Finite element analysis of steel structures – a review of useful guidelines

Purpose – Since the use of advanced finite element analysis (FEA) in the design of steel structures has been increasing its popularity in order to avoid unsafe or highly conservative designs, a solid know-how in computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering (CAE) codes is necessary. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to provide an extensive review of useful guidelines concerning modelling, simulation and result validation for the accurate performance of those analyses. Design/methodology/approach – Such guidelines are obtained from international steel design codes like Eurocode 3 and DNV, publications from experienced CAE engineers and renowned FE software companies like Ansys and Altair. Topics like mesh independence, the effect of the load sequence on the load bearing capacity and steel fracture criteria are underlined. Findings – Since the use of advanced FEA in the design of steel structures is becoming more and more traditional due to the increase of its competitiveness when compared to the use of ...

[1]  Nak Hyun Kim,et al.  A finite element ductile failure simulation method using stress-modified fracture strain model , 2011 .

[2]  Jin Cheng,et al.  Ultimate load carrying capacity of the Lu Pu steel arch bridge under static wind loads , 2003 .

[3]  Barna A. Szabó,et al.  Simulation governance: Technical requirements for mechanical design , 2012 .

[4]  E. Lo Valvo,et al.  H and P Mesh Refinement in the Metal-Forming F.E.M. Analysis , 1988 .

[5]  Z. Bažant,et al.  Stability Of Structures , 1991 .

[6]  Han-Chin Wu,et al.  Continuum mechanics and plasticity , 2004 .

[7]  P. W. Bridgman.  Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure on the Plastic Properties of Metals , 1945 .

[8]  D. M. Tracey,et al.  On the ductile enlargement of voids in triaxial stress fields , 1969 .

[9]  F. Mudry,et al.  Ductile rupture of A508 steel under nonradial loading , 1985 .

[10]  Oliver Hechler,et al.  The right choice of steel – according to the Eurocode , 2015 .

[11]  Donald W. White,et al.  Refined 3D finite element modeling of partially-restrained connections including slip , 2002 .

[12]  Dinar Camotim,et al.  GBT-based structural analysis of elastic–plastic thin-walled members , 2013 .

[13]  Miguel Abambres,et al.  Residual stresses in steel members: a review of available analytical expressions , 2016 .

[14]  G. R. Johnson,et al.  Fracture characteristics of three metals subjected to various strains, strain rates, temperatures and pressures , 1985 .

[15]  M. Komuro.  ELASTO-PLASTIC FE ANALYSIS ON MOMENT-ROTATION RELATIONS OF TOP- AND SEAT-ANGLE CONNECTIONS , 2004 .

[16]  G. A. Morris,et al.  Analysis of three-dimensional frames with flexible beam–column connections , 1984 .

[17]  Z. Bažant,et al.  Stability of Structures: Elastic, Inelastic, Fracture and Damage Theories , 2010 .

[18]  R. Christensen,et al.  A Comprehensive Theory of Yielding and Failure for Isotropic Materials , 2006 .

[19]  S. Report,et al.  A review of macroscopic ductile failure criteria. , 2013 .

[20]  Serdar Selamet,et al.  GUIDELINES FOR MODELING THREE DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURAL CONNECTION MODELS USING FINITE ELEMENT METHODS , 2010 .

[21]  E. Gaylord,et al.  Design of Steel Structures , 1972 .