Failure analysis of footbridge made of composite materials

摘要

Finite element method analysis of a pedestrian footbridge made of sandwich material is presented. The internal structure of the material is modeled as a structural shell assuming the Equivalent Single Layer approach (ESL). Two FEM commercial codes are employed. The response of the structure is studied in order to determine the load level that activates Hashin and Tsai-Wu failure criteria. Some practical aspects of designing footbridges are also addressed.