Spatial Stress Analysis for Complex-Shaped Bridges Based on FEM

The applications of finite element method (FEM) to the analysis of bridge structures are introduced, and an analysis procedure for complex-shaped bridges based on FEM is proposed. The example bridge is a steel arch bridge with a total span of 201.96 m, which is going to be built in China. In order to study the spatial stress distribution of this bridge, a series of FEM analyses are conducted according to the proposed procedure. Different simulation models such as bar system model, global shell model and local shell models are established by using the finite element software MIDAS and ANSYS. Some technical measures for choosing proper element types and disposing reasonable boundary conditions (including load and displacement boundary conditions) are also introduced during the analyses. The results show that this bridge is safely designed in spite of its complex spatial shape, and also prove that the proposed procedure is both effective and reliable for the design of complex-shaped bridges.