Engineering Model for Lateral Force Analysis

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The majority of road and railway bridges in Austria were designed and constructed in accordance with standards that no longer comply with current regulations. However, when carrying out a structural analysis of an existing bridge, the currently applicable standards are generally used. This means that the required verification of shear capacity can no longer be provided. Tests on bridge girders have shown that, particularly with regard to lateral force capacity, there are in some cases high load-bearing reserves that cannot be modelled using the currently available models. As part of this project, we are developing a new engineering model that makes it possible to estimate the lateral force capacity of existing bridges in a simplified manner.

Department

Building and Design

In cooperation with the Vienna University of Technology and Graz University of Technology, Hochschule 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

Research Goals

Development of a practical engineering model for the realistic determination of the lateral load-carrying capacity of existing reinforced concrete bridges
Creation of a scientifically sound database through simulations, literature reviews, and experimental component tests to investigate lateral force and torsional stresses
Improvement of the assessment of existing bridge structures to avoid unnecessary reinforcements or replacement construction and to enable the safe continued use of existing infrastructure