Finite element analysis for bridge due to corrosion

Abstract

Bridge inspection is an essential element to maintain existing deteriorated bridges followed by using efficient and effective method to acknowledge the remaining internal strength in the structure. Simple and quick method is considered to be most applicable approach to observe the structure rapidly. Thus, by referring to AASHTO LRFD standard, live load distribution factor (LLDF) is taken into account as a facility to develop simple numerical equation to predict reaction force and internal moment values for damaged-structure. There are eighty one finite element models (FEM) were created using commercial package finite element analysis software. One is non-damage model, eighty corroded models with particular corrosion conditions. The eighty one models were then analysed using LLDF approach. It resulted that the larger amount of corrosion, the higher change of LLDF values occurred while the reaction force values generally became lower. By utilizing LLDF equation for non-damage structure and exponential equation obtained from the relationship between reaction force values and corrosion cases, reaction force equation for damaged structure can be developed. As for internal moment equation, instead of using exponential equation, polynomial equation was used. With the proposed numerical equations to predict residual strength for damaged-structure, commercial analytical software usage can be eliminated to reduce inspection budget and complexity