Engineering Model for Lateral Force Analysis

The majority of road and railway bridges in Austria were planned and built according to standards that no longer correspond to the currently valid regulations. However, the currently applicable standards are generally used for a structural inspection of an existing bridge. This means that it is no longer possible to provide the required proof of shear load-bearing capacity. Tests on bridge girders have shown that in some cases there are high load-bearing reserves, particularly with regard to shear load-bearing capacity, which cannot be modelled with the currently available models. In the course of this project, we are developing a new engineering model with which it is possible to estimate the shear load-bearing capacity of existing bridges in a simplified manner.

Duration: July 2013 to June 2015

In cooperation with the Vienna University of Technology and Graz University of Technology, FH Campus Wien is developing a practical engineering model to determine the shear force resistance of existing reinforced concrete bridges. Based on the currently valid calculation model, supporting structures were reinforced or rebuilt even though they were in good condition. The new model is intended to determine the actual shear force resistance. For this purpose, non-linear finite element simulations and a literature study are used to analyse the failure mechanisms under torsional loading and combined shear force and torsional loading. To determine the torsional resistance of reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete components, we compile and compare key design models from international standards. In addition, we carry out experimental investigations to analyse previously little-researched influencing parameters in relation to shear load-bearing capacity. These component tests are intended to create a database with which the model to be developed here can be verified and validated. Subsequently, we will derive a practice-orientated engineering model from this, with which it is possible to estimate the shear load-bearing capacity of existing bridges in a simplified manner. The model is validated using probabilistic methods. Finally, a sensitivity analysis defines the scope of this simplified model. A recalculation of existing bridge structures is intended to demonstrate the applicability of this model.

Numerical method for solid-state simulation

Structural Engineering

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