Examples of Finite Element Models of Steel Bridges - Finite Element Analysis and Design of Steel and Steel-Concrete Composite Bridges - page 565

functions. The material nonlinearities of the cable and beam-column mem-
bers were simulated using elastoplastic hinge and refined plastic hinge
models, respectively. A simple initial shape analysis method was presented
to determine the deformed shape and initial cable tension of the bridge
under dead loads. In addition, the authors presented numerical examples
to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. Furthermore,
a case study on a four-span suspension bridge was carried out to show the
capability of the proposed method in estimating the strength and behavior
of very large-scale structures.
Recently, Lin et al. [ 6.26 ] showed that, due to the increasing aging prob-
lems of old railway bridges, structural repair or maintenance technique has
been the subject of recent investigations. Rubber-latex mortar, glass fiber-
reinforced polymer plates, and rapid hardening concrete can be integrated
with the old steel railway bridge to increase its rigidity and reduce both stress
levels and structure-borne sound levels of the old steel bridge. The study
[ 6.26 ] investigated the mechanical performance of the renovated hybrid rail-
way bridge. Material tests on aged structural steel, static loading test on the
strengthened bridge, and impact hammer test on the old bridge before and
after strengthening were conducted to confirm the effects of present
strengthening method. In addition, 3D finite element models were devel-
oped to compare between the strengthened and the original steel bridge.
It was shown that both experimental and numerical results indicated that
the renovation method can greatly enhance the stiffness and reduce the stress
levels of steel members, resulting in the extension of the service life of the old
steel railway bridge. Furthermore, noise reduction effects by using concrete
and rubber-latex mortar were confirmed in the impact test. The finite ele-
ment modeling of test specimen was carried out in 3D. Three models were
developed, solid elements (eight nodes, with 3 at each node) were used to
simulate the concrete slab, and shell elements (four nodes, with 5 at each
node) were employed to model the steel girder and GFRP plates. Rebar ele-
ments (two nodes, with 1 at each node) were used for modeling the rein-
forcing bars in the concrete slab. Also, in order to account for the slip
between concrete slab and longitudinal steel beam, interface elements (eight
nodes, with 3 at each node) were employed. The thickness of the interface
element was assumed as zero in the numerical analysis. Numerical model of
the old steel bridge was built and named as model 1. Cementing agent was
not only used between glass fiber-reinforced polymer plate and longitudinal
steel girder but also applied between neighboring GFRP plates. In the
numerical analysis, perfect bond was assumed between steel girder and