Numerical analysis of damage zones in a bridge

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical analysis of structural monitoring for damage zones detection. The study is performed with Ansys finite element software, which reads in batch mode programming a previously generated mesh data file and computes the transient dynamic solution for each time-step iteration within an analysis time range. Design/methodology/approach The approach itself is applied on a bridge structure which can be potentially subjected to damage zones due to severe loads cases and or earthquakes vibrations. The ideal Von Mises failure criterion ellipsoid envelope is applied for the detection of overstepped computed stresses and strains. Findings This numerical analysis allows computing, for each time-step iteration, the dynamic displacements at each degree of freedom and the corresponding stresses and strains inside the elements under the action of several times dependent loads cases. Originality/value The material properties of reinforced concrete RC are calculated for an existing specific bridge structure case. The RC strength is then introduced from the basic compounds material properties using the corresponding volumes fractions.