Formula for calculation of the deflection of a flat strut bridge with an arbitrary number of panels

Abstract

The problem of finding an analytical solution to the problem of deflection of a planar model of a bridge truss with two fixed hinged supports is posed. Formulas are derived for the dependence of deflection, reactions of supports and forces in characteristic rods on the number of panels in the structure. Maple computer mathematics operators are used. The deflection is sought by the Maxwell-Mohr formula. A series of individual solutions obtained for trusses with a successively increasing number of panels are generalized to an arbitrary number of panels. A picture of the distribution of forces on the truss rods is obtained. It is shown that the change of force signs in the truss chords does not depend on its geometrical parameters, but depends only on the number of panels.