VOL.

03

BRIDGE INSIGHT

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO

TEMPERATURE
GRADIENT

midas Bridge
The Complete
CONTENTS

Guide to
2
Temperature 01. What is Temperature Gradient?

3
Gradient 02. Code Provisions for Temperature Gradient
Load on Bridges

6
03. Features in midas Civil for Temperature
Gradient Load

9
04. FAQ’s for using Temperature Gradient
in midas Civil

11
05. Sample Calculations

15
06. Common Mistakes While Assigning
Temperature Gradient Loads in midas Civil
2 3

01 02

What is Code Provisions for

Temperature Gradient? Temperature Gradient
- Load on Bridges
01-1. Introduction Every code has given certain provisions for temperature gradient loads. Some of them have been listed
The daily changes in ambient temperature and solar radiation intensity lead to differential temperature in bridge superstructures. below.
These temperature gradient loads induce stresses throughout the depth of the bridge deck. If the top of a beam heats up relative to
the bottom, it tends to expand, while the bottom of the beam would resist this expansion. If the beam is restrained, bending
moment and shear force are generated, leading to additional stresses in the statically indeterminate structure.

The heat exchange between the bridge boundary and the

02-1.
environment is very complex, as shown in Fig 1.1. It is composed Indian code
of three principal mechanisms: solar radiation, convection, and (IRC 6:2017)
thermal irradiation. Solar radiation is generally considered to be
the most important one among the three mechanisms.

Fig. 1.2 displays the main mechanisms of heat transfer in a

bridge structure: absorption of solar radiation (directly or
reflected) and convection of the ambient air temperature is
natural environmental sources that affect temperature
Fig. 2.1 Design Temperature Differences for Concrete Bridge Decks in IRC6:2017
variations over the depth and width of concrete bridge girder
sections. The exposed surfaces are heated, and in the case of Fig. 1.1 Heat exchange between the boundary and the environment
cross-sections optimized for minimal material with maximum
structural capacity, nonlinear temperature distributions are
produced within the cross-sections and induce self-equilibrat-
ing stresses that can affect the structure’s appearance.

Fig. 1.2 Heat transfer mechanisms

Fig. 2.2 Temperature Differences across Steel and Composite Section in IRC6:2017

The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT
4 5

02-2.
Eurocode
(EN 1991-1-5 (2003))

Fig. 2.3 Temperature differences for bridge decks Type 1: Steel Decks
Fig. 2.5 Temperature differences for bridge decks Type 2: Concrete Decks

Zone T1 (°F) T2 (°F)

02-3.
1 54 14
AASHTO Code
(AASHTO LRFD 2 46 12
Bridge Design
3 41 11
Specifications)
4 38 9

Table 2.3 Basis for Temperature Gradients

Fig. 2.6
Positive Vertical Temperature Gradient in
Concrete and Steel Superstructures

Fig. 2.4 Temperature differences for bridge decks Type 2: Composite Decks

We can conclude with this that all renowned structural design codes do consider this temperature non-lin-
earity. However, the magnitude of temperature and even the units for measurement considered can be
different.
This has been incorporated in midas Civil in a generalized way to accommodate all possible standards.

The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT
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03

Features in midas Civil for

Temperature Gradient Load
-
There are two ways to apply the temperature gradient in midas Civil as per the element type, section type
and temperature inputs.

Temperature Gradient Beam section Temperature

The temperature gradient analysis is applicable for elements with bending stiffness such as
beam and plate elements. In the case of a beam element, enter the temperature difference and
03-1. the corresponding distance between the extremities of the element with respect to the local y
Temperature and z-axes. In the case of a plate element, the temperature gradient can be represented by the
Gradient temperature difference between the upper and lower faces of the plate and the plate thickness.
(a) Beam element (b) Plate element
The gradient temperature produces the following equivalent moments.
As shown in fig 3.1, we can specify the temperature differences between the tops and bottoms
Fig. 3.1 Temperature gradient in midas Civil
of beam or plate elements for thermal stress analysis.

03-1-1.
In the case of a beam element
Enter the temperature differences between specific locations of beam for thermal stress
analysis.
03-2. In case of Temperature Gradient, only the temperature difference between the top and bottom
Beam section of a section can be entered. However, in case of Beam Section Temperature, temperature
03-1-2.
Temperature differences for certain locations in a section can also be considered.
In the case of a plate element

Where, α is the linear thermal expansion coefficient, E is the modulus of elasticity, I is the
moment of inertia about the relevant axis of the beam element, ΔT is the temperature differ-
ence between the two extremities (outermost faces) of the element, h is the distance between
the two extremities of the beam section, t is the thickness of the plate and υ is the Poisson's
Ratio.

