BDA 4033

Task Report No.4

A Bridge Structure and the Loading Condition

Name:

1.0 Model / Problem Description

1.1 Model

A bridge structure and the loading condition is illustrated in Figure 5.7. All elements have
E = 200GPa and the cross section area A = 10 × 10 -4 m2. The mass density of the material
is 8000 kg/m2. As a design engineer you are requested to provide an information in
regard the vibration characteristics of the preliminary design of the bridge.
1. Provide the first 5 natural frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes
2. Since your report is a printed paper, the mode shapes are not only plotted but also
described technically so the reader understand the mode of the vibrations without
looking at the animation

3. If your client is not satisfied with the first natural frequency and wants to have higher
natural frequency of the first mode, what will be your recommendation?
 Your recommendation must be convincing and based on the data that you have.

Figure 1 : Bridge Structure

2.0 Finite Element Model

2.1 Element Model

3D dimensional modeling and modal vibration are used for this task. The data that
given is:

a) Cross section area A = 10 x10 -4 m².

b) Mass density of the material is 8000kg/m².
c) E = 200Gpa.
d) Young’s Modulus, E = 200 GPa

Figure 2(a): Element Model

 Figure 2(b): Node Information Figure 2(c): Element Information

Figure 2(d): Global Properties

2.2 Constraints
 Nodes 1 and 4 are constrained to represent a fixed end. The value for this node is
displx=0, disply=0 and displz=0. Nodes 3 and 6 are constrained at the y-axis and z-axis
and the fixed node using disply=0 and displz=0. All nodes can we refer to figure 2(a).

3.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Mode 1

Figure 3(a): Displacement magnitude for Mode 1

Mode 2
 Figure 3(a): Displacement magnitude for Mode 2

Mode 3

Figure 3(a): Displacement magnitude for Mode 3

Mode 4
 Figure 3(a): Displacement magnitude for Mode 4

Mode 5

Figure 3 (a): Displacement magnitude for Mode 5

4.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Based on the result, the value for the maximum displacement magnitude can be
describe in table below.

Mode Displacement magnitude

Mode 1 0.06982
Mode 2 0.06188
Mode 3 0.06949
Mode 4 0.07679
Mode 5 0.08183

The value shows that the natural frequency to have an effect on bridge structure
and its condition. The higher frequency will affect the bridge structure to collapse
or crack.