Abstract
Multiscale finite element (FE) modeling offers a balance between computational efficiency and accuracy in numerical simulations, which is appropriate for analysis of seismic collapse of RC highway bridges. Some parts of structures that need detailed analysis can be modeled by solid elements, while some subordinate parts can be simulated by beam elements or shell elements to increase the computational efficiency. In the present study, rigid surface coupling method was developed to couple beam elements with solid elements using the LS-DYNA software. The effectiveness of this method was verified by performing simulation experiments of both a single-column pier and a two-span simply supported beam bridge. Using simplified multiscale FE modeling, analyses of collapse and local failure of a multispan simply supported beam bridge and a continuous rigid frame bridge were conducted to illustrate the approach in this paper. The results demonstrate that the simplified multiscale model reasonably simulates the collapse process and local damage of complex bridges under seismic loading.
Highlights
Highway bridges were severely damaged or collapsed during past strong earthquakes, which brought many difficulties to rehabilitation [1]
The following conclusions can be drawn from the numerical simulation: (1) Based on the theory of multiscale finite element (FE) modeling, the coupling method of rigid surface and displacement coordinate formulas were developed in this paper and reliability of coupling method was verified in both the component and structural levels
(2) The earthquake-induced collapse analysis of a multispan supported girder bridge was conducted using simplified multiscale FE modeling developed in this paper
Summary
Highway bridges were severely damaged or collapsed during past strong earthquakes, which brought many difficulties to rehabilitation [1]. Many researchers have applied multiscale FE modeling approach to study the failure mechanism of frame structures. Li et al [20] proposed erosion criterion of multiscale FE model and numerical simulations of continuous RC bridge were conducted to study failure process under strong earthquake. The multiscale FE modeling is an effective method to predict seismic collapse process of bridges. The authors primarily focused on (1) the coupling method of rigid surface based on a simplified multiscale FE modeling approach, where the formula of displacement coordination was developed and verified for predicting the failure of bridge structures considering both computational precision and efficiency, and (2) the seismic collapse and the local failure process analysis of bridges using the LS-DYNA software for engineering applications. The numerical results were obtained to illustrate bridge dynamic failure due to extreme earthquake loading
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