Investigation of dynamic behaviour of a hybrid composite bridge girder

Abstract

Dynamic behaviour of a hybrid composite bridge girder was investigated using experimental and analytical methods in order to understand dynamic performances of a hybrid bridge girder. Vibration response of the girder was measured under single-point impact excitation. The girder’s hybrid configuration was modelled using finite element (FE) techniques and measured vibration was used response to validate the FE model. The natural frequencies were calculated using classical beam theory and Timoshenko beam theory to compare with experimental and FE results. This paper outline some conclusions made on dynamic characteristics of hybrid bridge girder using experimental data and simplified analytical methods.