FEA of the horsetail creek bridge strengthened with FRP laminates

摘要

A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model is developed to examine the structural behavior of the Horsetail Creek Bridge in Oregon both before and after strengthening with FRP laminates. Nonlinear finite element analysis is performed using the ANSYS finite element (FE) program. SOLID65, LINK8, and SOLID46 elements represent concrete, discrete reinforcing steel bars, and FRP laminates, respectively. Based on each component's actual characteristics, nonlinear material properties are defined for the first two types of elements. Track loadings are applied to the FE bridge model at different locations, as in the actual bridge test. The comparisons between ANSYS predictions and field data are made in terms of concrete strains. In addition, effects of FRP strengthening on structural performance of the bridge are observed in the linear range. The analysis shows that the FE bridge model remains uncracked under the applied service truckloads. The FE bridge model very well predicts the trends in the strains versus the various truckload locations.