Pure distortion of symmetric box beams with hinged walls

This paper is concerned with the analysis of the pure torsion and distortion of straight box beams with trapezial cross-sections and hinged walls. A one-dimensional mechanical model for this kind of system subjected to anti-symmetric loads on the end cross-sections and no warping constraints is developed. The distortional stiffness of the system is provided by the torsional rigidity of the wall panels. The cross-sectional kinematic condition for which torsion and distortion are uncoupled has been determined. Novel explicit expressions of the internal and external distortional moments, the distortion constant, and the distortional warping pattern have been deduced; they can be directly translated to the classical distortion theory. Results of representative test cases with different section shapes and loads show excellent agreement with finite element models using shell elements. The model is a first step to analyse bridge decks with a distortionable central cell for wind engineering applications. Finally, an extension of the model, including the distortional stiffness provided by the frame bending stiffness of the cross-section walls, is presented. The extended model is applicable to assess the large-scale torsional–distortional effects in long beams with closed cross sections.