Finite Element Modelling and Link Element Analysis for Load Behaviour in Elastomeric Bearings: An Approach to Satisfy Design Check

Abstract

The focus of this study is on the finite element modelling (FEM) and link element analysis of elastomeric bearings to evaluate load behaviour and ensure compliance with design standards. A detailed FEM was developed, incorporating material properties and boundary conditions to simulate the load transfer mechanisms that were provided through link element analysis. The results were validated against design codes and input data from analysis software data, confirming the model’s accuracy. A reliable method for optimizing elastomeric bearing design, improving structural safety, and satisfying critical design checks has presented. Total 10 Models taken with its variations and design checks applied over the same with the conclusion of whether it would be suitable or not aiming to improve design practices and address the challenges of modern bridge engineering.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Bridge engineering is recognized as a crucial field in infrastructure development, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across natural and man-made obstacles. Bridges are subjected to various dynamic loads, including vehicular traffic, wind forces, thermal expansion, and seismic activity. To manage these forces and maintain structural integrity, the use of specialized components, such as bearings, is required. Bearings are employed to allow controlled movement between the bridge superstructure and substructure, while the distribution of loads is managed, minimizing stress on critical elements.

Elastomeric bearings, which are widely used, are designed to handle vertical loads while permitting horizontal movement and rotation. These bearings are composed of alternating layers of rubber (elastomer) and steel shims, allowing vibrations to be absorbed, effects of temperature changes to be mitigated, and deflections due to seismic and wind forces to be accommodated. Their flexible nature provides a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution for various bridge types, including highway and railway bridges.

II. APPLICATION OF ELASTOMERIC BEARING

The application of elastomeric bearings in bridge engineering ensures that smoother load distribution is achieved, the lifespan of the structure is prolonged, and the overall safety and durability of the bridge are enhanced. However, careful consideration of material properties, load conditions, and deformation behaviour has required in their design, making finite element modeling (FEM) an essential tool for analysing and optimizing their performance. By predicting how elastomeric bearings respond to various load scenarios, critical design checks can be satisfied, contributing to the long-term reliability of bridges.

In the figure below, the bridge firstly was supported only on the girder merged to the pier. Then the Elastomeric bearing applied to ROB after re-refection of actual shear forces, bending moment and torsional moment

Fig. 1: Elastomeric bearing used in ROB

III. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

On keeping in mind the above problem statement outlined for new research work for elastomeric bearing are given below :-

1. To check behavior in the analysis, it is recommended to take different Model cases considering the thickness of each layer of bearing as constant throughout all model cases and changing only bearing pad dimensions as variable.
2. For accuracy in analysis, it has recommended to make the variants of each of the model cases
3. To simulate precisely, it has recommended to use the FEM analysis over each variants.
4. Loading used over the bridge should be highest as per IRC 6:2017.
5. For the stability in the simulation, it has suggested that to conduct different design checks for the values obtained as per the output parameters decided.
6. At last, in the research, the most stable cases list after passing the design tests can be taken into account that provides the recommendations that will made a feasible construction reference.

IV. 3D MODELLING OF THE STRUCTURE

Comprehensive input data and its descriptions about the model given below. The input data used for creation of elastomeric bearing using link element using general data and loading data have shown below:-

Table 1: Loading data used for all model cases

Table 2: General input data used for all model cases

Fig. 2: Plan view of bridge

Table 3: Various model cases used for analysis with subsequent variant and its configuration

V. DESIGN CHECK PROCEDURE OF BEARING AS PER IRC 83

The procedure followed to observe whether the bearing created by link element has safe to resist from failure mentioned below:-

Fig. 3: Sample of different checks conducted for model

VI. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Though our result analysis consists Total 10 distinct model cases and each having different variants of elastomeric bearing cases. The result analysis approach allowed us to observe a range of outcomes for each case within the structure since different variants shows different behaviour under 70R loading. As a result of this comparative analysis, we obtained subsequent findings for the mentioned cases provided below:-

Table 4: Result analysis for various models with notes

Conclusion

This project concluded that the simulation for 70R loading on different elastomeric pad dimensions, comparing each model having each variants, some model variants are failed but some are passed. Details of recommended variants are mentioned below:-

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Shubham Sharma, Dr. Raghvendra Singh. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.