International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 2 (March-April 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of April to publish your research paper in the issue of March-April.

Performance Comparison of Rectangular and Trapezoidal Pre-Stressed Box Girders Through SAP2000 Modeling

Author(s) Mr. Ashish Patidar, Prof. Sanjay Limbodiya, Prof. Priyanka Rajput
Country India
Abstract The continuous expansion of global bridge networks, driven by population growth and urban develop-ment, has necessitated the use of structurally efficient and economical bridge systems. Among these, the prestressed concrete box girder stands out for its superior torsional stiffness and material efficiency, particularly in long-span and wide-deck applications. This thesis explores the structural behavior, historical evolution, and comparative performance of various box girder configurations.
The research focuses on a comparative study of rectangular and trapezoidal prestressed concrete box girders (two-cell and three-cell) with a span of 35m. Using SAP2000 bridge wizard software, the study employs Linear Static Analysis to evaluate responses under IRC Class 70R Tracked Loading and Dynamic Analysis (Modal Analysis) to determine the seismic and vibration characteristics of the struc-tures.
A comprehensive literature review highlights the technical viability of box girders over traditional T-beam girders, noting their efficiency in resisting flexure, shear, and torsion. Key parameters such as web thickness, flange dimensions, and cell height are considered in accordance with IRC:18-2000 specifications. The study further examines the complexities of torsional warping and cross-sectional distortion caused by eccentric loading.
The ultimate objective of this research is to identify the optimum girder configuration for the specified span by analyzing shear force, bending moments, torsion, and longitudinal stresses. The findings provide a technical basis for selecting bridge superstructures that balance aesthetic elegance with structural integrity and economic feasibility in modern transportation infrastructure.
Keywords Box Girder, Prestressed Concrete, SAP2000, Finite Element Method, IRC 70R Loading, Torsional Stiffness, Trapezoidal Section, Structural Analysis.
Field Engineering
Published In Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On 2026-04-17

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