Análise de modelagem computacional de uma obra de arte especial com elementos finitos de barra e placa

Abstract

Due to the continuous evolution of structural analysis computational methods, it is made necessary accomplish in-depth researches about structures modeling, as the analysis models must be suitable and representative for implementation. So this present study consists in a comparative analysis between different models liable to be used in an assumed solid-section beam reinforced concrete bridge. The called model bridge was analyzed considering that its structural elements could be characterized by beam elements and plate elements. The analyses were made with the bridge defined as a single beam, as a grid of beams, as a grid of beams and a plate, and as a grid of plates. The analyses were accomplished with support of Finite Element Method (FEM) programs. Concerning the analysis with a single beam, it was used the software FTOOL, whereas it was used the Fortran language software GRELHA for the grid of beams analysis. As for analysis with grid of beams and plate and analysis with plates only, due to some restrictions in these programs performance, it was necessary to use the more complex software MIDAS. The bending moment and shear force results of the sections set as critical, obtained with the analyses mentioned before, were compared to each other. The results showed that there is a compatibility between all models, that plate models inclusion can lead to a refinement and, in consequence, to an economy in the structure. The results also led to a conclusion that simplified models can be sufficiently representative of the model bridge structural elements.