Structural design on SAP 2000

Figure 56. Structural data of Corten steel - SAP 2000

The material used is S355, a non-alloy structural steel that meets European Standard (EN 10025-2) and is most frequently utilized after S235 when extra strength is required. Let's look at more mechanical information about this steel since it has excellent weldability and machinability. S stands for structural steel, while 355 represents the minimum yield strength (N/mm2) of 355 Mpa. This type of structural steel has a density of 7850 kg/m3, and its Youngs's modulus ranges from 190 to 210 Gpa.

With the assigned properties of the material, the structural elements must be pre-defined. For the analysis of the present project, the principal beams are defined as IPE300 and the slabs are presented as IPE240.

Figure 57. Section dimension of elements - SAP 2000

Now, with the properties of the material and with the section dimension of elements defined, it’s possible to draw the geometry of the elements from the architectural design in order to build up the structure. In the following figure, all structural elements are shown included the position of foundation.

Figure 58. Geometrical model of the bridge for structural analysis - SAP 2000

Now, it’s necessary to take into account the different loads that are imposed by regulations (Eurocodes). During the evaluation of the dimension and load analysis of the pedestrian bridge

Figure 59. Evaluated loads for structural analysis - SAP 2000

• Dead loads: SAP2000 allows to obtain the weight of the structure (main elements). This weight is the considered dead load.

• Live loads: As it was already exposed during the description of the static loads, a conservative value of live loads is taking into account, preventing a remote situation of crowded use of the pedestrian bridge, 5 kN/m2 in the chosen value.

Figure 60. Live load - SAP 2000

During the definition of the static and dynamic loads, it was said that the wind loads and the snow loads depend on the location of the project, for the proper case, this location is Piedicavallo, Biella, Piedmont region, in Italy. These loads were also defined.

• Wind loads: The wind load analysis on SAP2000 is presented in the following figure.

Figure 61. Wind loads - SAP 2000

• Snow loads: The snow loads were also found as 4.25 kN/m2.

Figure 62. Snow loads - SAP 2000

• Earthquake: For the case of the earthquake, it was said that the present project will not enter in much detail on this topic, however, the quake will be defined in SAP2000 using a design ground acceleration for a return period of 30 years is ag = 0.422 m/s2.

Figure 63. Earthquake - SAP 2000

Then, in the following figure it can be seen how are acting all different loads in each area of the pedestrian bridge.

Figure 64. Loads on area - SAP 2000

• Combination of loads: To determine the combination of vertical loads, the ultimate limit state (ULS) must be used, this follows the next formula provided by Eurocode and NTC2018.

Equation 13. Determination of combination of vertical loads

For the case of the combination of loads, it will be used several combinations that follows the EUROCODE and NTC2018 for pedestrian bridges in steel structure. In the following figures are shown the different values in order to construct the combinations.

Figure 65. Partial safety factors (NTC, 2018)

Figure 66. Coefficients for variable action for pedestrian bridges

Once all the different coefficients are known, the combinations of actions are performed and are shown in the following figure.

Figure 67. Example of combination of loads used - SAP 2000

Figure 68. Combination of loads used - SAP 2000

Now, SAP 2000 allows to define the regulations that wants to be used during the structural analysis, for the case of the study, NTC 2018 (Italian regulation) was used.

Figure 69. Regulation for analysis design - SAP 2000

With the geometry, material properties and also the loads defined, it’s possible to run the analysis. Once the analysis is performed, SAP2000 allows to do a design-check of the structural elements used in order to verify the behavior.

Figure 70. First design-check of structural elements - SAP 2000

As it was said at the beginning of the structural design, the elements were pre-defined, which means that the same could be changed depending the analysis. For the present case, SAP2000 is showing that the structure chosen is over dimensioned. Structurally this fact is not a problem, however, an over estimation of the structure will lead in increment of costs, then, the structure dimensions will be changed.

Figure 71. Final Design-check of structural elements - SAP 2000

With the new elements, the principal beams are defined as IPE180 and the slabs are presented as IPE100, it can be seen how the structure is still verified and the changes between sections are important, which will lead into cost savings.

Once all loads are defined, is possible to obtain results of deformation shape, shear, bending moments and axial forces regarding the analysis of the structure of the pedestrian bridge.

Figure 72. Deformed shape of structure - SAP 2000

Figure 73. Shear force of structure - SAP 2000

Figure 74. Bending moments - SAP 2000

Figure 75. Reactions in supports - SAP 2000

Now, all forces are presented and the analysis is completed. It can be said that was reached an overdesign of elements taking into account the conditions and uses that will have the pedestrian bridge in real life. However, this condition will help considering the possible events that can adopt the river during an important flooding.