Lateral Load Path Analysis: Practical Methods for Light-Frame Modular Structures

The mechanical properties of joined structures are determined considerably by the chosen joining technology. With the aim of providing a method that enables a faster and more profound decision-making in the spatial distribution of joining points during product development, a new method for the load path analysis of joining points is presented. For an exemplary car body, the load type in the joining elements, i.e. pure tensile, shear and combined tensile-shear loads, is determined using finite element analysis (FEA). Based on the evaluated loads, the resulting load paths in selected joining points are analyzed using a 2D FE-model of a clinching point. State of the art methods for load path analysis are dependent on the selected coordinate system or the existing stress state. Thus, a general statement about the load transmission path is not possible at this time. Here, a novel method for the analysis of load paths is used, which is independent of the alignment of the analyzed geometry. The basic assumption of the new load path analysis method was confirmed by using a simple specimen with a square hole in different orientations. The results presented here show a possibility to display the load transmission path invariantly. In further steps, the method will be extended for 3D analysis and the investigation of more complex assemblies. The primary goal of this methodical approach is an even load distribution over the joining elements and the component. This will provide a basis for future design approaches aimed at reducing the number of joining elements in joined structures.

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Qualitative modeling and analysis of lateral load resistance in frames

Artificial intelligence for engineering design analysis and manufacturing ◽

10.1017/s0890060400000342 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 239-256 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Renate Fruchter ◽

Helmut Krawinkler ◽

Kincho H. Law

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Evaluation ◽

Evaluation Process ◽

Load Resistance ◽

Lateral Load ◽

Structural Behavior ◽

Design Stage ◽

Prototype System ◽

Qualitative Modeling ◽

Load Path ◽

Lateral Load Resistance

This paper discusses a work in progress in the development of computer tools for qualitative modeling analysis and evaluation of conceptual structural designs. In the conceptual design stage the description of a structure is incomplete and imprecise, and does not permit the use of traditional numerical analysis tools. We describe a prototype system, QLRS, for qualitative evaluation of lateral load resistance in frames. The primary goal of the evaluation of structural response is to identify undesirable structural behavior. In QLRS, the evaluation process consists of three basic tasks. (1) identification of the story and structure models comprising the lateral load resisting system. We term this task structural system interpretation. (2) Qualitative analysis of the story and structure models, and approximate evaluation of the story drifts. We term this task structural behavior interpretation. (3) Assessment of the performance of the lateral load resisting system, in which the results of the structural system interpretation and the structural behavior interpretation are compared against the requirements for complete load path and relative story drift. Currently, QLRS is able to reason about load path discontinuities and soft-story behavior problems in 2-D moment resisting frames.

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Novel Bionic Design Method for Skeleton Structures Based on Load Path Analysis

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10228251 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (22) ◽

pp. 8251

Author(s):

Zhaohua Wang ◽

Nan Wu ◽

Qingguo Wang ◽

Yongxin Li ◽

Quanwei Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Path Analysis ◽

Cross Sections ◽

Bone Structure ◽

Design Method ◽

Selection Criterion ◽

Structural Similarity ◽

Fish Bone ◽

Load Path ◽

Bionic Design ◽

Mechanical Performances

Biological structures have excellent mechanical performances including lightweight, high stiffness, etc. However, these are difficult to apply directly to some given complex structures, such as automobile frame, control arm, etc. In this study, a novel bionic design method for skeleton structures with complex features is proposed by the bio-inspired idea of “main-branch and sub-branch”. The envelope model of a given part is established by analyzing the structural functions and working conditions, and the load path is extracted by the load-transferred law as the structural main-branch. Then, the selection criterion of bionic prototype is established from three aspects: load similarity, structural similarity and manufacturability. The cross-sections with high similarities are selected as the structural sub-branch. Finally, the multi-objective size optimization is carried out and a new model is established. The bionic design of a control arm is carried out by the method: structural main-branch is obtained by the load path analysis and structural sub-branch is occupied by the fish-bone structure. The design result shows that the structural stiffness is increased by 62.3%, while the weight is reduced by 24.75%. The method can also be used for other fields including automobile, aerospace and civil engineering.

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Load Path Analysis of Vehicle Body Structures under Eigenmode Deformation of Bending Vibration

10.4271/2009-01-0770 ◽

2009 ◽

Author(s):

Yasuhisa Okano ◽

Takuya Matsunaga ◽

Shinichi Maruyama ◽

Masashi Hanazato ◽

Kunihiro Takahashi

Keyword(s):

Path Analysis ◽

Vehicle Body ◽

Load Path ◽

Bending Vibration

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Alternate Load-Path Analysis for Mid-Rise Mass-Timber Buildings

Structures Conference 2018 ◽

10.1061/9780784481349.017 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Hercend Mpidi Bita ◽

Thomas Tannert

Keyword(s):

Path Analysis ◽

Load Path ◽

Mass Timber

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A New Approach for the Evaluation of Component and Joint Loads Based on Load Path Analysis

Lecture Notes in Production Engineering - Production at the leading edge of technology ◽

10.1007/978-3-662-62138-7_14 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 134-141

Author(s):

C. Steinfelder ◽

A. Brosius

Keyword(s):

Path Analysis ◽

Load Path ◽

New Approach ◽

Joint Loads

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Analysis of the Lateral Load Path in Concrete Crosstie Fastening Systems

2014 Joint Rail Conference ◽

10.1115/jrc2014-3754 ◽

2014 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Brent Williams ◽

J. Riley Edwards ◽

Ryan G. Kernes ◽

Christopher P. L. Barkan

Keyword(s):

Failure Modes ◽

Lateral Load ◽

Rolling Stock ◽

Vertical Load ◽

Load Path ◽

Lateral Forces ◽

System Components ◽

Heavy Haul ◽

And Performance ◽

Component Failures

Increasing axle loads of today’s North American heavy haul freight trains have presented numerous engineering challenges for the design and performance of concrete crossties and fastening systems. Several research studies have been conducted to understand the path of the vertical load from the wheel/rail interface through the fastening system and into the crosstie with successful results. However, problems arise due to the failure of fastening system components caused by high lateral and longitudinal loads in addition to vertical loads. Failed components are often seen in demanding track environments such as sharp curves or steep grades. It is hypothesized these component failures are caused by high lateral and longitudinal loads, respectively. Until now, attempts to measure lateral forces in the fastening system have been relatively unsuccessful. This study focuses on gaining a better understanding of the lateral load path in concrete crosstie fastening systems through the use of novel instrumentation techniques to quantify the magnitude of lateral forces induced from various types of rolling stock. A thorough understanding of the lateral load path, lateral load magnitudes, and their impact on failure modes will aid in the future mechanistic design of fastening systems. Ultimately, mechanistic design will lead to fastening system components that are able to withstand heavy axle freight train loads with longer service lives. Preliminary results show that the type of rolling stock and resulting wheel loads greatly affect the magnitude of lateral forces in the fastening system.

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