POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

CE626: Bridge Engineering

Finite Elements for Modeling

Bridge Components

By Dammika Abeykoon
 Structure, Member, Element
Structure can considered as an assemblage of
“Physical Components” called Members
◦ Slabs, Beams, Columns, Footings, etc.
Physical Members can be modeled by using one or
more “Conceptual Components” called Elements
◦ 1D elements, 2D element, 3D elements
◦ Frame element, Plate element, Shell element, Solid
element, etc.
 The Structural System

EXCITATION STRUCTURE RESPONSES

p

Loads Displacements
Vibrations Strains
pv
Settlements Stresses
Thermal Changes Stress Resultants
The Need for Analysis
We need to determine the
response of the structure to
excitations Analysis

so that:

We can ensure that the structure Design

can sustain the excitation with an
acceptable level of response
 Analysis of Structures
p
Real Structure is governed by “Partial
Differential Equations” of various order
pv

 xx  xy  xz
+ + + p x = 0 etc.
x y z
Direct solution is only possible for:
• Simple geometry
• Simple Boundary
• Simple Loading
 The Need for Structural Model
EXCITATION STRUCTURE RESPONSES
p
Loads Displacements
Vibrations Strains
Settlements pv
Stress
Thermal Changes Stress Resultants

Structural Model
 The Need for Modeling
A - Real Structure cannot be Analyzed:
It can only be “Load Tested” to determine response

B - We can only analyze a “Model” of the Structure

C -Therefore, we need tools to Model the Structure &

to Analyze the Model
 FEM & FEA
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
“A discretized solution to a continuum problem
using FEM”

• Finite Element Method (FEM)

“A numerical procedure for solving (partial)
differential equations associated with field
problems, with an accuracy acceptable to
engineers”
 From Classical to FEM
Classical FEM
Assumptions

Actual Structure Equilibrium Structural Model

 xx  yy  zz
x
+
y
+
z
+ pvx = 0 Stress-Strain Law Ku = F
“Algebraic
“Partial Compatibility Equations”
Differential
Equations” _ _ _
K = Stiffness
  t  dV =  pvt u dV +  pst u ds
v
u = Response
(Principle of Virtual Work) F = Loads
 Simplified Structural System

Loads (F) Deformations (u)

Fv

u K (Stiffness)

Equilibrium Equation F=Ku

 The Total Structural System

STRUCTURE

EXCITATION RESPONSES
pv

• Static • Elastic • Linear

• Dynamic • Inelastic • Nonlinear

Eight types of equilibrium equations are possible!

 The Finite Element Analysis Process
Evaluate Real Structure
Engineer
Create Structural Model

Discretize Model in FE
Software
Solve FE Model

Engineer Interpret FEA Results

Physical significance of Results

 Elements Library available for FEA
One Dimensional Elements
DOF for 1D Elements

Dy Dy
Rz
Dx

2D Truss 2D Beam
Ry
Dy Dy Dy Dy
Dz Dz Rz Rz
Dx Dx Rx Dx Rx
Rz

3D Truss 3D Frame 2D Frame 2D Grid

 Spring & Nonlinear Link Elements

Spring

Nonlinear Links
 The Plastic Hinge
◦ Used as Spring, Link, Panel zone
or inside Frame Elements
◦ Axial, flexural, shear & torsional
behavior
◦ Axial-load/ biaxial-moment
interaction
◦ Multi-linear behavior including
softening
◦ Tabulated & Graphical display
of hinge status
(SAP2000)
 Two Dimensional Elements
DOF for 2D Elements

Ry ?
Ry ?
Dy Dy
Dy
Rz Dz Dx Rx
Dx Rx Rz

Membrane Plate Shell

 Membrane Element
General
◦ Total DOF per Node = 3 (or 2)
◦ Total Displacements per Node = 2 R3
U2 U2
Node 4

◦
Node 3
Total Rotations per Node = 1 (or 0) 3
U1
2
U1

◦ Membranes are modeled for flat surfaces 1

R3 R3
U2 U2
Node 1 Node 2

Application U1 U1

Membrane
◦ For Modeling surface elements carrying
in-plane loads
 Plate Element
General
◦ Total DOF per Node = 3
U3 U3
◦ Total Displacements per Node = 1 Node 3
R2
Node 4
R2

