Finite Element Analysis of Concrete Bridge Under Moving Load Across and Along the Span

In this study, an attempt is made to analyse the reinforced concrete bridge by applying IRC Class AA-tracked moving load in longitudinal and transverse directions of the bridge. The Finite element model is formulated in ANSYS software. The variation in resultant parameters namely, total deformation, equivalent stress and equivalent strain produced in the bridge are analysed for moving load passing from different positions across the cross-section of the bridge. Also, for each case, the position of the moving load at which it gives the maximum values for the resultant parameters in the bridge is determined. The result shows that values for total deformation, equivalent stress, and equivalent strain in the bridge decrease by 13.76%, 9.48% and 9.48%, respectively, with an increasing eccentricity of 1200 mm to 2300 mm load position from the kerb. This shows that with the increase in the eccentricity of load from the kerb to the symmetric loading concerning the centerline of the bridge, there is a decrease in deformation, stress and strain. This implies that when a vehicle moves closer to the centerline of bridge, there is better distribution of load in the bridge than when vehicle moves closer to the kerb. This study also helps the way of creating baseline data for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of the structure by knowing the stress, strain and deformation existed in the bridge using Finite Element (FE) modelling.