A COMPREHENSIVE FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS APPROACH FOR ENHANCING UHPC DESIGN UNDER DYNAMIC LOADING

Siti Shahirah Saidin

Abstract


Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is gaining prominence in bridge construction due to its superior mechanical properties and durability. However, most studies have focused on static analysis, while dynamic analysis, such as cyclic vehicle loading and environmental impact, has been neglected. This work expands the traditional finite element analysis (FEA) to perform modal analysis for ascertaining natural frequencies, mode shapes, deflection behavior, and the influence of cross- sectional moment of inertia. A numerical model was developed, incorporating detailed material properties and boundary conditions across three different girder geometries to simulate real-world structural conditions. The results indicate that the optimized designs of the UHPC girder exhibit high natural frequency in the range of 2.4–2.5 Hz for a 50-meter span, higher moment of inertia, and lower deflections. The findings show that UHPC enhances structural stiffness, extends service life, and reduces maintenance costs compared to conventional concrete materials. In summary, this study conducts a modal analysis of a UHPC bridge by integrating vibrational performance and including a cyclic moving load to provide a comprehensive assessment of its structural performance. This study contributes to the literature on the advancement of UHPC application in bridge design, promoting the adoption of sustainable and high-performance construction materials.


Keywords


Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Modal Analysis, Bridge Girders, Natural Frequency.

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References


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