The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT
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04

FAQ’s for using Temperature

Fig. 3.2 Temperature Gradient and Beam Section Temperature in midas Civil
Gradient in midas Civil
-
03-2-1. General Section Type
If a section for which a temperature difference is considered is not a rectangle, the section
should be transformed into an equivalent rectangular section, which produces the identical
Some of the frequently asked questions while using temperature gradient load in midas Civil are listed
moment due to the temperature load. And then the user needs to input the width and height
of the equivalent rectangular section as shown in fig.3.2.
here.

03-2-2. PSC Section Type

Most of the time, for unsymmetrical sections we need to define the section as user defined
For PSC sections (except for Value type PSC sections) and Composite sections, which are
either as value type of section or using midas Section property Calculator. Let us consider one
relatively complex but frequently used, the program automatically defines the temperature 04-1. example of Stress due to Temperature Gradient for Simply supported unsymmetrical slab I
load by dividing and transforming the corresponding zone. In case of PSC section as shown in
How to apply girder using Section Property Calculator Tool available in midas Civil. Fig. 4.1 shows the section
the figure above, the transformed rectangular zone can be automatically calculated by
selecting the PSC/Composite option instead of manual calculation.
temperature as generated in the SPC tool and 4.2 shows the section imported in midas Civil.
gradient load for
As per IRC6:2017, we can provide the temperature gradient for PSC and Steel Composite user defined
girders for positive and reverse temperature difference as shown in the fig. 3.3. sections?

Fig. 4.1 Section in SPC Fig. 4.2 Section in midas Civil

Depending upon the non linear

Part Area Height Width
temperaure profile the section will
be divided into parts given in table
1 0.380 0.150 2.531
Fig. 3.3 Beam section Temperature in midas Civil 4.1. Consider the temperature
gradient profile as per IRC 6:2017 2 0.363 0.250 1.450
shown in the fig.2.1.
3 0.162 0.150 1.077

Table 4.1 Area of each part

The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT
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05

Sample
Part Height Temperature B

m deg m

Calculations
H1 0.000 T1 17.8
1 2.531
H2 0.150 T2 4

-
H1 0.150 T1 4
2 1.450
H2 0.400 T2 0

H1 2.325 T1 0
3 1.077
H2 2.475 T2 2.1

Table 4.2 Beam Section Temperature input in MIDAS

In this section, the manual calculations verifying the beam section temperature application is provided.
Since this loading is inherently non-linear, the stress for this can’t be obtained with simply flexural and
axial stress equations. Instead, the eigen stresses need to be calculated. The process for this calculation
would be discussed with a simple example.
These final temperature, height and width for each part
will be mentioned in the table 4.2 will input in midas Civil
Beam section temperature option selecting the General
type of section as given in fig.4.3. The method of tempera-
Example 1
ture input will be same as PSC/Composite section type
except the width option.
Stress calculation for simply supported RCC I girder bridge for temperature gradient load.

Given Data

Young's Modulus: E = 23536 N/mm2

Coefficient for thermal expansion: = 0.000017 /0C
CG of section from top: ztop = 0.375 m
Cross section area: A = 450000 mm2
Section modulus: Iyy = 46093750000 mm4

The PSC type sections will be created 10 stress points where

the stresses can be displayed using Beam detail analysis shown
in fig. 5.1.

Fig. 4.3 General type section Fig. 5.1 Cross section of girder with temp gradient profile

The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT
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Sample calculations for first two rows of table 5.1 are given below. Table 5.2 Calculation of final stresses for temperature gradient

For Row 1 Location Stress due to (Mpa) Temperature + Axial + Bending

Stress due temp. Resistance (σ) = E x α x T = 23536 x 0.000017 x 30.0 = 8.261 Mpa
Temperature Axial Bending (Mpa) (kg/cm2)
Force (F) = b x σ = 1.0 x 8.261 = 8.261 MN/m
Pos - 1 -8.261 3.243 2.268 -2.750 -28.040
Axial stress due to resultant force (F/A) = 0 Mpa
Pos - 5 -1.928 3.243 0.756 2.072 21.128
CG of Force from top of slab (z') = 0 m
Mid 0.00 3.243 -0.756 2.487 25.364
Moment of force about Top of Slab (M') = F/A x z' = 0.00 x 0.00 = 0.00 MN-m
Pos - 9 0.00 3.243 -2.268 0.975 9.942

