Visualisation, modelling and parametric analysis of an elevated guideway structure for condition assessment

    Authors

    R. Z. Shmerling;F. N. Catbas

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Struct. Infrastruct. Eng.

    Keywords

    guideway; FEM; post-tension; prestressed; maintenance; monorail; MONORAIL BRIDGES; DYNAMICS; Engineering, Civil; Engineering, Mechanical

    Abstract

    Several studies on analytical and experimental evaluation of various types of highway bridges are available in the literature. However, there are very few studies on the modelling and analysis of transit guideways, which are unique structures in terms of their geometric and structural details. This study explores the condition of an existing transit guideway system that has been in service for 35 years. The structural system is composed of six-span continuous prestressed concrete bridge segments. The overall guideway system incorporates a number of continuous bridges that share common design details, geometries and loading conditions. The original design analysis of the structure was based on certain simplifying assumptions of complicated mechanisms such as rigid behaviour over supports and simplified tendon-concrete-steel plate interactions. The current objective is to conduct a representative study for a more accurate understanding of the structural system and its behaviour for decision making. Due to the unique and complex structural details, it is shown that visualisation is the first step for conceptualising the system behaviour. Then, the structural behaviour is described using finite element models, and static and dynamic parameter sensitivity studies are conducted for characterising the performance under service loads. Parameter sensitivity studies consider the effect of changing critical parameters, including material properties, prestress loss, and boundary and continuity conditions, on the static and dynamic structural response. This study provides information about critical components of the guideway. It serves as a benchmark, presenting a procedure and methodology for modelling a guideway structure for future evaluations, to help make better decisions for operations, maintenance and safety requirements.

    Journal Title

    Structure and Infrastructure Engineering

    Volume

    6

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-2010

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    447

    Last Page

    465

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000277421400005

    ISSN

    1573-2479

    Share

    COinS