STATIC THREE DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF ELEVATED STEEL TRANSPORTATION STRUCTURES

A three-dimensional finite element modeling technique that may be used to statistically analyze many classes of steel elevated transportation structures for design, analysis, and maintenance studies was developed and tested. Parameter studies on a typical class of steel elevated transit structure found in many cities showed that: (1) a 50 foot long built-up plate girder representation modeled as 50 beam elements and 100 plate elements gave calculated shear and moment values that compared well with analytical values. The errors resulting from the use of fewer elements were found to be large. (2) Locations on the structure subjected to stress reversals or stress concentration are clearly indicated by the technique and show where damage due to fatique and deterioration is likely to occur. (3) Forces in cross-bracing and sway frames, which are not readily obtained in a conventional analysis, may be easily obtained. (4) Calculated deflection taking into account the three-dimensional effects of bracing and sway frames may be determined and compared with allowable values.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Illinois, Chicago

  Department of Materials Engineering
  Chicago, IL  United States  60680

  Department of Transportation

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Traubenik, M
  • SILVER, M L
  • BELYTSCHKO, T B
• Publication Date: 1974-11

Media Info

• Pagination: 64 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Beams; Bridge design; Bridges; Elevated structures; Finite element method; Plate girders; Rail transit facilities; Railroad bridges; Rapid transit; Static structural analysis; Structural analysis; Structural design; Structural engineering; Suspended structures; Vibration
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fatigue analysis
• Old TRIS Terms: Aerial structures; Beams (Support); Rapid transit railways
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Public Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00090465
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: Intrm Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-OS-30092
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: May 29 1981 12:00AM