桥梁荷载试验智能布载算法研究

公路桥梁荷载试验,一般指公路桥梁的交(竣)工验收、在役桥梁和进行技术改造后为验证桥梁承载能力对桥梁进行的荷载试验。目前,我国现存大量旧桥,新桥也在不断的修建。这些桥梁能否安全使用,关系到人民的人身财产安全,所以桥梁结构的荷载检测试验的意义显得尤为重要。在进行荷载试验分析时,布置车辆荷载是一项主要工作,既要满足荷载效率要求,又不能超载引起桥梁损坏,还要节约成本尽量减少用车数量。为了解决这个问题,作者参考《公路桥梁荷载试验规程》[1],研究了一种基于影响线加载车辆的算法,并在公路桥梁荷载试验系统BLT中实现。     

A pseudo-microsimulation approach for modelling congested traffic loading on long-span bridges

This paper investigates congested traffic loading on long-span bridges through the use of traffic microsimulation. Six months of Weigh-In-Motion free-flow traffic data (including cars) are used as input for the microsimulation of congested traffic. Key parameters that affect traffic loading are identified in the output of the microsimulation, and these parameters form the basis for a more computationally efficient ‘pseudo-microsimulation of congested traffic’ (PMCT) model. This PMCT model is shown to replicate the traffic loading from full microsimulation accurately and allows long-run simulations, equivalent to 1000 years of congested traffic, to be performed with an acceptably short duration. This reduces the significant uncertainties associated with extrapolating short-run simulation results to long return periods. The 1000-year simulated results from the PMCT are compared with the extrapolated results from full microsimulation, and with the traffic loading from some design codes, for different bridge lengths. Both types of microsimulation are also applied to calculate maximum lifetime loading for two typical long-span bridges – one cable-stayed and one suspension bridge – using influence lines determined from finite-element models.     

An efficient approach for traffic load modelling of long span bridges

Traffic micro-simulation is the newly developed approach for loading calculation of long span bridges. The approach is quite precise, but computationally expensive to consider the full extent of traffic loading scenarios during a bridge lifetime. To address this shortfall, an efficient multi-scale traffic modelling approach is proposed. The proposed approach uses micro- and macro-simulation with different load model varieties (LMVs), or fidelities (levels of detail) of traffic loading in different bridge regions, to achieve optimal computation efficiency while maintaining the precision of loading calculation. Metrics of influence line (IL) characteristics, such as degree of nonlinearity, are proposed to evaluate the appropriateness of the choice of LMV, and standards of the metrics are also investigated to quantify the implementation of LMVs on bridge IL regions in the multi-scale modelling. Finally, two typical ILs are used along with random traffic modelling to study the feasibility of the proposed approach. It is shown that the multi-scale modelling approach proposed here achieves high computational efficiency and accuracy, which is significant for the massive traffic load simulation for lifetime bridge load effect analysis.     

Assessment dynamic ratio for traffic loading on highway bridges

The determination of characteristic bridge load effect is a complex problem. Usually, statistical extrapolation of simulated static load effects is used to derive a lifetime characteristic static load effect. However, when a vehicle crosses a bridge, dynamic interactions occur which often cause greater total load effect. This total load effect is related to the static load effect through a dynamic amplification factor (DAF). Specifications often recommend a conservative level for DAF, based on bridge length, number of lanes, and type of load effect only. Therefore significant improvements in the accuracy of this calculation are possible if a DAF, specific to the considered bridge, is applied. In this paper, the authors develop a novel method that considers site-specific bridge and traffic load conditions and allows for the reduced probability of both high static loading and high dynamic interaction occurring simultaneously. This approach utilises multivariate extreme value theory, in conjunction with static simulations and finite element vehicle–bridge dynamic interaction models. It is found that the dynamic allowance for the sample bridge and traffic considered is significantly less than recommended by bridge codes. This finding can have significant implications for the assessment of existing bridge stock.     