◦ Total Rotations per Node = 2 3

R1
2
R1

◦ Plates are for flat surfaces 1

U3 U3
R2 R2
Node 1 Node 2

Application R1 R1

◦ For Modeling surface elements Plate

carrying out of plane loads
 Shell Element
General U3, R3 U3, R3

◦ Total DOF per Node = 6 (or 5) Node 3

U2, R2
Node 4
U2, R2

◦ Total Displacements per Node = 3 3

U1, R1
2
U3, R3
U1, R1

◦ Total Rotations per Node = 3 1

◦
U2, R2 U2, R2
Used for curved surfaces U3, R3
Node 1 Node 2

U1, R1 U1, R1

Application Shell

◦ For Modeling surface elements

carrying general loads
Three Dimensional Elements

Dy

DOF for 3D Dz Dx
Elements
Solid/ Brick
Connecting Dissimilar Elements
When elements with different degrees of freedom at
ends connect with each other, special measures may
need to be taken to provide proper connectivity
depending on Software Capability

Beams to Plates Beam to Brick Plates to Brick

 Meshing Slabs & Walls

In general the mesh in the Some software automatically

slab should match with mesh establishes connectivity by
in the wall to establish using constraints
connection
 Non-Prismatic Member
Problem of centerline alignment for a variable section column

Actual Simple Model Improved Model

(Load eccentricity not included) (Load eccentricity included)
 Modeling of Non-Prismatic Members

Basic discretization

Effect of variable properties

Effect of variable properties &

centerline
 Bridge Deck Modeling Options

Beam model

Grid model

+ Beam-Plate model

Grid-Plate model

Plate-Shell model
 Beam Model

Simple Beam Model

◦ Only the CL of the deck is modeled by equivalent beam
elements
Full Beam Model
◦ Every bridge component is modeled by beam elements

Suitability of Simple Beam Model

◦ Beam Model - Beam Bridges, Arch Bridges, Truss Bridges
◦ Beam & Cable Model - Cable Stayed Bridges, Suspension Bridges
 Simple Beam Model
◦ In beam model, the whole bridge deck
is represented by a single beam
◦ All girders are combined together to
form a single cross-section
◦ This model is suitable for “Longitudinal”
analysis only
◦ This is the simplest model for bridge
analysis, & when used properly can give
reasonable results
Simple Beam Model for a Bridge
 Constructing Full Beam Model
Draw Centerline of the bridge members in Elevation
Divide curved members into small straight elements
Divide main members into 4 or more elements
Compute the cross-section properties for each element
◦ Area of cross-section
◦ Second moment of area
◦ Shear Areas
◦ Torsional Constant
 Beam Model for a Bridge
◦ Results from Beam Model can be used directly for
the design of the deck section for moment, shear,
axial force & torsion
◦ Suitable for Gravity, Traffic, Pre-stress & Lateral Loads
◦ Beam Model can be used for 2D (In-Plane) as well as
full 3D Analysis
 Grid Model

◦ In the model the deck is

represented as a grillage made
from beam elements

◦ Girders, Slab, Diaphragm etc. are

all converted to equivalent beams

◦ This is generally for out-of plane

analysis for gravity & traffic loads
 Grid Model
◦ Most suitable for I beam or T beam deck with
diaphragms
◦ Suitable for transverse distribution of traffic load
◦ Generally made for one or two spans for local analysis
◦ Slab can be represented by equivalent beam strips
◦ Can be in 2D or in 3D
◦ Can be combined with the full Beam Model
 Beam-Plate Model

◦ Beam-Plate model is the combination of beam & plate elements

in which girders & diaphragms are modeled with the beam
element & the slab is modeled with the plate element
◦ The use of the plate element improves the modeling of slab
behavior in comparison with Grid Model
 Beam-Plate Model

◦ Special consideration are needed to account for

difference in the center line of the girders & the
plate (slab)
◦ The stiffness matrix of the girders & diaphragms are
modified with the sub-structure method
◦ An offset connection needs to be specified between
beams-plates
 Beam-Plate Model
The problem of the offset connection needs special handling

◦ Use of Rigid Offsets or Special Elements in the program

h +
 Plate - Shell Model

◦ In plate-shell model, all

girders, diaphragms, slabs
etc. are modeled with
the plate elements

◦ This model is suitable for

detailed analysis in both
transverse as well as in
longitudinal directions
 Plate - Shell Model
◦ Can handle bridges of arbitrary cross-section & geometry
◦ Specially suitable for deck slab analysis, highly skew &
curved bridges
◦ Needs very large number of elements
◦ Applying moving loads may be difficult
◦ Difficult to apply Pre-stress load
◦ Difficult to interpret results for design
 Bridge model using Shell elements &
Beam elements

