Return to search

Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of the Black River Bridge - A Serviceability Study

An attempt was made to predict the service life of the Black River Bridge using non-linear finite element analysis (NLFEA). Numerical modeling was performed using NLFEA software developed by Prof. Evan Bentz.
A large number of analytical studies were conducted to assess the strength and behaviour of the bridge under normal truck loading and at failure loads. It was determined that the bridge is shear critical. Location of trucks that would cause maximum deflection and highest crack widths were identified. It is believed that these findings will have a significant impact on physical measurements that can be incorporated into future bridges, helping researchers determine the locations in the bridge that are ideal for instrumentation.
Axial compression present in the bridge can significantly affect deflection and crack widths. Incorporating thermal and shrinkage effects into the NLFEA are recommended as topics for further research. Appropriate estimate of thermal and shrinkage strain will aid in better prediction of axial stresses.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/43367
Date11 December 2013
CreatorsZaeem, Mohammed Rizwan H.
ContributorsBentz, Evan, Collins, Michael P.
Source SetsUniversity of Toronto
Languageen_ca
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis

Page generated in 0.0021 seconds