High-End Solutions for Advanced Civil Engineering Projects

CivilFEM for ANSYS

Bridges and Civil Non Linearities Module

INGECIBER, s.a.

Introduction
This module includes a set of tools that make easier and improves the analysis and design of complex bridges, specially of prestressed concrete bridges. The module has been provided with utilities that help the engineer in all the calculation steps: layout and cross sections definition, model generation, loads generation (overloads, moving loads, prestressed cable loads, etc), loads combination, construction process simulation, analysis of results and so on.

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Main features
Bridge layout modeling (in plan and elevation view) Utilities for generating common bridge sections and layout design Geometric and finite element model generation both with Beams (1D) and Solid elements (3D) Loads Generation Overloads Moving loads (vehicles editor) Utility for Prestressed forces input User loads Automatic Loads combination Simulation of construction process
CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Bridge layout modeling

This utility allows generating the geometry and finite element model of the bridge from common engineering blueprints. It works like a layout program allowing to define the layout design in both plan and elevation views The procedure used for the bridge layout definition is the following: Definition of the mileage points (MPs) that represent the structure axis Definition of plan and elevation layout All the parameters introduced to create the layout and the obtained results can be later retrieved with a single command (~CFGET)
CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Bridge layout in plan view

In plan view, the mileage points line is a succession of userdefined stretches as: straight segments circular arcs clothoid arcs

R f R i Ct o o d lhi as x i s

(x )f y , f

s s Ln =+o g (x ) y , i i

y cl

x cl

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

C o i =R : D itio o th sc n le ets a R/ f s e fin n f e etio e m n

Bridge layout in elevation view

In elevation view, the mileage points line is a succession of user-defined stretches as: straight segments parabolic

z z f z i
s P abol et ar cl i i f

s f i f S ght ai sect n r t o i

si S ght ai sect n r t o i i i

i s

CivilFEM
for for

L T

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Vrtic l fille e a t

Bridge cross sections

This module includes a library of typical bridge cross sections, which are defined by the outline of the section: Slab cross sections (solid or hollow) Box cross sections
BTOP

RS
DEPTH B

TTOP

BM DEPTH

TBOT

TF

BBOT

Rectangular section
BTOP TTOP TTOP TM DEPTH BBOT TBOT

Trapezoidal section with flanges

BTOP BM2 BM1 BBOT

y
DEPTH

TS

PS
22

a2
z

Trapezoidal section
axis BTOPL BM2L DEPTHL TML TBOTL BBOTL BBOTR BM1L BTOPR BM2R BM1R

Polygonal section with two bends p

1
vU hU
DEPTHR

t 22

t 21
vUr hUr

p21

vCU hCU hCUr

vCUr

TTOPR TMR TBOTR

t 31
1

t 41 b1
hL hCL vL hCLr

PA

Polygonal Asymmetric with two bends Bridge Section Types

s31
Note: The upper line (deck) is always horizontal. The slope must be later defined with the sections bank.

vCL

p12 p11
1

vCLr

t 11 a0 /2

CivilFEM
for for

a1

Tri-cell box section definition

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Slab concrete sections

Its possible to define holes The sections can be symmetric or asymmetric Sections and the hole diameters might differ along the bridge Each section has associated an axis coordinate system Oxy

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Box sections with variable depth

Any generic box section can be easily defined All the necessary input parameters can be introduced either by menu or using the corresponding command (allows performing a parametric design of cross sections, creating macros, etc).
y

a2
z

t 22 p22
1
vU hU vUr hUr

t 21
1

p21

vCU hCU hCUr

vCUr

t 31
1

t 41 b1
hL hCL vL hCLr

s31

vCL

p12 p11
1

vCLr

t 11 a0 /2

a1

Tri-cell box section definition

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Assigning attributes (Sections/Layout)

For the automatic generation of the complete geometrical and FE model, the defined cross sections should be assigned to the mileage points (MPs) that forms the bridge layout. The sections transition between MPs can be defined defined using straight segments, splines and so on.

3 2 1

5
Trans = 0

Road axis

Trans=1

Cross sections (MPs) CivilFEM

for for

Section's transition definition

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Assigning attributes (Sections/Layout)

The cross sections may have the following attributes: Offsets Banks Skew Hollow or solid sections
MP,s line y Zoffs Yoffs P z Bank (Rotation's center P)

Hollow section (Solid=0 or blank

Solid section According to original contour (Solid0)

Cross sections at supports

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Model generation
Once the layout and cross sections are defined the geometrical and FE model can be automatically performed by the program.

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Model generation
Its possible to automatically generate the finite element model either with Solid elements or with Beam elements.
Beam element model (eshape option) Solid element model

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Model generation
Allows for a trial and error process using beam elements (less CPU and engineer time). Automatic discretization of the beam elements cross sections in points and tessellas (allows for analyzing section internal behavior using beam elements) More accurate design can be performed using SOLID elements by only changing the element type and running again.
Beam element model

Tessella discretization

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Special features
Any of the bridge parameters (layout, sections, dimensions, etc) can be easily parametrized by the user, allowing to make very fast sensitivity analysis, making use of some advanced features: Log files- the program stores in a file all the orders executed by the program during a job. This file can be edited by the user at any time and the model can be executed again by just reading it Macros (APDL)
Customization: the users are able to create their own windows, commands, etc, customizing the program as much as possible to their needs

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Loads generation
CivilFEM automatically generates the loads corresponding to the various load hypotheses over a 2D or 3D structure, such as: Moving loads (traffic loads) Surface loads (Overloads) Prestressed tendons Any kind of user defined loads Smart load combination of al the load steps generated during the analysis

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Loads generation- Traffic loads

From the vehicle's editor it is possible to create vehicles, import from library, modify, copy, delete and list.