◦ Using Beam element for straight part & Shell elements for
various other configurations
 Box Girder Analysis

Elevation

Section Location of nodes on the section

Nodes for Loads

 Box Discretization
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

40 50 40

Elevation

Box Discretization for Transverse Analysis

Box Discretization for longitudinal Analysis

 Special consideration for Box Girders
◦ Modeling of Box Girder Deck is more complex than ordinary
Beam Girder

Box Girder Beam Girder

Horizontal Curvature Yes No

Vertical Curvature Yes No
Super elevation Yes Yes
Skew Yes Yes
Variable cross-section Often Rare
Continuity of supports Often Rare
 Modeling of Diaphragm
0.5m

2m

Special
Use Modeling 3~2.5m
Plate/Shell Needed
Elements

Sectional Elevation at Pier

 Modeling of Cross-Beam
2.0m
Thick Cross-beam

1.5m

Use Brick
Elements 2.5m

Sectional Elevation at Pier

Shell Model of Box Girder Bridge
 Modeling of Sub-Structure members
◦ The structural members & systems below the bearings or the
main deck or the main framing
◦ Actual division depends on bridge type & may include Lateral
framing system, Piers, Foundations etc.
Bridge Pier

Solid element
model

Beam element
model
 Modeling of Supports
Actual Supports
Isolated Footings, Combined Footings, Rafts, Pile Caps, Pile Piers,
Caissons, Special Supports, etc.
Support Models in 2D
2
Fixed LLL

3
Pin LLF
1

Roller
FLF LFF LFL

Elastic
Modeling of Supports
 Spring Restraints

Simple Spring Restraints

Independent spring stiffness in each DOF

Coupled Spring Restraints

General spring connection

Coupled 6x6 user-defined

spring stiffness option
 Inclined Supports
1st Method:
Use an additional member at the
support by making it rigid and the
Additional Inclined
rigid member
member forces in this member
will represent the reactions in the
Inclined Support

2st Method:
Use Local Coordinate System of
the Node to Rotate the DOF
Available in Some Software (Ex:
SAP2000)
Modeling Options for Foundations
Footing
Beam Plate/Shell Brick
Restraint Yes Yes Yes
Soil

Spring Yes Yes Yes

Brick No Yes Yes
 Using Springs to Model Footings

Computing Spring Stiffness

B
A = Spacing of Springs in X
B
B = Spacing of Springs in Y

Ks = Modulus of sub-grade reaction (t/cu m etc.) A A

K = Spring constant (t/m etc.)

K= ks*A*B
 Modulus of Sub-grade Reaction
It is defined as the ratio between the pressure against the footing or
the mat & the settlement at a given point
q where k = Coefficient of Sub-grade reaction
k=
 q = Load per unit area
= Settlement

What is Modulus of Sub-grade Reaction

Load required to produce unit settlement in a unit area
P
Ks = P/(L*W*H), Units = T/m3 1m
How to Obtain 1m
• Plate Load Test
• Theory of Soil Mechanics 1m
• Bearing Capacity
 Modeling Laterally Loaded Pile
P
M Pile cap
M
H H H 1
1
hf Water level Ls hf

Fixed soil level 3

2 N+1

2
5
4
Soil strata in layers
7 hs
6
D
hs

Beam or truss
element (Si)
Beam
N
elements (P i)

Actual Pile So il Represented by

Frame Mo del
Embedded in Soil Lateral Springs

Using lateral springs to model soil Using Solid elements to model soil
around the Pile around the Pile
 Modeling of Bearings & Expansion Joints
Joints
◦ In finite element models, by default all element connected to
a node share the Nodal Degree of Freedom (DoF)
◦ This is suitable for fully connected structural members
◦ At Joints, full connection may not be available or desired
◦ We can either “release” or “constrain” the DoF to change this
default behavior & to model joints

Bearings
◦ Stiffness/ flexibility of bearing pads & other
connections should be modeled
Modeling of Bearings & Expansion Joints
◦ Effectively Modeling of Support conditions at bearing &
expansion joints requires careful consideration of the continuity
of each translation & rotational components of displacement
◦ DoF representing discontinuous components must be
disconnected
◦ Joints may behave linearly or non linearly

Linear Joints Nonlinear Joints

◦ Roller, Pin ◦ Expansion Joint, Gap
◦ Elastomeric Pads ◦ Restraining Block, Gap or Hook
 Bearing & Expansion Joints
Method –1: Using Constraints

