Evaluating structural engineering finite element analysis data using multiway analysis

The scope of this paper is to introduce multiway analysis into structural engineering research and to outline methodology used in tensor decomposition of finite element analysis (FEA) data. More specifically, the example evaluated herein evaluates the stress distribution of two different highway bridge structural components (girders and cross frames), being subjected to incrementally increasing forces. Additionally, the paper shows potential advantages of using multiway methods in interpretation of FEA data and makes recommendations for future investigations on the use of multiway methods in FEA postprocessing of structural engineering data.