Application of Multi-Scale Finite Element Modeling in Bridge Seismic Damage and Collapse Analysis

Abstract

To improve the calculation efficiency and accuracy of numerical simulation of structure seismic damage, multi-scale finite element modeling is introduced in this paper. Two different treatment schemes of interface coupling between different-scale models by using a force equilibrium condition and a deformation compatibility condition were researched. Finally, a bridge that collapsed in the Wenchuan earthquake is used as an example to illustrate the suggested approach in this paper. A multi-scale finite element model of a bridge was established based on ABAQUS software. The seismic damage and the collapse process were simulated and compared with the actual seismic damage investigation to verify the validity of multi-scale finite element modeling. The research indicates that multi-scale finite element model can be applied to reasonably and effectively simulate the local damage and whole collapse of a complex bridge due to an earthquake, and the treatment scheme by using a force equilibrium condition can meet the stress and deformation compatibility well at the interface between different-scale models.