Abstract
The paper deals with multiparameter sensitivity analysis of a composite footbridge. A shell-like structure is 14.5 m long shows U-shaped cross-section and inner service dimensions 1.3 × 2.5 m. Glass fiber reinforced polymer GFRP laminate constitutes faces of a sandwich structure while PET foam received from recycled bottle builts a core. The structure was divided into 285 independent areas where the thickness of laminates and stiffness modulus of PET foam were established as design variables. The impact of their variation on variation of state variables was investigated, vertical displacement of structure, longitudinal strain in handrail and transverse strain in deck were addressed here. Sensitivity vector was computed by a semi-analytical method and, subsequently, expressed in a matrix form and next presented graphically in the form of sensitivity areas. The conducted sensitivity analysis exhibits areas that can be strengthened in order to minimize vertical displacement, longitudinal strain in handrail and transverse strain deck, determining the areas where parameters can be reduced without increasing the value of state variables. The obtained results are bound to support the structural design process or to improve the performance of existing structures.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.