Structural analysis of a railway bridge using the FEM-DEM technique

The objectives of this work are focused on giving an answer to the problems presented in the operation of a railway bridge, using the FEM-DEM numerical technique considering static and dynamic loads. The purpose is to find out the existing breakage mechanisms in the bridge. From a social aspect, there is concern about the possible collapse of the bridge, with the corresponding economic loss and eventually human losses; therefore, the interest and social involvement of the study has repercussions not only on the repair mechanisms that can be adopted but also on the possible revision of the calculation and design aspects in this type of works. The FEM-DEM technique developed by Zarate et al. [1,2] has been validated in various laboratory tests [3-5]. Due to the characteristics of the problem, the technique used is an ideal tool to study the structural behaviour of the bridge from a static and dynamic point of view. Considering the reinforcing steel in the bridge is fundamental to carry out the structural analysis, which is why the implementation of this type of reinforcement in the FEM-DEM formulation is described. The paper is organized as follows. First, the problems found in the civil works under study are described. Subsequently, a small sketch of the FEM-DEM technique is made, and the inclusion of reinforcing steel is formulated. After that, the different results of the static and dynamic studies carried out are presented.