A Quick Novel Approach for Analysing an Aging Infrastructure
摘要
This paper presents a quick novel approach for analysing bridges. The approach uses finite element modelling, in Excel VBA, whereby bridge and train data is inputted directly into the VBA code; thus, allowing the user to analyse multiple bridges in a single execution. To keep the analysis simple, the train is represented by a series of moving forces; hence, the train inertia effects are ignored. The assessment tool moves the point forces at finite intervals along the bridge to determine the maximum internal forces in the bridge from a particular train configuration. These internal forces are then compared with the bridge capacity to determine an ultization factor for the bridge, completing the Level 0 Bridge Assessment.