Table of contents
EDITORIAL
Finite Element (FE) calculations – a paradigm shift
Words from the Scientific and Technical Counsel
FOREWORD
Recommendations and Advice Content – The list of authors
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INTRODUCTION
A short and broad introduction – Structural analysis and finite elements
PART 1 – THEORETICAL ELEMENTS
Chapter A. General Observations
Chapter A - General Observations
Chapter B. Structural Dynamics
Chapter B - Structural Dynamics
Chapter C. Static non-linear calculations
Chapter C - Static non-linear calculations
Chapter D. Civil Engineering
Chapter D - Civil Engineering
Chapter E. Typical post-treatment of Civil Engineering
Chapter E - Typical post-treatment of Civil Engineering
Chapter F. Geotechnical calculations
Chapter F - Geotechnical calculations
PART 2 – USEFUL ELEMENTS
Chapter A. Understanding the finite elements
A.1. What does a finite element software do? Example of framed structures.
A.2. Explicitly, what is a finite element?
Annex 1 – File of the matrix calculation example
Chapter B. Computational objectives and necessary characteristics of the tool
Creating a finite element computational model includes several steps. The choice of the tool is critical and depends on various criteria. A successful model requires good organization and preparation.
B.1 to B6 Criteria to be considered
B.7 Organization of the computational model
Chapter C. Good practices to create a model
The different levels of analysis and the complexity associated with the model have already been defined in the previous chapter before the modeling stage. This chapter highlights the simplifications that can be used to create a model that is structurally representative of the real-life structure and the loads it is subjected to.
C.1 Input data and units
C.2 Modelling of the main elements
C.3 Finite elements and meshing
C.4 Modelling of the non-structural elements or the equipment
C.5 Boundary conditions
C.6 Connections – links – assembly
C.7 Eccentricity
C.8 Combined cross-sections (beam/deck)
C.9 Materials
C.10 Behaviors specific to shear and torsion
C.11 Loads modeling
C.12 Further information related to volumetric elements
C.13 Further information related to non-linear calculations
C.14 Further information related to prestress
C.15 Further information related to phase calculation
C.16 Further information related to structural dynamics and seismic calculations
Chapter D. Analysis and processing of the results
D.1 General information about numerical calculations
D.2 Load combinations
D.3 Results processing
D.4 Validation rules: the behavior of concrete elements
D.5 Understanding and analyzing the peaks (case study about concrete)
D.6 Understanding and analyzing the peaks (case study about steel assembly)
D.7 Further information specific to dynamic calculations
Chapter E. How to ensure quality?
Below are some simple advice to assess the quality of the finite element calculations. The principal challenges are:
§ The proper use of the software
§ The appropriate modeling of the structural behavior
§ The traceability of the modeling hypotheses and results
The advice below covers the engineer’s or the team’s handling of the software, the verification controls that must imperatively conduct any engineer at the end of its modeling, and the tracing of the minimum items so that the work can be completed thereafter.
E.1 Starting with a new software
E.2 Model validation using self-checking
E.3 Traceability and group work
Chapter F. How to properly present the finite element calculation note?
This paragraph introduces the fundamental elements that must be present in a note to provide a clear description of a FE computational model.
F. How to properly present the finite element calculation note?
PART 3 – EXAMPLES AND COMPLETE CASE STUDIES
This part contains modeling examples for simple and more complex objects. They are presented as a complete or partial study or even a comparison of different models of the same structure.
If you happen to have an example that you wish to share with us of a complexity or paradox noticed on a part of a model, please send it to the following address: elements.finis@afgc.fr. (It could be a note about a real project rendered anonymously.)
Example A – Modelling a complex high-rise building
Example A – Modelling a complex high-rise building
Example B – Modelling of composite bridges
Example B – Modelling of composite and steel bridges
Example C – Modelling of beam grids
Example C – Modelling of beam grids
Example D – Simple example: modeling of a Br wheel [CH1]
Example D – Modelling of a Br wheel
Example E – Transverse bending of a prestressed concrete box girder
Example E – Transverse bending of a prestressed concrete box girder
Example F – Dynamic calculations of tanks
Example F – Dynamic calculations of tanks
Example G – Cable-stayed bridges
Example G – Cable-stayed bridges
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Link to the bibliography
FOLLOW-UP OF ADDS-UP AND MODIFICATIONS
List of adds-up and modifications