Modelling the response of the New Svinesund arch bridge: FE model verification and updating based on field measurements

摘要

It is of great importance that the huge investments that are made in the infrastructure can be utilized during the entire lifetime of the structures. To reach this, finite element (FE) analysis has become an important tool for improved bridge assessment and maintenance based on realistic modelling of the structural response. Non-linear FE analysis has successfully been used to prove higher load carrying capacities for a number of Swedish bridges. However, in a FE model of a bridge, there are a lot of uncertainties, e.g. regarding boundary conditions and constraints between different parts of the structure. By performing field tests and measurements, many of these uncertainties can be limited using structural verification to update the structural model. In a research project at Chalmers University of Technology, methods are developed for improved assessment and maintenance of bridges by means of FE analysis with model updating from field tests and measurements.rnOn the highway between Goteborg and Oslo, the New Svinesund Bridge was constructed and opened to traffic in 2005. A single arch carries the main span over the fiord at the border between Sweden and Norway, see figure 1. When constructing the bridge an extensive measurement and field test programme was performed to check and follow up the construction process, and to get a better understanding of the as-built structure. In connection with this, a FE model of the bridge was developed and analysis of the bridge construction and test loading were performed. In the Chalmers project, the bridge will be used as a case study for the methods developed.