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1 INTRODUCTION
Modern civil engineering structures are often designed and constructed as hybrid systems
consisting of steel, pre-cast concrete and cast-in-place concrete [1]. Main load-bearing
elements are frequently fabricated in advance and are used as a supporting system for parts of
a cross-section or structure produced later. Thus, the static system of the structure changes
during the construction. Consequently, effects of creep and shrinkage of concrete must be
taken into account both during the construction stages and service life of the structure [2].
Modules CONSTRUCTION STAGES, PRESTRESSING and TDA (Time-Dependent
Analysis) are efficient tools for structural analysis of hybrid systems that have been newly
implemented in software system IDA NEXIS. These modules enable the user to perform
calculation for an uninterrupted sequence of automatically generated structural schemes that
reflect the construction process. In addition, TDA takes account of rheological properties of
concrete. The description of individual modules and their interconnection are given in article
[3]. Here we will focus on TDA module, even though some discussed points are of general
validity for the whole software system.
2
In: Proceeding of the seminar Statika most 2001, SCIA CZ, 2001, translated by Ing. Pavel Roun
odezva konstrukce
increment, prestressing increment and increment of rheological effects) are stored in results.
Load cases for rheological effects are generated automatically and numbered n+1, n+2, etc.,
where n is the number of user-defined load cases. It is assumed that the load increments act on
the structure until the last examined construction/serviceability stage. Unloading must be
modelled by means of the opposite-sign load. Total effects of loads (internal forces,
deflections,
etc.)
in
a
given
construction stage are obtained as a
LC(n+1)+LC1+
combination of appropriate load cases
LC(n+2)+LC2+LC4+
acting on the structure up to the time of
LC(n+3)+LC3
LC3 C
the given stage, see Fig. 1. Load cases
representing imposed variable loads
LC(n+3)
C-dotvar. may be added to this combination.
Individual load cases may be assigned
LC2 B+LC4 pedpt
load factors. These factors are equal to
1.0 during creep analysis. Only after
LC(n+2) B-dotvarovn the calculation has been completed,
maximal and minimal load factor is
LC1 A
t [dny] applied
to
permanent
loads,
prestressing, long-term variable loads
F1
F2
F3
and to load cases storing increments of
rheological effects.
Fig. 1 Construction stages and load case
combinations
2.2 Structural model for static
analysis
Since long-term loads are symmetrical, most bridges can be modelled accurately enough in a
vertical plane only. Consequently, a planar frame can be used as a calculation model.
Concerning the general nature of solution and the flexibility in modelling of changes in the
structural scheme, finite element method (FEM) has been selected for static analysis. Since
also structures with composite cross-sections need to be modelled, three-node finite element
with eccentricity [4] has been employed. To ensure strain compatibility on the border of two
eccentric elements, a polynomial of second or third order, respectively, is used to extrapolate
the longitudinal and transverse displacements. All elements of different eccentricity
connecting identical nodes create a substructure for which static condensation of internal
nodal deformation parameters is used.
From the users point of view,
composite structures are input using
function phased cross-sections of
general cross-section module. The
cross-section is created step-by-step
starting from stage 0, see Fig. 2. Each
cross-section phase is in longitudinal
direction modelled by means of a
Fig. 2 Phased cross-section modelled by means of separate finite element with an
eccentricity. The rate of concrete creep
eccentric elements
and shrinkage can be generally
different for individual elements. Therefore, when TDA analysis is used, stress redistribution
occurs between two different cross-section phases. One cross-section phase may consist of
several separate parts (of the same or different material). In such a case, sectional
characteristics of individual parts are transformed into one material (transformed crosssection). As a result, stress redistribution between separate parts of one phase cannot occur
during the calculation.
