Examples of Finite Element Models of Steel Bridges - Finite Element Analysis and Design of Steel and Steel-Concrete Composite Bridges - page 582

D

C

4267.2 mm 2438.4 2438.4 4267.2

758.8

D

C

2286.0

2057.4 1790.7 1485.9 1524 1524

765.2

(a) Elevation

228.6 mm 228.6 mm

11.1 20.6

914.4 914.4

7.9

7.9

12.7

25.4

(b)
Figure 6.17 General layout of a full-scale plate girder in bending.

(c)

Cross-section D-D Cross-section C-C

the flanges and web of the small-scale plate girder bridge, as shown in
Figure 6.18 . In order to choose the finite element mesh that provides accu-
rate results with minimum computational time, convergence studies were
conducted. It is found that approximately 114 149 mm (length by width
of S4R element) ratio provides adequate accuracy in modeling the web,
while a finer mesh of approximately 29 149 mm was used in the flange
(see Figure 6.18 ) . The hinged support of T3, shown in Figure 6.18 , was
prevented from displacement in the horizontal direction (direction 1-1 in
Figure 6.18 ) and the vertical direction (direction 3-3 in Figure 6.18 ) . On
the other hand, the roller support of T3, shown in Figure 6.18 , was pre-
vented from displacement in the vertical direction only (direction 3-3 in
Figure 6.18 ) . To account for the lateral restraints of the compression flange,
the top compression flange was prevented from lateral displacements, in
direction 2-2 of Figure 6.18 , at the end supports and the loading position