Finite Element Modeling of the Skattørsund Bridge
Forfatter
Nyamayaro, JosephSammendrag
This thesis presents a comprehensive finite element analysis (FEA) of the Skattørsund Bridge, a concrete slab bridge in Norway, using shell-based modeling techniques. The study aims to evaluate the bridge's structural behavior under static and dynamic loads, including traffic, environmental factors, and natural hazards, to ensure its long-term safety and performance. The research leverages the Finite Element Method (FEM) to develop a detailed 3D CAD model of the bridge, which is then analyzed using ANSYS Mechanical APDL.
The study also compares numerical results with simplified analytical solutions to validate the model's accuracy. The findings reveal a fundamental frequency of 0.4148 Hz for the bridge, highlighting its flexibility, and identify critical vibration modes that could influence maintenance strategies.
The research underscores the importance of advanced computational tools like FEM in modern bridge engineering, particularly for aging infrastructure in harsh environments. The results provide valuable insights for structural health monitoring and predictive maintenance, contributing to safer and more resilient transportation networks. Limitations due to computational constraints are acknowledged, and recommendations for future work include refining mesh densities, incorporating wind and seismic loads, and exploring long-term material degradation effects.
This study not only enhances the understanding of the Skattørsund Bridge's structural dynamics but also offers a methodological framework for analyzing similar concrete slab bridges, supporting informed decision-making for maintenance and design improvement