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• The use of Applied Element Method (AEM) to simulate the bridge collapse due to losing of support: a case study »

A. Greco;  A. El Fouly

08/2024

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In a study to evaluate the performance of existing bridges, Ayman Elfouly with Applied Science International, LLC, and I worked on a case study of a multi-bay simply supported bridge.

The analysis results showed insufficient bearing length for the bridge supports leading to the sliding of the bridge from the bearing pad and hence the total collapse of the bridge.

 

“Extreme Loading for Structures” Software (ELS) with its “Applied Element Method” Solver (AEM) was able to capture the collapse mechanism.

 

AEM allows for structural analysis starting from the elastic stage going through crack initiation and propagation, yielding of reinforcement bars and up to separation of elements, collapse and debris.

 

It should be noted that ELS graphical user interface allows engineers to model bridges with its current condition including but not limited to cracking and corrosion allowing engineers to study the behavior of bridges under different loading scenarios in its current operational stage. 

 

Download here the presentation

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Simulation                                                                                                                  ​​​

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References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014102962301043X?via%3Dihub

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141029619331840

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