Cross-section types must be distinguished from each other not only by shape and material, but
also by the time when the composite slab is cast. Fig. 3 presents a composite continuous beam
of a constant cross-section along the whole length. Since the composite slab is cast in steps,
we must define five cross-section types in total. The types differ only in the time of inclusion
of the cross-sections phase modelling the composite slab.
and effects of aging can be considered in compliance with recommendation laid in Eurocode
2, SN 73 1201, SN 73 6207, and NEN 6720. The method takes account of stress history,
does not require iterations in individual steps and does not limit creep functions [4].
3 POSSIBILITY TO MODEL SPECIFIC CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES
Program can be used to model a whole range of special construction technologies, such as
precast segmental cantilever construction method, cast-in-place segmental cantilever
construction method, incremental launching, suspension structures, jointing of simple beams
into continuous ones including the subsequent casting of a composite slab or step-by-step
construction of building frames. This article cannot give the full account of program
capabilities. Therefore, further we will deal with some features the understanding of which
can contribute to an effective use of the program.
3.1 Macro history, line supports
Every macro-element has got its own history in the local time axis. The origin of the time
axis, called birth of macro, is set to the moment when the corresponding macro stiffness is
added to the stiffness matrix of the whole structure. The birth of macro is closely linked to the
time of casting and to the formation and acting of a line support (formwork, centering). If the
time of casting is identical with the birth of the macro, it is necessary, with a few exceptions,
to use a line support of the macro, because the stiffness of the concrete element is equal to
zero at the time of casting. Notwithstanding the line support, the structure must be duly
supported in nodes, see Fig. 6a, because standard FEM solver is run simultaneously with the
TDA solver when the calculation is being performed in EPW program.
a) application of prestressing
does not exist and free nodes are automatically fixed. This feature can be exploited in
modelling of additionally cast joints, which can be demonstrated on an example when simple
supported beams are made continuous. As seen in Fig. 6c, the upper slab of the beam is cast
simultaneously with the cross-beam (at the time node of 60 days). In order to model properly
the behaviour of the simply supported beam in the time of casting, the insertion of the joint is
postponed until the next step (63 days), see Fig. 6d. At the same time, the casting time is set
equal to 3 days (considering the time of birth of the joint). This configuration leads to an
identical age of the joint and the slab. The time when the beam starts act as a continuous beam
is 3 days after casting, i.e. in the time when concrete is already hard enough to carry the load.
Simultaneously, it is possible to postpone the time when the newly created concrete element is
subject to loads, e.g. in joints cast additionally in-situ between segments of precast or cast-inplace segmental cantilever construction, see chapter 3.2.2.
The installation and removal of the line support is done by means of time nodes of the local
time axis. It follows from chapter 2.1 that it may happen that e.g. the removal of an existing
line support is made outside the time of a construction stage. Consequently, the increment of
internal forces and deformation due to the removal of the support may take effect in the load
case for rheological effects, where it cannot be separated from other effects. If the line support
both originates and expires between two successive construction stages, it may even happen
that the effects of removal of the support and support reactions will not be stored in any load
case and therefore, they cannot be presented in results. This can be prevented by insertion of
an empty construction stage into the time of the removal of the support.
Last of the local time nodes in
the macro history is the time
when curing of concrete is
completed. In phased crosssections it is the time when
curing of concrete in stage
Fig. 7 Reaction in line support
zero is completed, while
another curing period can be
input for other newly originated phases of cross-section. In terms of the program, this entry
defines the time when shrinkage and creep starts to occur in concrete. Flawless curing is
assumed until the end of curing period, which means that no drying can be observed.
3.2 Modelling of step-by-step construction of bridges built using a segmental cantilever
construction method
Four projects have been prepared in order to explain some program features available for
modelling of the process of segmental cantilever construction. The structure geometry, crosssections and time sequence of construction staged were simplified in these projects with a
view to focus on the difference in step-by-step construction models. For the same reason,
variable loads imposed by a moving crane, by a traveller, etc. were not modelled. The
structure is formed by two precast or cast-in-place segmental cantilevers and a closing cast-inplace joint. The cantilevers consist of four precast or cast-in-place concrete segments.
