Static and free vibration analysis of variable-depth bridges of arbitrary alignments using the isoparametric spline finite strip method

The isoparametric spline finite strips for shells are employed to solve static and free vibration problems of variable-depth bridges of arbitrary alignments. Using this approach, a continuous bridge is first split up into substructures. Each substructure is modelled as an assemblage of isoparametric spline finite strips. Compatibility between substructures is ensured by suitable transformation at the interface. The presence of support diaphragms and bearings can also be accounted for. This method retains the computational efficiency of the spline finite strip method while it is much more flexible in geometric modelling. Solutions of this method are compared with other available solutions, and good agreement is observed.