Vehicles library: just choose the vehicle and the corresponding properties are automatically defined

Property window

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Loads generation- Traffic loads

Allows to consider the breaking or starting load (horizontal) for each vehicle wheel One or more vehicles can be used at the same time

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Loads generation- Traffic loads

Two different types of vehicles: Rigid (truck) or flexible (train, adptable to the path) User friendly path definition: road surface and road axis are automatically detected by the program
A ssem yt hebr i gesnodesandel m s, bl d e ent w her et hel adsar eappl d o e i Thet ngencyoccur si t hepoi t a n n ( xLoc, yLoc) of t hevehi l ce

Vh le e ic tra c ry je to

A ssem yt ebr i gesnodesandel m s, bl h d e ent w her et el adsar eappl d h o e i

V cer ayect or y ehi l t

D t is n i le c m o e ts o pnn

Li escom n ponent

M P ,s

K , P s

CivilFEM
for for

Ta c r dfin n(R idvh le r jetoy e itio ig eic )

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Loads generation- Surface loads

Definition of an overload grid over the deck Automatic load and combination of all possible load case scenarios

Assembly with the bridges nodes and elements over which the surface load will be applied Overload grid

s1 dm d2 d1 Lines component

KP,s

Definition of surface loads

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Loads generation- Prestressed cables

Definition of some points along the cables path (automatic adjustment of the points using splines) Introduce the tension force at specific locations of the tendons path Automatic introduction of the cable action over the structure: the program finds an equivalent system of forces at each node of the element that equilibrate the system
T1
P' 1 P'
N

Rz MR
z

P 2 P 1 P k P k+1 P k+2 P N

MR

fz
x c.d.g.

MR R
x

R
y

2
y

T2
fy fx
K K

Transmision of the cable actions to the model

CivilFEM generation 3D spline

for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Load generation- Notes

In addition to the automatic loads generation explained here in, any other user-defined load can be applied to the structure such as wind loads, snow, seismic (automatic definition of spectrum according to codes) and so on. The automatic load generation feature, although is inside the bridges module, can be applied to any other structure by just defining the surface over which they are to be applied.

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Dynamic analysis
A transient analysis can be automatically performed. Possibility of introducing the velocity while defining the moving loads

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Load combination- Example

Where must be located the two engines to obtain the maximum stresses at point P? What is the maximum bending moment at section AA? Which are the concomitant values?

? ?

??
P

? ??
A ---- A

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Load combination
In the bridge analysis process, a great number of load steps are generated, which later on have to be combined looking for the worst case scenario. CivilFEM includes functionalities that automatically handle with all the possible load cases Obtains the envelop that considers the worst case scenario for each structure point by specifying a target Concomitance at both global and element levels Variable load coefficients can be defined Combining the moving loads (traffic loads) The program automatically combine them as an incompatible load (detects that the vehicle can only occupy one position at the same time) CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Load combination
Combining the surface loads (overloads) The program automatically combine them as a compatible load (detects that these loads can be located at any possible position over the surface)

OBJECTIVE:
To obtain the envelop of maximum vertical displacements at all nodes

Which is the worst load distribution to achieve the Uzmax at this node?

CivilFEM
for for

What is the value of the displacement concomitant with these loads?

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Load combination
Combining the prestressed cable loads The program automatically combine them as an addition load (adds all the loads and apply them at the same time) Combining user-defined loads The same procedure is applied by just defining the combination rule to be applied (compatible, incompatible, addition, selection, etc) to find the combined results

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Families HTML list

Allows listing of load families properties

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Checking & Design

Serviceability Limit State Checking of cracking according to codes

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Checking & Design

Ultimate Limit State Checking and design of the bridge reinforcement according to codes, taking into account all the loads applied over the structure.

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Simulation of construction process

The bridges module allows to simulate different types of construction process

Normal Procedure

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Simulation of construction process

Cantilever built bridge
Sections Not builded zone

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

3 2 1 1 1 2

Not live support

Bridge section axis

Y

H Steps

Live cable

Pile section axis

Bridge plant

Live pile support

Pile Section: AreaU, I

yyU

,I

zzU

, AreaB, I

yyB

,I

zzB

,H

Puente construido mediante dovelas yuxtapuestas: Situacin despus del step #3

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Simulation of construction process

Pulled built bridge
4 3 2 1
En la etapa inicial nacen cuatro secciones y solo una de ellas est "empujada" (la una)

En la segunda etapa se empuja una nueva seccin (la 2), la seccin 1 ha llegado a un apoyo intermedio que al final de la construccin ocupar la 4

En la tercera etapa nace la seccin 5, pero no se empuja ninguna nueva

En la cuarta etapa el puente est completo, pero tan solo se empujan dos secciones..

En la ltima etapa el puente est completo. Las secciones 4 y 1 alcanzan sus apoyos definitivos.

CivilFEM
for for
Proceso constructivo de un puente empujado

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Bridge Model
The finite element model of the bridge is automatically generated by the program from its geometry and layout parameters (see cross section and layout of a banked curve).

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Bridge Model
Plan view of a portion of the bridge deck

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Bridge Model
Solid cross section

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Bridge Model
Hollow cross section

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.

Bridge Model
View of the hollow cross section

CivilFEM
for for

ANSYS ANSYS
INGECIBER, s.a.