Author: Kubilay KAPTAN
Publishing Date: 2013
E-ISSN: 2147-9364
Volume: 1 Issue: 2
ABSTRACT:
Finite element analyzes are used to determine the dynamic behavior of major engineering structures such as bridges under varying loads. However, based on the finite element analysis, the analytical framework considers the structures as they have been built and installed at the same time. This type of solution methods may not always give reliable results. Because, construction of engineering structures such as bridges take a long time and they are exposed to changing loads during construction. Therefore, construction phases and time-dependent deformations of the material must be taken into account during the analyzes. In this study, the effect of construction steps and the time-dependent deformation of the material on the structural behavior of suspension bridges are tried to be determined. Within this study, linking the continents of Asia and Europe in Istanbul, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge was chosen as an example. A two-dimensional finite element model of the bridge was created by SAP2000.
To understand the effect of construction phases, analyses have been repeated for the case in which construction stages are not taken into account. Deck length and displacements obtained during the height of the tower are investigated in comparison with the cross-sectional effects. At the end of the study, the structural behavior of suspension bridges in determining the stages of production and time-dependent deformation of the material is determined to be taken into account.
Key Words: Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge; Finite elements analysis, Construction phases; Time dependent deformation.