Progressive-Collapse Simulation and Critical Region Identification of a Stone Arch Bridge
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 27, Issue 1
Abstract
Progressive collapses of arch bridges have repeatedly occurred in recent years, resulting in many casualties and significant property losses. Based on an actual recent and serious progressive collapse of a stone arch bridge, this paper simulated the complete progressive-collapse process using the general-purpose finite-element (FE) program, MSC.Marc. The simulation adopted a three-dimensional (3D) FE model and performed a nonlinear analysis using the contact algorithm in conjunction with the element-deactivation technique. The potential causes of the progressive collapse of the stone arch bridge were also evaluated. Furthermore, the importance of different components of the stone arch bridge was determined with the conception of generalized structural stiffness; thus, the most critical and vulnerable regions of the bridge were identified. The results of the simulated progressive-collapse process agreed well with the actual process, and the predicted critical regions were both correct and realistic. This study also provides important references for the analysis and prevention of progressive collapses of stone arch bridges.
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Acknowledgments
This study is funded by the West Transport Project of Ministry of Transport of China (Grant No. 2008-318-223-43), Major S&T Special Project of Ministry of Transport of PR China (Grant No. 2011-318-223-170), Tsinghua University Research Funds (Grant No. 2010THZ02-1), and Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (Grant No. NCET-10-0528).
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 27 • Issue 1 • February 2013
Pages: 43 - 52
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 20, 2011
Accepted: Jan 13, 2012
Published online: Jan 19, 2012
Published in print: Feb 1, 2013
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