Finite element analysis of vehicle–bridge interaction

This paper presents results of the finite element (FE) analysis of dynamic interaction between a heavy truck and a selected highway bridge on US 90 in Florida. FE analysis of vehicle–bridge interaction was conducted using commercial program LS-DYNA and the super computer at the Florida State University. Development and implementation of a detailed FE truck model with 3D suspension systems, pneumatic and rotating wheels, appropriate contact algorithms, allowed for realistic representation of the actual vehicle dynamic loading. Several static and dynamic field tests were performed on the same bridge. The experimental data was used for validation of the FE models of the bridge and the truck. Numerical results were found to match well with the experimental data. Results presented in the paper demonstrate a significant potential of using computational mechanics and LS-DYNA code for thorough investigation of the vehicle–bridge interaction, dynamic impact factors, and the ultimate loading of bridges.