Optimizing FEA of Bridges at ELU

Introduction

Discover the unparalleled capabilities of BRIGADE/Plus, our advanced FEA program, through one of our most experienced clients, ELU. As a long-time user of both BRIGADE/Plus and BRIGADE/Standard, ELU has harnessed the full potential of our bridge analysis software, showcasing its versatility and efficiency in diverse engineering scenarios.

Efficient scripting for varied bridge designs

Today ELU uses both BRIGADE/Plus and BRIGADE/Standard. BRIGADE/Standard has many upsides when it comes to model standard type bridges, but ELU also uses BRIGADE/Plus for bridge design projects involving standard like bridges. The reason is the robust scripting capabilities available in BRIGADE/Plus, allowing them to effectively handle a spectrum of bridge designs, from simple bridges to complex bridge designs. The scripting capabilities empowers ELUs engineers to streamline their workflows and handle changes efficiently.

An illustration of this concept is the ‘Godsstråket’ project, where ELU’s contribution involves designing two prestressed concrete bridges. By leveraging the scripting features of BRIGADE/Plus, they have developed parametric models and streamlined export functions for the manipulation of result data. This data is subsequently utilized in the concrete section design process.

DWG file integration

One example of how ELU has taken advantage of the scripting capabilities in BRIGADE/Plus was a project where a script was set up to import dwg-files from which then the geometry for the bridge was created. It did not only facilitate the modelling phase, but it also made model changes faster and more reliable, which accelerated project timelines.

Customized output reports

ELU also takes advantage of BRIGADE/Plus’s scripting functionalities to generate tailor-made output reports adjusted to their specific needs. This customization ensures that the output data aligns perfectly with their project requirements, interaction with other internal design software and enhances the overall efficiency of their work.

Optimizing load combinations

One of the most appreciated features in BRIGADE/Plus – among ELU’s users – is the robust load combinations module, a feature that is also available in BRIGADE/Standard. This powerful tool allows engineers to efficiently handle the extensive number of load combinations according to design codes, ensuring a thorough and accurate assessment of bridge structures for maximum safety and reliability.

Beyond bridges

ELU extends the use of BRIGADE/Plus beyond bridge constructions. The general modelling concept in BRIGADE/Plus allows ELU to use it in design projects involving for example dock and pier structures. An example of this is the New Slussen Project in Stockholm, where Brigade/Plus was utilized to design the new canal. In this project, the entire canal was modelled with shell elements, and the results were then exported to ELU’s design tools. To model the loads from lock gates and machinery, ELU greatly benefited from the coupling capabilities in Brigade/Plus, which allowed them to distribute the loads and avoid singularities in the model.

Seamless integration with Abaqus

BRIGADE/Plus uses both the Abaqus user interface, the Abaqus CAE, and the Abaqus Standard solver for the numerical FE-analyses. This integration allows for the seamless transition of models from BRIGADE/Plus to Abaqus, providing engineers with a versatile and interconnected analysis environment. This also means that Abaqus users are familiar with the ways of working in BRIGADE/Plus and vice versa. When the common and even the more advances analysis methods – covered by BRIGADE/Plus – are not enough, ELU uses ABAQUS.

Models set up in BRIGADE/Plus can be used in ABAQUS. An example of this is the new Arpeggio steel Bridge project in Gothenburg (also known as Hisingsbron), where ELU used Brigade Plus to build a 3D shell model of the lifting span. The model could later be exported to Abaqus for further detailed studies of the bridge. The submodelling technique in Abaqus was used, among other things, to calculate stress concentrations in the weld toes needed for a fatigue analysis. This significantly reduced computation time, allowing more time to be spent analyzing the results.

Educational support through tutorials

ELU finds great value in the comprehensive tutorials provided for BRIGADE/Plus. These tutorials serve as invaluable resources, guiding engineers through specific tasks and challenges within the software. The tutorials help reduce the learning time for new users. Experienced users can also quickly familiarize themselves with different program’s features, functions, and best practices to accelerate their proficiency.

Exceptional support

One important reason why ELU keep choosing BRIGADE is the exceptional support that is given by the TEHCNIA support team. BRIGADE is developed by TECHNIA, so there is always a direct access to the best support available directly at TECHNIA.

In conclusion, BRIGADE/Plus is an essential tool for ELU, offering powerful scripting capabilities using Python, seamless file integration, and a comprehensive suite of tools. ELU’s success story with BRIGADE/Plus is a testament to its versatility, efficiency, and the support provided by our dedicated team.