International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Dynamic Analysis of Three-Cell RC Box Girder Bridge under IRC Loading Rohan C. Jagtap 1, Vaibhav R. Shirodkar2, 1 PG student, Department of civil engineering, Dattakala Shikshan Sanstha’s Dattakala group of Institutions
Faculty of Engineering, Swami-Chincholi, Dound,413130. 2 Professor, Department of civil engineering Dattakala Shikshan Sanstha’s Dattakala group of Institutions Faculty
of Engineering, Swami-Chincholi, Dound,413130. ---------------------------------------------------------------------***-------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - This study presents a refined nonlinear time-
classified as single-cell, double-cell or multicellular systems. They may be constructed monolithically with the deck (closed section) or cast separately (open section), and are commonly available in rectangular, trapezoidal or circular shapes.
history analysis of three-cell reinforced concrete (RC) box girder bridges modelled in CSI Bridge. Rectangular, circular and trapezoidal cross-sectional configurations are compared under IRC Class AA and Class 70R wheeled loading for a uniform span. Moving vehicular loads, prestress effects and axial forces were simulated to obtain vertical, transverse and longitudinal displacements at critical locations. Results indicate that the trapezoidal section provides the best control of vertical deflection, while the circular section records the largest vertical and longitudinal deformations. These findings support practical recommendations for cross-section selection to optimize serviceability in medium-span multicellular box girder bridges.
For curved alignments, box girders are particularly beneficial because of their superior torsional rigidity. For bridges with mild curvature, the influence of curvature on bending, shear and torsional stresses may be considered negligible within permissible limits. Under such conditions, curved bridges may be analyzed using simplified straightbridge assumptions (P. Agarwal et al., 2022). The present study performs a dynamic analysis of a multicellular RC box-girder bridge using CSI Bridge software. Three geometric configurations, rectangular, circular and trapezoidal, are evaluated under loading conditions specified by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC). The investigation focuses on structural responses including support reactions, shear forces and displacement behavior using the nonlinear time-history method under IRC Class AA and Class 70R wheeled vehicle loading.
Key Words: Multicellular box girder, nonlinear timehistory, IRC loading, dynamic response, selected span.
1. INTRODUCTION Assessing the dynamic interaction between vehicular loads and bridge structures remains an important theme in contemporary bridge engineering. The dynamic impact imparted by vehicles depends on several parameters associated with both the superstructure and the vehicle itself, such as natural frequency, stiffness, vehicle speed and other influencing factors that are often difficult to account for accurately (A.R. Khalim, 2014).
1.1 Non-Linear Time History Method The nonlinear time-history method evaluates the dynamic response of a structure by applying loads as a function of time in accordance with established principles of structural dynamics. This approach calculates the time-dependent behavior of the structure as it undergoes ground-motiontype excitation or varying vehicular loads. Unlike simplified static methods that assume instantaneous and constant load Application, the time-history method captures the realistic variation of forces over time, thereby providing a more accurate representation of the structural response.
Box-girder bridges have become increasingly popular due to their excellent serviceability performance, structural stability and overall efficiency (Monu Kumar, 2021; P. Agarwal et al., 2022). Their analysis and design, however, are relatively complex because of their inherently threedimensional behavior, which involves torsion, distortion and combined longitudinal–transverse bending (Monu Kumar, 2021).
1.2 IRC Loading Standards
A bridge is essentially a structural system intended to carry vehicular or moving loads across physical obstacles. Boxgirder bridges are now extensively adopted for medium and long spans owing to their structural advantages (P. Agarwal et al., 2022). Based on construction method, functional purpose and cross-sectional shape, box girders may be
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The primary code for loads is IRC:6 (Standard Specifications and Code of Practice for Road Bridges). For dynamic analysis, the following loading classes are considered:
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IRC Class A: Standard live load for most permanent bridges; used to check for normal traffic conditions.
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