◦ Use more than one node at the same location to

connects individual elements which automatically
disconnects all DoF between the elements

◦ Constraining together the connected DoF using

equal or local constraints
 Bearing & Expansion Joints
Method-2: Using Releases

◦ Attaching several elements to a common joint

which automatically connects all DoF between the
elements

◦ Using Frame element end release to free the

unconnected DoF
 Bearings & Expansion Joints
Method-3: Using Springs

◦ Specially useful for modeling of Elastomeric

bearings, semi-rigid connections, elastic
connections & passive resistance of soil within the
elastic range

◦ The elements are connected to each other by spring

elements or equivalent spring elements in
appropriate DoF
Bearing Example

Z
How to Model this?
X
 Bearing & Expansion Joints
2 5 6 3 Joints 4,5,6:
Same Coordinates
4
Equal Y-Translation
Equal Z-Translation
Equal X-Rotation
1
Joints 4,6:
Equal X-displacement

Method (1)- Use of Separate Joints at Common Location

 Bearing & Expansion Joints

Moment release
2 4 3

Moment & Axial Moment release

Force release
1

Method (2)- Use of Common Joints & Elements End Releases

 In-Span Expansion Joint
Girder Pier Head or Girder
Z

Joint
Pier
 In-Span Expansion Joint
Moment release
2 5 6 4 3 2 5 4 3

Joints 5,6: Moment &

1
Same Coordinates Axial Force 1
Equal Y-Translation release
Equal Z-Translation
Equal X-Rotation

Method(1)- Use of Separate Method(2)-Use of Common

Joints at Common Location Joints & Elements End Releases
 Modeling Elastomeric Bearings
F Elastomeric Bearing
(Shear Modulus G)

V1 ? V2 ?

Using Elastic Springs

◦ Specify appropriate stiffness along all DoF directly
Using Nonlinear Link Elements
◦ For modeling the nonlinear characteristics of the Elastomeric bearing
 Role of Abutments
For Gravity Loads
◦ Retain the soil on road way side
◦ Support the vertical component of girder reaction
◦ Accommodate bearing movement due to temperature
change & elastic shortenings
◦ Provide restrain for lateral reaction due to longitudinal loads

Additional Role for Seismic Loads

◦ Impart & resist longitudinal loads due to mass-acceleration
 Abutment Behavior
Behavior depends on the type of abutment & intended purpose

In general, the overall behavior

◦ Subjected to active soil pressure causing over-turning

towards the span
◦ Imparts passive pressure to the soil due to longitudinal
forces & movements
◦ Vertical load transferred to the soil either through retaining
wall or through the transom & pile system
 Modeling Issues
◦ How can the active & passive soil pressure be modeled
simultaneously
◦ How can the soil “stiffness” be included when subjected to passive
loading
◦ How can the soil separation be included when deck moves away
from the abutment
◦ How can the behavior of restraining blocks for seismic movement be
included
◦ How can the elastomeric bearings be included
◦ How can the damping effect be considered
◦ What about soil dynamic, non-linear & liquefaction effects
 Modeling Options
A – Consider as a support node
B – Consider as a node & a linear spring
C – Consider as a node & a linear link
D – Consider as a node & a non-linear link
E – Consider as a node, non-linear link & a damper
F – Model as a combination of plate elements, links, dampers &
springs
G – Model as a combination of plate elements, links, dampers &
solid elements
 Modeling Options Cont’d…
A - As Frame Nodal Support

◦ Consider either as pin or a roller

◦ If both are considered as roller, then all longitudinal loads should
be resisted by the piers
◦ If roller-pin combination is considered then amount of longitudinal
load transferred to pin-end will depend on the stiffness of piers,
length of deck, joint between the pier & the deck
◦ May be appropriate for preliminary analysis, especially when using
frame model
◦ None of the stiffness, movement effects can be considered
 Modeling Options Cont’d…
B – As Frame Spring Support

◦ The sprint support can be use to represent the combined stiffness

of the bearing, the abutment & the passive resistance of the soil
◦ The spring stiffness can be computed based on the shear modulus
of the bearings, lateral modulus of sub-grade reaction of soil & the
contact area

C – As Frame Support Node and Linear Link

◦ The linear link can be used instead of spring support to represent

the combined (lumped) stiffness of all elements involved
 Modeling Options Cont’d…
D – As Frame Support Node & a Non-linear link
◦ The non-linear link can model the linear stiffness as spring, as
well as capture non-linear behavior, such as soil separation,
expansion joint, restraining block, soil liquefaction etc.

