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Past research has been conducted on the behavior of horizontally curved girders by testing scaled models, full scale laboratory bridges, and by analyzing numerical models to better understand the behavior and response to load. Current design specifications are based on this past research, but little field data of in-service bridges exists to support the findings of the past research and the current design criteria. The purpose of this study was to gather field response data from three in-service, curved, steel I-girder bridges to determine behavior. Transverse bending distribution factors and dynamic load allowance were calculated from the data collected. Numerical grillage models of the three bridges were developed to determine if a simple numerical model will accurately predict actual field measured transverse bending distribution, deflections, and cross frame and diaphragm shear forces. The study found that AASHTO specifications are conservative for both dynamic load allowance and transverse bending moment distribution. The numerical grillage models were found to predict within a reasonable accuracy the measured behavior of a curved steel I-girder bridge.
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