Examensarbete

There is a necessity to improve the methods for bridge assessment because they are over-conservative. These methods can be improved by the means of finite element (FE) analysis and field measurements. Therefore the research project "Bridge Assessment and Maintenance based on Finite Element Structural Models and Field Measurements" was initiated. The New Svinesund Bridge was chosen for practical application within this research project. The structural model made by Bilfinger Berger during design was converted to fit the FE program ABAQUS and was further developed by introducing detailed modelling of the sequential construction of the arch. The material model for the concrete in the arch was improved in order to take into account the long-term effects of concrete, such as creep, and the development of Young's modulus with time. The main aim was to produce a FE model that could give results in the FE analysis that are similar to the real structural behaviour of the bridge. Results considered to be of special interest were the deformations of the arch during launching, the strain variations and the sectional forces and moments within the arch. These results were compared to field measurements and other more simplified models, to evaluate the effect of different modelling. The modelling of the sequential construction of the arch had a large influence on the sectional forces and moments. However, the modelling of viscoelastic material properties and the development of Young's modulus in concrete did not affect these results drastically. The deformations obtained during launching of the arch were much greater than the deformations that occurred for the completed arch. The strains in certain points in the FE model were compared with results obtained from strain gauges. The different construction events during the launching could clearly be seen in the strain results from the FE analysis even though they did not correspond exactly with field measurements. Alternative URL: http://www20.vv.se/fud-resultat/Publikationer_000501_000600/Publikation_000577/2005_Canovic%20och%20Goncalves.pdf