The use of micro-simulation for congested traffic load modeling of medium- and long-span bridges

This paper presents a new approach to the modeling of congested traffic loading events on long span bridges. Conventional traffic load models are based on weigh-in-motion data of non-congested traffic, or something similar to a Poisson Arrival process. In neither case do they account for the mixing between lanes that takes place as traffic becomes congested. It is shown here that cars move out from between trucks as traffic slows down which results in a higher frequency of long platoons of trucks in the slow lane of the bridge. These longer platoons increase some characteristic load effects under the slow lane by a modest but significant amount. Micro-simulation, the process of modeling individual vehicles that is widely used in traffic modeling, is presented here as a means of predicting imposed traffic loading on long-span bridges more accurately. The traffic flow on a congested bridge is modelled using a random mixing process for trucks and cars in each lane, where each vehicle is modelled individually with driver behaviour parameters assigned randomly in a Monte Carlo process. Over a number of simulated kilometres, the vehicles move between lanes in simulated lane-changing manoeuvres. The algorithm was calibrated against video recordings of traffic on a bridge in the Netherlands. Extreme value statistics of measured strains on the bridge are then compared to the corresponding simulation statistics to validate the model. The micro-simulation algorithm shows that the histograms of truck platoon length are moderately affected by lane changing. This in turn is shown to influence some characteristic load effects of the bridge deck.     

Spatial time-dependent reliability analysis of reinforced concrete slab bridges subject to realistic traffic loading

Resistance and loads are often correlated in time and space. The paper assesses the influence of these correlations on structural reliability/probability of failure for a typical two-lane reinforced concrete (RC) slab bridge under realistic traffic loading. Spatial variables for structural resistance are cover and concrete compressive strength, which in turn affect the strength and chloride-induced corrosion of RC elements. Random variables include pit depth and model error. Correlation of weights between trucks in adjacent lanes and inter-vehicle gaps are also included and are calibrated against weigh-in-motion data. Reliability analysis of deteriorating bridges needs to incorporate uncertainties associated with parameters governing the deterioration process and loading. One of the major unanswered questions in the work carried out to date is the influence of spatial variability of load and resistance on failure probability. Spatial variability research carried out to date has been mainly focused on predicting the remaining lifetime of a corroding structure and spatial variability of material, dimensional and environmental properties. A major shortcoming in the work carried out to date is the lack of an allowance for the spatial variability of applied traffic loads. In this article, a two-dimensional (2D) random field is developed where load effects and time-dependent structural resistance are calculated for each segment in the field. The 2D spatial time-dependent reliability analysis of an RC slab bridge found that a spatially correlated resistance results in only a small increase in probability of failure. Despite the fact that load effect at points along the length of a bridge is strongly correlated, the combined influence of correlation in load and resistance on probability of failure is small.     

Methodology for development of live load models for refined analysis of short and medium-span highway bridges

Abstract

The accuracy of bridge system safety evaluations and reliability assessments obtained through refined structural and finite element analyses depends not only on the accuracy of the structural model itself but also on the proper modelling of the maximum traffic loads. While current code-specified live load models were calibrated to properly reflect the safety levels of bridge structures analysed using the simplified methods adopted in bridge design and evaluation manuals, these load models may not lead to accurate results when implemented during refined structural analysis procedures. This paper describes a method to calibrate appropriate live load models that can be used for advanced analyses of bridges. The calibration procedure is demonstrated using actual traffic data collected at a representative weigh-in-motion station in New York State. The proposed calibration methodology is applicable for developing live load models for different bridge service periods, bridge types and design/assessment codes or standards. Live load models obtained using the proposed calibration procedure are readily implementable for deterministic refined analyses of highway bridges to produce similar results to those of complex traffic load simulations. Examples are presented that describe how results of such calibrated live load models would be used in engineering practice.     

