gives the lowest value among the three methods making it more economical than the other methods. But the grillage model is easy to construct and use

Keywords: finite element analysis;grillage analogy; CSiBridge;box girder bridge