Nonlinear Finite-Element Analysis of Critical Gusset Plates in the I-35W Bridge in Minnesota
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 137, Issue 1
Abstract
Reported evidence suggests that failure of gusset plates initiated the collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The particular gusset plates were at a panel point designated as U10. Therefore, an analytical investigation was conducted on the condition of the U10 gusset plates at the time of bridge collapse. The forces delivered to panel point U10 were reproduced using available information of the bridge. These forces were introduced to detailed nonlinear three-dimensional finite-element models to calculate stress and strain states of the gusset plates. The results indicate that substantial portions of the U10 gusset plates were yielded at the time of collapse, confirming earlier findings from federal and state investigations. Weight increase due to past deck reconstruction and construction material and equipment staged on the day of collapse, along with insufficient thickness of the gusset plate, were identified as the main contributing factors to the substantial yielding. The results also suggest that the interaction of compression and shear played an important role in the gusset plate failure.
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Acknowledgments
This project was supported by the National Science Foundation (Grant No. NSFCMMI-0753666) and by the Center of Transportation Studies of the University of Minnesota. Computing resources were provided by the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 137 • Issue 1 • January 2011
Pages: 59 - 68
Copyright
© 2011 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 13, 2010
Accepted: Jul 13, 2010
Published online: Jul 15, 2010
Published in print: Jan 2011
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