FEA in Composite Bridge Construction and Structural Concrete (4BAUMA13)

Civil engineering master's degree course
2nd semester
Compulsory elective module
4 hours per week of a semester
6 ECTS credit points

Lecturers

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Daniel Pak
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Torsten Leutbecher
Sina Yüksel, M.Sc.
Lennart Heck, M.Sc.

Learning outcomes / Competences

Part 1: Composite Bridge Construction

• The student is able to transfer a real composite bridge building into a statical model.
• The student feels confident with designing a composite girder of a bridge building.
• The student is proficient in applying basic functions of the FE-Programme SOFiSTiK.
• The student has basic knowledge of applying the finite element method in structural analysis of composite structures (elastic design).
• The student has knowledge of plastic design.

Part 2: Numerical Methods in Structural Concrete

• Advanced knowledge of applying the finite element method in structural analysis of concrete structures,
• Ability to transfer a real concrete structure into a statical model, while avoiding possible sources of error,
• Knowing the relevant enhancements and charateristics of physically nonlinear FE-analysis,
• Ability to interpret the results of computer based analyses and to perform a plausibility check,
• Proficient application of the FE-Programme RFEM, which is used in structural engineering,
• Knowledge of applying the FE-Programme ATENA, which is used in concrete research; this may serve as a basis for student research papers and theses.

Teaching contents

Part 1: Composite Bridge Construction

• Fundamentals of elasic design of composite bridges,
• Influence of load history (composite girder with/without self-weight bond, states of construction) on the elastic design of the structure,
• Consideration of primary and secondary effects of creep and shrinkage.

Part 2: Numerical Methods in Structural Concrete

• Idealisation of reinforced concrete structures by finite elements, 
• Material models, fracture mechanics of reinforced concrete,
• Modelling of bond and crack formation,
• Numerical problems in case of nonlinear structural behaviour.

Non-graded work

Part 1: Composite Bridge Construction

Written elaboration (project)

Part 2: Numerical Methods in Structural Concrete

Written assignements

Examination

Oral examination

Recommended requirements

The compulsory elective module FEA in Composite Bridge Construction and Structural Concrete requires good knowledge of composite structures (module Stahlverbundbau), structural concrete (module Structural Concrete), engineering and structural mechanics as well as basic knowledge of the fiinite element method.