桥梁荷载试验智能分析系统BLT研究

桥梁荷载试验分析系统BLT是一款由交通运输部公路科学研究院开发的用于公路、市政项目中桥梁荷载试验的专业软件。该系统基于参数化建模技术能够方便快捷地建立桥梁结构空间有限元模型,运用OpenGL图形平台技术建立桥梁三维浏览和后处理云图显示平台。BLT系统采用实体单元和空间梁格进行静动载试验分析,简化计算参数实现计算精度和效率的有机结合,紧密结合荷载试验规程自动推荐荷载试验方案和布置试验测点,能够自动进行荷载布置计算,查取测点位置的应力和位移理论计算值,查阅应力和位移云图等,并且最终输出荷载试验方案和荷载试验报告。相对于过去常用软件的荷载试验解决手段,该系统的荷载试验智能化程度高,提高了桥梁荷载试验检测工作效率,是桥梁荷载试验工程们的一款高效辅助工具。本文详细介绍过去常用同类软件存在问题、本系统的技术特点以及实桥应用算例等。     

Monte Carlo simulation of extreme traffic loading on short and medium span bridges

The accurate estimation of site-specific lifetime extreme traffic load effects is an important element in the cost-effective assessment of bridges. A common approach is to use statistical distributions derived from weigh-in-motion measurements as the basis for Monte Carlo simulation of traffic loading. However, results are highly sensitive to the assumptions made, not just with regard to vehicle weights but also to axle configurations and gaps between vehicles. This paper presents a comprehensive model for Monte Carlo simulation of bridge loading for free-flowing traffic and shows how the model matches results from measurements on five European highways. The model has been optimised to allow the simulation of many years of traffic and this greatly reduces the variance in calculating estimates for lifetime loading from the model. The approach described here does not remove the uncertainty inherent in estimating lifetime maximum loading from data collected over relatively short time periods.     

Characteristic traffic load effects from a mixture of loading events on short to medium span bridges

In recent years, highway bridge load assessment has been recognised as an area through which savings can be made by avoiding unnecessary bridge refurbishment and replacement. Load effects in bridges result from single truck crossings or multiple-truck presence events which are, statistically, not identically distributed. Conventional approaches fit statistical distributions to mixtures of non-identically distributed load effects. Inaccuracies in the conventional approach are identified and an alternative approach is developed to find the characteristic load effects. Theoretical and field data are used to show the potential implications of conventional techniques and to demonstrate the application of the new approach.     

Proof load testing for bridge assessment and upgrading

Bridge deterioration with time and ever increasing traffic loads raise concerns about reliability of aging bridges. One of the ways to check reliability of aging bridges is proof load testing. A successful proof load test demonstrates immediately that the resistance of a bridge is greater than the proof load. This reduces uncertainty in the bridge resistance and so increases the bridge reliability. The paper considers a reliability-based calibration of intensities of proof loads for aging bridges to verify either an existing or increased load rating taking into account possible bridge deterioration. Intensities of proof loads are calibrated based on a consistent target reliability index. The influence of test risk, dead to live load ratio, and uncertainties associated with dead and live loads and bridge resistance is considered. The results presented in the paper relate to short and medium span bridges.     

Simplified site-specific traffic load models for bridge assessment

Traffic load is identified as one of the greatest sources of uncertainty in the assessment of bridges. In recent years, simulation techniques, using measured traffic data, have been used to predict the characteristic traffic load effects on bridges. However, the techniques are complex, sensitive to the assumptions adopted and require specialist statistical expertise. This work presents a simplified site-specific traffic load model that generates comparable load effects to the corresponding results from a full simulation. While the simplified model is still sensitive to the underlying assumptions, these can be carefully reviewed prior to the method being approved. Further, the simplified method can be employed by practising engineers for bridge assessment.     

