Advanced design calculations of composite box footbridge
Marian Klasztorny, Daniel B. Nycz, Kamil Zając
Quarterly No. 1, 2018 pages 37-44
DOI:
keywords: GFRP composite footbridge, design, modelling, simulation
abstract The work develops the original methodology of design calculations for GFRP composite box footbridges. This methodology was applied to the original structural solution of a composite pedestrian-and-cyclist bridge with a 12.00 m span length and a 2.50 m platform width. The footbridge structure includes a number of original solutions regarding the superstructure, crosssection, bearings, reinforcement of support zones, transverse braces, balustrades, and railing post-platform connections. The design criteria for a GFRP composite footbridge were formulated based on the latest national standards for the design of footbridges made of conventional materials (steel, concrete) and the standard for the design of GFRP laminate tanks. The ultimate criterion for the composite superstructure was formulated using the Hashin-Fabric failure criterion and a global map of the effort index. Moreover, the serviceability criterion for the vertical deflections of the superstructure, pedestrian comfort criterion and global buckling criterion were developed. The advanced numerical modelling and simulations of the footbridge were carried out using MSC.Marc FE code. The modelling and simulation methodology, as well as the results of identification and validation tests published in the previous works by the authors were used. The results of simulation of the ultimate, serviceability and buckling limit states, corresponding to the adopted ply sequences of the laminates in the individual GFRP shells, are presented. Due to the fulfilment of all the criteria with significant margins, further numerical analyses of a footbridge with fewer laminations and design according to the Eurocodes are purposeful.