Seismic Collapse Analysis of RC Highway Bridges Based on a Simplified Multiscale FE Modeling Approach

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.

Non-linear 3D seismic analysis of a RC bridge and retrofit alternatives with passive protective systems

“…Otherwise, there are papers that present detailed nonlinear numerical models, although most of them focus on limited areas of interest with the intention of assessing localized damage in the structure. In order to reduce computational resolution time, Hu et al [13] model a bridge with the multi-scale modeling technique combining different types of elements jointed through constraints conditions. For their part, Bi and Hao [14] conduct the determination of the pounding forces generated during an earthquake when the deck hits the abutments.…”

Comparative nonlinear seismic analysis of an existing RC bridge designed with obsolete codes

“…In many cases, in order to achieve improvements in computational performance, multi-scale models are presented in which different types of elements are combined and jointed by means of constraints conditions. In this sense, there are some works of specific aspects of the behavior of RC bridges using the multi-scale technique that are solved with explicit codes (Li et al, 2017; Hu et al, 2017). Some authors consider a full 3D model of bridges including concrete nonlinearity and erosion criteria, but focus their analysis on specific phenomena such the pounding effect or unseating of the superstructure (Bi et al, 2013; Bi and Hao, 2013, 2015; He et al, 2017; Lin et al, 2021).…”