scholarly journals Finite Element Models of a Benchmark Footbridge

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (19) ◽  
pp. 9024
Author(s):  
Fiammetta Venuti ◽  
Marco Domaneschi ◽  
Marc Lizana ◽  
Branko Glisic
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Complex Geometry ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Finite Element Models ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Princeton University ◽  
Ansys Apdl ◽  
Vibration Serviceability

Modern footbridges are often lively structures, characterized by natural frequencies that fall in the range of pedestrian activities, such as walking, running, and jumping. Therefore, serviceability assessment under human-induced excitation is crucial both at the design stage and during the footbridge lifetime. This paper presents and validates two different FE models of an existing footbridge with very complex geometry: the Streicker Footbridge at the Princeton University Campus. It represents a benchmark in the field as a testbed for vibration serviceability assessments under pedestrian excitation. The real structure is equipped with strain and temperature sensors that are currently used to collect measurements in both static and dynamic modes for research and educational purposes in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). Based on detailed drawings of the Streicker Footbridge, a three-dimensional beam-based model was developed to represent the complex behavior of the full-scale benchmark bridge. Subsequently, a more refined discretization of the bridge deck adopting shell elements was inserted. The bridge Finite Element models were validated against available SHM data concerning static and dynamic tests. The relevant ANSYS APDL script files along with an example of pedestrian jumping application are available upon request for further research developments on the relationship between pedestrians and the benchmark footbridge.

Analysis of load in ties in masonry veneer walls

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 850-860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junyi Yi ◽  
David Laird ◽  
Bill McEwen ◽  
Nigel G Shrive
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Finite Element Models ◽  
Structural System ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Beam Elements ◽  
Load Distributions ◽  
Staggered Arrangement ◽  
Brick Veneer ◽  
Steel Stud

Masonry is frequently used as a veneer, tied to a backup structural system. In many cases, the structural system is steel studding. Very little research has been conducted to examine the effect of staggering the ties between the veneer and the backup on the load distributions in the ties and studs. This paper describes three-dimensional (3-D) finite element models developed for masonry veneer walls (brick veneer – steel stud) subjected to wind load. Various tie arrangements were analyzed. Shell elements were used to model the brick veneer, and beam elements were used to model the steel studs and ties. Cracking was introduced in a horizontal mortar joint through the use of gap elements (discrete cracking method). The loads in the ties for various tie arrangements were examined. It appears that staggering the ties does not overload them when a full row of ties is provided at the top or at both the top and the bottom. The load distribution in the ties in a staggered arrangement is close to that in the full-tie arrangement.Key words: masonry veneer walls, 3-D, finite element models, brick veneer, steel studs, ties.

ACCURATE MODELING OF CURVED STEEL I-GIRDER BRIDGE

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yifan Zhu ◽  
Chaoran Xu ◽  
Chung C. Fu
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Vertical Shear ◽  
Finite Element Models ◽  
Refined Model ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Curvature Effects ◽  
Girder Bridges ◽  
Girder Bridge ◽  
Curved Steel

A curved and/or skewed steel I-girder bridge, in addition to the basic vertical shear and bending effects, will be subjected to torsional and warping effects. Thus, simplified hand calculation and line girder methods, might not be enough when bridges are to be analyzed. Refined methods, termed by AASHTO, have to be adopted. This paper has investigated the closeness and difference between curved bridge finite element models using 2-D gird and 3-D shell elements of I-girders, both are part of AASHTO refined method. Moreover, the results are calibrated by comparing analysis result with various two-dimensional and three-dimensional computations with varied curvature effects. It is concluded that when introducing torsional effects to finite element models, the modified torsional constant J with consideration of warping effect should be taken into the 2-D grid model as a refined model. When using 3-D shell elements as the refined model, stiffeners and connection plates play an important role of global model stiffness and should not be ignored, especially for sharp curved steel I-girder bridges.

Finite Element Analysis and Mechanical Testing of External Fixator Designs

1994 ◽  
Vol 208 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
P J Prendergast ◽  
S J Toland ◽  
J P Corrigan
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Finite Element Models ◽  
Close Correspondence ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Modular Assembly ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Fixation Devices ◽  
Stress Patterns ◽  
Theoretical Stress

Experimental and theoretical stress analysis methods are used to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of external fixation devices as load-bearing structures. For the experimental part, a modular assembly was fabricated from which unilateral and bilateral fixators of different design configurations were assembled and tested under various loading conditions. A reflective photoelasticity technique was used to study the effect of frame configuration on the stress patterns generated around the pin-bone interface. Finite element models of each design were also generated using three-dimensional beam and shell elements. Spring elements were used to model the pin/sidebar clamp. It is shown that close correspondence between the experimental and theoretical methods of investigation is obtained when the flexibility of the pin/side-bar clamp is taken into account. It is also shown that a unilateral design, modified by attaching a second side-bar to the first and connecting them by means of a semicircular component, can achieve some of the structural advantages of bilateral fixators without the clinical disadvantage of transfixing pins.