Pos - 4 -2.754 3.243 -3.781 -3.291 -33.561

For Row 2

Stress due temp. Resistance (σ) = E x α x T = 23536 x 0.000017 x 7.0 = 1.928 Mpa

Force (F) = b x σ = 1.0 x 1.928 = 1.928 MN/m The temperature gradient input in midas Civil as shown in the fig. 5.2 and the stress results for same are shown in fig. 5.3.
Axial stress due to resultant force (F/A) = 0.5 x (8.261+1.928) x (0.25-0.0)/ (450000 x 10^-6) = 2.830 Mpa

CG of Force from top of slab (z') = (2 x 1.928 + 8.261)/ (1.928 +8.261) x (1.928 -8.261)/3+1.928 = 0.099 m

Moment of force about Top of Slab (M') = F x z’ = (F/A) x A x z’ = 2.830 x 450000 /10^6 x 0.099
= 0.12625 MN-m

Similar calculations are done for complete height of the section and the output could be referred to in the table below.

Table 5.1 Calculation of Eigen stresses for temperature gradient

Dist. Of Stress due Axial stress CG of Force Moment of

Temp. Width of
Fiber No fiber from temp. Force due to from top of force about
at fiber fiber
the top resistance resultant force slab Top of Slab

z T b σ F F/A z' M'

units m 0
C m Mpa MN/m MPa m MN-m

1 0.00 30.0 1.0 8.261 8.261 0.00 0.00 0.00

2 0.25 7.0 1.0 1.928 1.928 2.830 0.099 0.12625

3 0.25 7.0 0.2 1.928 0.386 0.00 0.250 0.00

4 0.50 0.0 0.2 0.00 0.00 0.107 0.333 0.01607

5 0.75 0.0 0.4 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

6 1.00 10.0 0.4 2.754 1.101 0.306 0.917 0.12625

Total Force = SUM (F/A) x A = 1.45947MN = 1459.47 kN

CG of force from the top of the section = SUM (M’)/ Total Force = 268.487 / 1459.467 = 0.1840 m
Moment due to temp. Effect = 1459.47 x (0.375 – 0.184) = 278.81 kNm Fig. 5.2 Temperature gradient input in midas Civil

The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT
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06

Common Mistakes While

Assigning Temperature Loads
in midas Civil
Most common mistakes while defining temperature gradient loads in midas Civil are introduced here.

Improper inputs while defining temperature gradient load

Assigning temperature loads in construction stage analysis
The section type selection as the General type or PSC/Composite type

While defining the inputs data in Beam section temperature option, we need to ensure that the
Fig. 5.3 Stresses at top and bottom of girder in midas Civil units in which the data is being feed in the software and the actual unit in the software are the
06-1. same. As it could be noted in figure 6.1, the magnitude of input clearly suggests that the input
Improper inputs should be in Celsius and meter unit. However, the units selected in midas Civil are Fahrenheit
while defining and centimeter. This will clearly lead to unexpected results.
temperature
The temperature input to be provided at different heights is with reference to the initial system
Summary
gradient load
temperature as indicated in figure 6.2.
The comparison made for final stresses at top and bottom fibers of section due to
temperature gradient shown in the table 5.3.

Generally, the temperature loads are defined for service condition. However, if it is required to
Table 5.3 Comparison of stresses from manual calculation and midas Civil check temperature gradient loads in the construction stage, then we can define the tempera-
06-2. ture gradient load in a load group and activate it in a dummy stage with 0 days duration (Refer
Assigning fig. 6.3). One more dummy stage needs to be defined to deactivate the temperature loads
Stresses Manual Calculations midas Civil
temperature immediately after this to ensure that the temperature gradient load does not lead to any creep
Top -2.750 -2.750 loads in construction effect in the structure.

stage analysis
Bottom -3.291 -3.291

The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT
16 17

Fig. 6.3 Adding Temperature Gradient load in construction stage

Fig. 6.1 Incorrect units Fig. 6.2 Initial temperature

The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT The Complete Guide to Temperature Gradient BRIDGE INSIGHT
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