某公路大桥车辆荷载调查与局部疲劳分析

近年来,随着公路交通流量的不断增加,公路桥梁的疲劳问题变得越来越显著。对于公路桥梁的疲劳问题,国内外已做了大量研究,并形成了相关规范。但是,对于局部疲劳问题,尚存在着两个问题需要解决:一是局部疲劳应力与车辆荷载位置的关系因桥而异,目前还没有统一的处理方法;二是需要在现有的疲劳评估方法基础上进一步考虑车辆荷载、疲劳应力以及疲劳寿命的不确定性。以某公路大桥为例,对其过去11年的车辆荷载进行统计分析,得到车辆荷载的概率模型,并利用Monte Carlo方法模拟出桥面板的局部承载历史,分析计算出等效疲劳荷载及相应的等效循环次数。在模拟过程中考虑了车辆荷载的不确定性,同时提出车辆荷载局部折减系数以考虑车轮横向位置对局部应力的影响。模拟结果表明:分析得出的等效循环次数,在AASHTO规范规定的出现疲劳破坏的疲劳应力循环次数的合理范围内,与该大桥出现疲劳裂缝的现状相符。     

Ermüdungsbeanspruchungen von Betonbrücken unter zunehmendem Schwerverkehr

Fatigue Life of Concrete Bridges under Consideration of Increasing Traffic Loads Increasing traffic loads lead to higher fatigue stresses on bridge structures. The effects on the stresses of the main load‐bearing structure depend on the load models representing weight and the ratio of the load model length to the bearing distance of the superstructure. Within a research project carried out on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs several different bridge constructions (box girder bridge, skew slab construction, girder bridge with T‐beam elements) were analysed with respect to their fatigue strength. Hence, the stresses in concrete and steel components are examined on extensive numerical models in longitudinal and transversal direction. The fatigue investigations of these existing bridges are performed by specified load combinations according to the German Standard for the design of concrete bridges. Furthermore the future development of heavy traffic loads is included by calculating the effects of a 60to‐heavy traffic vehicle.     

A modified numerical VBI element for vehicles with constant velocity including road irregularities

There has been a growing interest to model and analyze Vehicle-Bridge Interaction (VBI) of intricate vehicles on bridges. The objective of such an analysis is to realistically investigate the dynamic effects of moving vehicles particularly in case of high-speed trains, where the vehicle acceleration is a design criterion and should be calculated appropriately. One method of analysis is to eliminate the wheel degrees of freedom (DOF) that are in direct contact with the bridge surface resulting in a VBI element, which is a modified beam element acted upon directly by wheel(s) of a running vehicle. The contact force is the mutual force between the wheel and the bridge. The available formulation in the literature is used to formulate the contact forces, which are related to those in the beam element DOFs by the Hermitian interpolation functions. Considering suitable interpolation functions between the beam element displacement vector and those for contact points and also a new formulation for the contact points, a new formulation is proposed for the structural properties of the VBI element, resulting in a new element capable of capturing bridge and vehicle responses more realistically. A study is conducted on the model variables and their effects on the bridge dynamic amplification factor and also bridge and vehicle accelerations, in order to compare the new VBI method with the existing one. The studied parameters include vehicle and bridge damping, frequency parameter, system mass parameter, and a new parameter called vehicle mass parameter. Results generally demonstrate noticeable differences particularly for high speed vehicles. In addition, it is observed that the effect of shear deformations in a simply-supported bridge might not be negligible and should be considered for moving vehicle analysis. For double girder open-deck steel railway bridges, the difference in midspan deflection of models including or excluding shear deformation can vary from 18% to 8% for 4.0 m and 30.0 m spans, respectively, for a sample vehicle.     

同时考虑速度和轴跨比影响时铁路钢桥的影响因子的确定

传统桥梁设计方法中,把交通荷载处理为静载乘以影响因子。依据现行规范,该因子仅是跨度或一阶自振频率的函数。分析各种参数对钢桥动力响应的影响,包括:速度、火车轴距、车轴数、桥跨度,并研究影响因子。计算了火车速度100～400km/h,轴距13～20m,桥跨度10,15,20,25m情况下的动力响应和影响因子。动力分析表明,大多数情况下,算得的影响因子高于相关规范中的值。影响因子随火车速度、火车轴距和桥跨度之比而变化,而车轴数仅在共振时产生影响。给出了速度、车轴距、桥跨度与影响因子的关系。     