Research on Mesh Optimization of the Finite Element Calculation about Three-Dimensional Foundation Pit

2012 ◽  
Vol 487 ◽  
pp. 855-859
Author(s):  
Shi Lun Feng ◽  
Yu Ming Zhou ◽  
Pu Lin Li ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Zhi Yong Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Complex Geometry ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Mesh Optimization ◽  
Design Calculation ◽  
Foundation Pit ◽  
3D Design ◽  
Finite Element Software ◽  
Core Language ◽  
Grid Division

Abaqus finite element software can implement three-dimensional excavation design calculation, so authors used Python of Abaqus core language made the 3D design of foundation pit supporting program come ture and also did intensive study of mesh optimization during the process. Authors also did intensive comparison and analysis about grid division of the complex geometry foundation pit, through a regularization partion about a variety of special-shaped pit, we made the automatic division about the structural grid of all kinds of shapes foundation pit successful. On this basis, we achieved better calculation effects of the model. The article will introduce problems about optimization of grid in procedure.

Concurrent Engineering Design of Sheet Stamping by Using an Inverse FE Approach

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiyong Yang ◽  
Kikuo Nezu
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Concurrent Engineering ◽  
Process Simulation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Sheet Forming ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Forming Process ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Preliminary Design Stage ◽  
Product And Process

Abstract An inverse finite element (FE) algorithm is proposed for sheet forming process simulation. With the inverse finite element analysis (FEA) program developed, a new method for concurrent engineering (CE) design for sheet metal forming product and process is proposed. After the product geometry is defined by using parametric patches, the input models for process simulation can be created without the necessity to define the initial blank and the geometry of tools, thus simplifying the design process and facilitating the designer to look into the formability and quality of the product being designed at preliminary design stage. With resort to a commercially available software, P3/PATRAN, arbitrarily three-dimensional product can be designed for manufacturability for sheet forming process by following the procedures given.

A Finite Element for the Analysis of Shell Intersections

1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 399-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. J. Koves ◽  
S. Nair
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Stress State ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Shell Element ◽  
Theory Of Elasticity ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Asme Code ◽  
Form Theory ◽  
Computation Scheme ◽  
Shell Intersections

A specialized shell-intersection finite element, which is compatible with adjoining shell elements, has been developed and has the capability of physically representing the complex three-dimensional geometry and stress state at shell intersections (Koves, 1993). The element geometry is a contoured shape that matches a wide variety of practical nozzle configurations used in ASME Code pressure vessel construction, and allows computational rigor. A closed-form theory of elasticity solution was used to compute the stress state and strain energy in the element. The concept of an energy-equivalent nodal displacement and force vector set was then developed to allow complete compatibility with adjoining shell elements and retain the analytical rigor within the element. This methodology provides a powerful and robust computation scheme that maintains the computational efficiency of shell element solutions. The shell-intersection element was then applied to the cylinder-sphere and cylinder-cylinder intersection problems.

Finite Element Analysis for a CAD of a Concrete Mixer Drum

1994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossam S. Badawi ◽  
Sherif A. Mourad ◽  
Sayed M. Metwalli
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Plain Concrete ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Bending Stresses ◽  
Loading Effects ◽  
Concrete Mixer ◽  
Aided Design

Abstract For a Computer Aided Design of a concrete truck mixer, a six cubic meter concrete mixer drum is analyzed using the finite element method. The complex mixer drum structure is subjected to pressure loading resulting from the plain concrete inside the drum, in addition to its own weight. The effect of deceleration of the vehicle and the rotational motion of the drum on the reactions and stresses are also considered. Equivalent static loads are used to represent the dynamic loading effects. Three-dimensional shell elements are used to model the drum, and frame elements are used to represent a ring stiffener around the shell. Membrane forces and bending stresses are obtained for different loading conditions. Results are also compared with approximate analysis. The CAD procedure directly used the available drafting and the results were used effectively in the design of the concrete mixer drum.

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