Optimizing rib design for stronger, lighter bridges revolutionizes construction industry!
The article explores how to design orthotropic decks by optimizing the ratios of rib width to height and rib spacing to deck plate thickness. Trapezoidal ribs are commonly used in these decks for their strength and efficiency. By creating a computer model of a bridge and running simulations, the researchers found that specific ratios of these parameters lead to lower stresses in the structure. This study provides recommendations for designing orthotropic steel decks with trapezoidal ribs.