Therefore, in the final stage it is a fixed beam. Each of the two construction methods is
modelled in two variants: precise levelling approach and tangent approach. The models
differ only in the interpretation of final deflections, not in internal forces.
In precise levelling method for both precast and cast-in-place approach, the free-end of the
newly added segment of the calculation model has zero deflection in the time of attachment.
The engineer must assume that e.g. the traveller is so positioned that its face is exactly in the
designed level after the casting is completed. Any inaccuracies and errors made in previous
construction stages must be corrected at the construction site when the traveller is
repositioned to a new segment. The calculated deflections then represent the increment in
deflection since the time of casting or segment prestressing.
On the other hand, the tangent method assumes that a new segment is assembled or cast in
the direction of the tangent to the deflection curve for the time of new segment installation. It
means that deflections of all finite element nodes of the cantilever must be corrected during
the calculation or even when the first cantilever segments are being installed. This can be
ensured by a special function, but only if special algorithms are elaborated for each type of
segmented construction. This could be a user-friendly solution, but in the end it would
degrade the generality of solution and limit the range of assembly approaches. TDA employs
a different approach. The user must choose a gradual birth of segments, loads and boundary
conditions in a way so that the behaviour of the model is as close to the real structure as
possible. Therefore, a set of preliminary steps must be taken if the tangent approach is used.
The steps will be described later. The advantage of this modelling approach is that the final
calculated deformation forms a smooth curve in all construction and service stages. For
example, if we want to achieve a theoretical zero deflection after 50 years of service, we must
define a pre-camber whose shape is identical with the deflection curve after those 50 years of
service.
3.2.1
a) Assembly of segment 1
b) Assembly of segment 2
c) Assembly of segment 3
d) Assembly of segment 4
e) Birth of closing joint
segment
no.
segment casting
local time
1
2
3
4
5 (joint)
-60
-60
-60
-60
-5
curing of concrete
global
time
-55
-50
-45
-40
20
segment casting
local time
1
2
3
4
5 (joint)
-60
-55
-50
-45
-5
global
time
-60
-55
-50
-45
15
segment
no.
segment casting
local time
1
2
3
4
5 (joint)
-5
-5
-5
-5
-5
global
time
-5
0
5
10
15
a) Deflection after casting of segment 4 b) Deflection in 1000 days after getting monolithic
Fig. 12 Precise levelling cast-in-place segmental cantilever construction, cantilever
deflection
Once again, apparent breaks can be observed in deflection curves in Fig. 12. These breaks
result from the fact that the deflection increments relate to the time of segment casting.
construction
stage
segment
no.
segment casting
local
time
1
2
3
4
5
6
stage 0
segments
1, 2, 3, 4
1
2
3
4
5 (joint)
-5
curing of segment
segment stiffness for prestressing
concrete
matrix of stiffness
and load
global time local time global time local time global time global time
[days]
0,1
5
10
15
20
0,1
5
10
15
25
25
5
10
15
20
25
4 LITERATURE
[1] Strsk, J., Navrtil, J. Concrete Hybrid Bridges, FIP Symposium, Johanesburg, 1997, pp.
321-328.
[2] Strsk, J., Navrtil, J., Susk, S. Applications of Time-Dependent Analysis in the Design
of Hybrid Bridge Structures, PCI Journal, vol. 46 no. 4, 2001, pp. 56 - 74.
[3] Navrtil, J. Analza a posouzen betonovch konstrukc v systmu IDA NEXIS (Analysis
and checking of concrete structures in EPW system), Proceeding of the seminar Statika
most 2001, SCIA CZ, 2001.
[4] Navrtil, J. asov zvisl analza rmovch konstrukc (Time Dependent Analysis of
Frame Structures), Stavebnick asopis (Building Research Jour.), 7 (40), 1992, pp. 429-451.
[5] SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS (SCIA) SOFTWARE. Construction stages, Pretressing,
TDA, reference manual, SCIA, Belgium, 2003