Dunmore Bridge case study: An introduction to geotechnical engineering via finite element analysis

摘要

This paper describes the development of a case study based upon the preliminary design of arnworking platform to support a 1200T crane during the replacement of bridge spans on the historic DunmorernBridge (Woodville, NSW, Australia). The case study was developed to enrich the teaching of finite elementrnmethods to undergraduate students by exposing students to practical aspects of finite element modelling and thernuse of commercial finite element software. The nature of the project permitted geotechnical engineering topicsrnto be incorporated into the case study and introduced students to CPT testing and interpretation, importance ofrnworking platforms and realistic soil profiles.rnThe Dunmore Bridge project was selected for the case study as it has many interesting aspects that are topical,rninteresting and motivational to the students. Historic records of the bridge construction are available and beingrna local bridge, the site can readily be visited by students. As the upgrade of the Dunmore Bridge is scheduledrnto occur within the next 18 months the project is topical and will be covered by the local media. The projectrnis being recorded using time-lapse photography which will provide an additional multi-media resource for usernin refinement of the case study. Feedback from students on the case study and how it helped motivate studentrnlearning was obtained via an anonymous online discussion forum.