Proc. Instn Civ. Engrs, Part 2, 1975, 59, Mar.

, 189-192

7679 DISCUSSION

Applications of the finite strip method in

the analysis of concrete box bridges

A. R. CUSENS & Y. C. LOO

Dr K. R. Moffatt and Dr P. T. K. Lim, Structures and Computers Ltd

The finite strip method enables a three-dimensional structure (such as a box girder)
to be treated as a two-dimensional problem, or a two-dimensional structure (such as a
plate) to be treated as a one-dimensional problem. Such a reduction in the size of
the problem, and hence in the amount of computational effort, is generally possible
only in situations where the geometrical and material properties of the structure do
not vary along one co-ordinate direction.
39. The Authors are therefore to be complimented on extending the finite strip
method to situations where the regular lengthwise geometry of a structure such as a
box girder bridge is disrupted by the presence of intermediate supports and dia-
phragms. However, the flexibility approach used by the Authors involves, in addi-
tion to the standard finite stripprocedure, the solution of a set of n flexibility
equations, where n is the number of redundant force components or sets of self-
equilibrating force components associated with the intermediate supports and dia-
phragms. The flexibility matrix so formed is not banded and for large values of n
(as in the case of some steel box girder bridges) the advantages in economy of the
finite strip method over the more general finite element method would be eroded to
some extent.
40. We have used the finite element method for the analysis of multi-cell bridge
decks using a two-dimensional idealization involving line elements ‘degenerated’
from ordinary finite element^;^^*^^ a similar technique has been employed by Cris-
field.21 Although the technique is strictly limited to structures with a horizontal
plane of symmetry, it can be used for structures having arbitrary variations in geo-
metry, boundary conditions and material properties. (A combination of this tech-
nique with the finite strip method should enable the three-dimensional problem of
multi-cell bridge decks to be treated as a one-dimensional problem, with an accom-
panying drastic reduction in computer cost.)
41. To illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of this technique we analysed the
model described in 5 16 for the point load over an outer web, using a general purpose
finite element programlg which incorporates these special line elements. Owing
to symmetry, only half of the model was analysed with the idealization shown in
Fig. 20. The elements used for this particular analysis had the ‘nodal degrees of
freedom’ U, U, W, e,, Ou, and E,. Fig. 21 shows that the theoretical and experimental
results of deflexion and strains are in close agreement. For this problem, the data
coding took less than 30 minutes; the computer cost at commercial rates was approxi-
mately f2.

Paper published: Proc. Instn Ciu. Engrs, Part 2, 1974, 57, June, 251-273.
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 1
DISCUSSION
3 at 59.33
= l78 _I_ 5 at 178 = 890
1

L?

L?
r4
pl

-
x
.Position ofpoint load
Fig. 20. Finite element idealization of six-cell bridge model (dimensions in mm)

42. A finite element or finite strip analysis, based on classical thin plate theory,
will predict that in the region of a concentrated load the bending moments tend t o
infinity (in accordance with the thin plate theory) as the analysis is refined. There-
fore, the question arises as to what level of refinement of the analysis will give satis-
factory results.
43. We considered this problem in respect of the finite element method of analy-
sis'' and presented tables, relating element size to patch loadsize, by means of which
a mesh can be selected to give the correct local bending moments for a particular size
of patch load. It might be expected that, in a similar way, the width of strips and the
number of harmonics used in a finite strip analysis could be related to the size of a
patch load.
44. The Authors, however, have selected a 'convenient' transverse mesh size, and
then found the number of harmonics required to give convergence (see 3 20). Such
a procedure seems rather arbitrary in that it has led only to practical guidelines on the
number of harmonics required for an analysis. Could the Authors give a general
basis for the selection of the strip width in theregion of a concentrated load?

Professor Cusens and Dr Loo'

In general we agree with Dr Moffatt and Dr Lim that the solution time required by
the extended finite strip procedure for a multispan bridge with intermediate stiffening
is higher than for a simply supported structure. However, whereas the matrix equa-
tion (4) which results from the basic finite strip procedure must be solved repeatedly
according to the specified number of harmonics, the flexibility equation ( 5 ) needs to
be solved only once. Furthermore, it has been found in analysing actual multispan
concrete and steel box bridges that satisfactory simulations of intermediate supports
and deformable diaphragms generally involve the solution of fewer than sixty redun-
dant forces. In such cases the extended finite strip procedure remains highly com-
petitive with other methods of analysis.

* Now Department of Civil Engineering, University of Wollongong, New South Wales.

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 7679

1‘44~

-o
Finite element
Experimental

Fig. 21. Distribution of deflexions and flange strains at mid-span of six-cell bridge
model under point load at mid-edge

46. Dr Moffatt and Dr Lim describe the use of a two-dimensional finite element
idealization in the analysis of multi-cell box structures. Such a simplified approach
may not always produce acceptable bottom flange bending moments, especially when
concentrated loads are notapplied directly on top of webs. Moreover the necessary
assumption of equal top and bottomflange thicknesses is a definite limitation to this
approach.
47. The accurate determination of local bending moments at points immediately
under isolated concentrated loads has always been a problem for engineers using
discretization methods based on thin plate theory. Dr Moffatt and Dr Lim have
presented recommendations for the choice of appropriate finite element meshes as a
result of an analytical study. We felt that in deriving practical guidelines for the
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DISCUSSION
effective use of the finite strip method it was lnore realistic to adopt a semi-empirical
appr~ach.~
48. Investigation of various finite strip simulations for the asbestos cement beam
and slab modela3 has shownthat, apart from the need for a narrow strip immediately
to theleft and to theright of the concentrated load, the widths of all other strips have
no effect on the convergence of local bending moment values. The widths of these
two strips which have their common boundary at the point of application of the
concentrated load should be two to three times the thickness of the plate. In the
simulation given in Fig. 7(a) the use of small strips in regions remote from the load
was convenient for standard datapreparation for the numerous load cases examined.
49. With the provision of two narrow strips in the immediate proximity of any
concentrated load, theconvergence of the analysis is dependent only on the summation
of harmonics and the totals recommended in the Paper may be adopted for general
use.

References
19. LIM P. T. K. and MOFFATTK. R. Generalpurpose finite element program.
Proceedings of the symposium on bridge programreview. P.T.R.C., London,
1971.
20. LIM P. T. K. Elastic analysis of bridge structures by the finite element method.
PhD thesis, University of London, 1971.
21. CRISFIELD M. A. Finite element methods for the analysis of multicellular struc-
tures. Proc. Instn Civ. Engrs, 1971, 48, Mar., 413-437.
22. LIMP. T. K. and MOFFATT K. R. Finite element analysis of curved slab bridges
with special reference to local stresses. In Developments in bridge design and
construction. Rockey K. C. etal. (eds). CrosbyLockwood, London, 1972.
23. Loo Y . C. Developments and applications of the finite strip method in the analysis
of right bridge decks. PhD thesis, University of Dundee, 1971.

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