EXACT SOLUTIONS FOR IN-PLANE DISPLACEMENTS OF CURVED BEAMS WITH PINNED-PINNED ENDS

Based on the theory of virtual work and the principle of thermal expansion, exact solutions for in-plane displacements of curved beams with pinned-pinned ends are derived explicitly. In the case of infinite radius, these equations coincide with that of the straight beams. Compared with the results of FEM, the analytical solutions by the proposed formulae are verified. A real multi-span curved bridge subjected to concentrated loads and thermal load is analyzed using the newly derived equations as well as FEM. The agreements further confirm the practicability of the proposed solution, which would provide a scientific base for further study and design of the curved bridges.