Temperature Distribution Characteristics and Action Pattern of Concrete Box Girder under Low-Temperature and Cold Wave Conditions

Abstract

In regions with severe cold and high latitudes, concrete structures are susceptible to cracking and displacement due to uneven temperature stress, which directly impacts their normal utilization. Therefore, to investigate the temperature distribution characteristics of concrete box girders under the combined influence of low temperatures and cold waves, a temperature test was conducted on a model of concrete box girders in Xinjiang Province, China. Based on the measured data, the distribution pattern of the most unfavorable negative temperature differential observed in high-latitude regions was determined. Long-term numerical simulation and extreme value analysis were performed using historical meteorological data, revealing that the vertical negative temperature gradient in the concrete box girder structures follows a composite exponential distribution. The temperature differential at the top complies with Chinese code requirements, while at the bottom, it aligns more closely with British standard BS5400. Statistical analysis of historical meteorological data predicts that the 50-year temperature differential will result in a drop amplitude of 26.42 °C, which is 1.44 times higher than measured values obtained from experiments. The proposed negative temperature gradient pattern for concrete box girders presented in this study can encompass general design codes and provide guidance for designing concrete bridges in severe cold areas.