E – As Frame Support Node, Non-linear Link & Damper

◦ Can model all of the behavior in D, in addition the combined
effect of modal and material damping
◦ This option is most comprehensive and can be used efficiently in
frame models

Option C, D, E require manual determination of stiffness, nonlinear

& damping properties for springs, links & dampers
 Modeling Options Cont’d…
F – As Plate/shell Elements, Links, Dampers & Springs
◦ The abutment wall is modeled with plate elements
◦ The soil is represented as springs
◦ The connection with the deck is modeled by links & dampers

G - As Plate/shell Elements, Links, Dampers & Solids

◦ The abutment wall is modeled with plate elements
◦ The soil is modeled by solid elements
◦ The connection with the deck is modeled by links & dampers
◦ The connection between soil & wall may be further modeled by
non-linear links
 Practical Modeling Considerations
◦ Using the right software that supports the modeling option
being selected
◦ The skill in using the software properly
◦ Obtaining, determining or computing the properties &
parameters required for the model being considered
◦ For sophisticated models, such as D-G, the ability to carry out
parametric & sensitivity analysis to ensure proper use of
properties & program options
 Assigning Loads in the Model
Loads on Bridge Deck
◦ Gravity Loads
◦ Traffic & Highway Loads(including Braking, acceleration &
centrifugal forces)
◦ Pre-stressing Loads
◦ Temperature Loads
◦ Shrinkage & Creep
◦ Wind Loads
◦ Seismic Loads
Assigning Loads in the Model: Gravity Loads
These are the vertical loads due to the gravity. It consists
of the dead weight of the structures. These loads can be
applied as the element loads or as nodal loads

◦ For Beam Model applied as UDL over the length

◦ For Shell Model applied as UDL over the area

◦ Special loads applied as Point Loads

 Assigning Loads in the Model:
Traffic & Highway Loads
◦ These loads also known as live loads & their importance is due to
their movement on the bridge
◦ As they are not stationary, they are applied in such a way that
maximum moment, maximum shear & maximum stresses are
obtained for designing purpose
◦ In case of beam model, the whole load of wheels on same axle are
combined together to form a single load
◦ Maximum moment can be determined by applying these different
axle loads in appropriate places for longitudinal beam model
◦ In the case of transverse direction, maximum moment is obtained
by placing the loads considering in transverse direction only
 Assigning Loads in the Model:
Traffic & Highway Loads
◦ Separate modeling may be needed for Longitudinal &
Transverse analysis in case of Plate Models
◦ For longitudinal direction moment, the meshing in transverse
direction need not be fine & loads of wheels on same axle
may be added together
◦ The location of load for maximum transverse effect may not
be the same as that for longitudinal effect

(a) For transverse direction (b) For longitudinal direction

 Modeling Loads on Deck
P

(X,Z) ◦ Point Load

Y

X Z ◦ Line Load
◦ Area Load

W1
W
W2 (X1,Z1) (X1,Z1) (X3,Z3)
Y Y

Z (X2,Z2) (X2,Z2)
X X (X4,Z4)
Z

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA

Modeling Loads on Deck: Truck Load
Modeling Loads on Deck: Lane Load
 Assigning Loads in the Model
Temperature Loads
◦ In case of Beam model, the temperature loads to any member can
be applied as a form of fixed end moment caused by the
temperature changes
◦ In the cases of Plate model, the temperature loads can be applied
as the initial strains caused by the temperature changes to each
element

Shrinkage & Creep

◦ The effect of Shrinkage & Creep of concrete can also be applied as
the load by converting the expected creep & shrinkage strain into
an equivalent temperature strain
 Few essential points to be kept in mind
when using FEM
◦ Purpose of modeling & analysis should be clear
◦ Appropriate elements should be selected
◦ Appropriate level of details should be modeled
◦ Both physical accuracy & correctness of behavior should in focus
◦ Modeling of material behavior is more complex than geometry
◦ Using “ behavior” elements often helps to capture the response
◦ A simplified model should be always be at hand to check the order
or magnitude for complex model
 Material Modeling
◦ A material, or constitutive, model is a mathematical representation of the
expected behavior of a given material in response to an applied load

Stress
Strain
Concrete material behaviour

◦ Modeling of material behavior is more complex than geometry.

However, it is essential for accurate prediction of the response