某在役高架钢箱梁桥的安全性评定及相关问题探讨

在实际桥梁工程检测中,往往因为周围环境条件的制约,不能获得原计划中的所有测试数据或是所获得数据准确性受到行车荷载的影响.针对这两个问题,以某在役钢箱梁桥的损伤检测和安全性评定为例,探讨解决这两种问题的途径.首先介绍了该钢箱梁桥跨的表现检测和无损探伤,之后对该桥进行静动载试验,以获得桥梁在试验荷载下的静动力响应.为了与试验结果对比,还用两种方法建立钢箱梁桥跨的有限元模型,在对比不同方法计算准确度的基础上获得设计以及试验荷载下桥梁静力响应以及模态参数的计算值;最后,探讨静载测试数据的扩充办法,并对试验荷载作用下的计算模型进行了修正,通过模拟试验过程中某车道行车荷载对计算结果的影响,从而成功解决了前述的两种问题,实现了该钢箱梁跨的安全评定.     

Probabilistic dynamic behavior of a long-span bridge under extreme events

In addition to moderate wind and normal traffic scenarios, it is known that some extreme events may also occur on long-span bridges. These extreme events may include complex traffic congestion on the bridge, coupled with moderate or even strong wind. It is known that the excessive dynamic response and stress level of the bridge under these rare but critical scenarios, even for a very short period, may cause critical damage initiation or accumulation on some local bridge members. In addition to accelerating damages, the extreme events (e.g. heavy traffic) may even trigger the hazardous collapse of a whole bridge in some rare cases, especially when some hidden damage or design flaw has not been detected. Therefore, even though the extreme cases associated with congested traffic and/or windy weather are relatively rare, it is important for bridge engineers to appropriately look into these unusual extreme events during design and life-time management. By applying the general Bridge/Traffic/Wind coupled analysis methodology, the present study focuses on (1) conducting the cellular automaton (CA)-based traffic flow simulation of a long-span bridge and connecting roadways under incidental situations, (2) defining representative scenarios for the extreme events, and (3) numerically studying the bridge performance under these possible extreme events. By conducting studies on a comprehensive set of possible scenarios, it is anticipated that better understanding of extreme events of long-span bridges from the perspectives of strength and serviceability design will be achieved, which may contribute to the future design specification about long-span bridges. The proposed methodology will also offer a reasonable framework to replicate probabilistic traffic flow, characterize dynamic interaction and assess structural performance under those rare but critical situations integrally.     

Gestalten von Eisenbahnbrücken

Design of railway bridges. Railway bridges are high performance structures concerning their load bearing capacity, durability and serviceability. But high demands of usage and loading combined with the special conditions of building technology under continuing traffic led to a lack of aesthetic bridge design during the last decades. The structures of infrastructure, and in particular bridges, are large and tend to dominate their natural or urban environments. Bridges must, therefore, meet high levels of aesthetic and design value in addition to meeting the basic requirements of providing safety, functionality and economic solutions. Two years ago an advisory board for bridge design was established to support the Deutsche Bahn in making considerable improvements to the aesthetic and design quality of bridges promoting innovation in bridge design and construction.     

Fatigue assessment of highway steel bridges in presence of seismic loading

In this study a LEFM (Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics) approach is used in a probabilistic context to evaluate the fatigue reliability of steel girder highway bridges in the presence of seismic loading. In the first part the fatigue damage is related to the traffic load produced by heavy trucks crossing the bridge; the second part deals with the fatigue damage related to seismic loading. Both damage typologies are analyzed using linear elastic fracture mechanics principles, and the time required for an initial crack propagation is calculated. Taking into account that the correlation between fatigue effects and seismic actions is not usually considered in the literature, this method could enable a better understanding of progressive damage phenomena due to fatigue related problems, and could give some new insights for increasing the remaining fatigue life of a large number of steel bridges in seismic zones.