Abstract:In order to study the effects of different simulation methods on the stiffness value and structural mechanical behavior of CFST arch bridges, combined with the advantages of the unified theory method and the stiffness superposition method, according to the unified theory two-element method, a model is established for analysis. Based on two specifications of GB 50923—2013 and JTG/T D65-06—2015, aiming at the differences in the axial stiffness and bending stiffness of arch rib, an error analysis model is established for comparison. Taking the net span 390 m half-through CFST arch bridge as the research object, based on the unified theory method, the unified theory double-element method and the stiffness superposition method, the finite element model is established to discuss and analyze the influences of different simulation methods on the axial force, displacement and stability of the main arch of the CFST arch bridge. The results show that the comparison of the stiffness error calculated by the unified theory method and the stiffness superposition method can check the matching of the strength grades of the steel pipe and the concrete. For the CFST with an outer diameter of 1.2 m, the matching between the C60 concrete and the Q345 steel is better, and the wall thickness of the steel pipe is the best when 20~32 mm. Compared with the stiffness superposition method, the relative difference value of the axial force calculation results of the key section of the main arch using the unified theory method and the unified theory dual element method is not more than 5%. The overall stiffness and stability coefficient of the arch rib simulated by the unified theory method are larger than those by the stiffness superposition method, which is a reliable and economic method to analyze the stability of long-span CFST arch bridges.