Keywords

1 Introduction

Most infrastructure like bridges, stadiums, and skyscrapers contain mild steel beams, may crack over time owing to various stages of operation. These flaws can change the structure's elasticity and damping, increasing the risk of collapse. Vibration-based methods assess cracks’ impact on aircraft, buildings, ships, and bridges, saving costs and enhancing safety by detecting structural damage [1]. The research examines the fracture parameters that affect vertical displacements in simply supported beams with cracks, emphasizing structural behavior during transient mass application. Model-based damage detection relies on modal parameter changes pre and post-faults, offering advantages over visual assessment. It aids in creating damage detection techniques by using damage-sensitive natural frequencies and mode structures [2]. Using beam-element models and empirical methods, the research calculates fatigue life for key bridge components, primarily stringers, cross-girders, truss diagonals, and hangers. Focusing on fatigue-critical parts and simplified models aims to improve bridge fatigue life estimation [3].

FEM simulation using ANSYS and regression analysis assessed beam structure cracks, analyzing their impact on physical characteristics and dynamic response. Static analysis with ANSYS and Creo I-section models revealed reduced vibration with decreased fracture depth. Hu et al. demonstrated damage-adjusted bar stress in Euler-Bernoulli beams with open damage. Researchers found that vibration characteristics can detect cracks, preventing material fatigue-related failures [4]. Python, image processing, and machine learning detect concrete cracks using numerical methods and beam vibration analysis. Machine learning classifies 4-point fixed flexural tests with varying depth-to-span ratios. Joint damage causes irregular ground-concrete fractures in structure and location, which is examined by machine learning in damaged areas and hence quantified hard surface cracks. Machine learning identifies unstable ground-concrete fractures caused by joint damage. It's used for seismic damage identification, particularly in bridges, aided by YOLO's crack dimension assessment. However, installation or manufacturing issues can affect laser beam testing for crack detection in simulations and experiments [5].

This research employs SolidWorks to address crack issues in multi-span simply supported beam bridges. It involves modeling, load simulation, stress analysis, and crack detection, enhancing beam structure design and reducing cracking risks.

2 The Geometry of Beam and Deck of Bridge

In an ongoing research project, SolidWorks 2021 is employed for finite element analysis to model a simply supported steel beam bridge with eight spans, each 15 m long (total length: 120 m). The design specifications include a 0.4 m flange width, 0.03 m flange thickness, 0.01 m transverse sheet thickness, and 3 m spacing between beams. The bridge deck measures 0.15 m in height, 9.43m in width, and 120 m in length. The bridge weighs 4.6 × 105 kg, has a volume of 4.6 × 102 m3, and a surface area of 4.9 × 103 m2, as shown in Fig. 1. Specialized cutting procedures are developed for bridge deck fabrication to match strut distances and accommodate stringer ends and the HEM profile of braces.

Fig. 1.
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T3D Drawing of Multi-Span Simply Supported Beam Bridges

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3 The Fundamental Principles of SolidWorks Analysis

SolidWorks Analysis, part of Dassault Systems’ software, offers engineers static, dynamic, thermal, and fatigue structural analysis tools. It supports linear and nonlinear analyses under various conditions and provides packages for skill enhancement. The software enables assessments like harmonic analysis, time history analysis, drop testing, and random vibrational analysis, utilizing parameters like eigenvectors and natural frequencies, as shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2.
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Flow Chart of Finite Element Analysis in SolidWorks

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4 Static Computation and Advanced Features of SolidWorks

The finite element method was utilized for static analysis, subjecting the model to loads of 150 KN, 200 KN, and 250 KN, in addition to gravity loading, where gravity's rate was applied based on mass. The mesh was constructed, employing ASTM A36 grade steel for the beam framework and lateral beams. ASTM A36 steel possesses mechanical properties including an elastic modulus of 2e + 11 N/m2, yield strength of 2.5 × 108 N/m2, Poisson's ratio of 0.26, shear modulus of 7.93e + 10 N/m2, and tensile strength of 4 × 108 N/m2, with a mass density of 7850 kg/m3. These properties are crucial in modeling and analyzing structures, particularly multi-span simply supported beam bridges, as shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3.
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Advanced Features of SolidWorks

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5 Results and Discussions

5.1 Static Study of Finite Element Model

Static study assesses structural performance and safety under varying loads. Mises stress and displacement distribution was highest in steel and marginal support areas. Red indicates excessive, while blue shows moderate analysis. The informs load response graphically and statistically, which is crucial for optimizing design and evaluating load capacity.

Discussion of Stress in Bridge

The graph shows stress variations with increasing applied loads, indicating a direct relationship. Specific nodes surpass the material's yield strength, emphasizing the importance of addressing high-stress areas in structural design, as shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4.
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Stress analysis at different loads impacting

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Discussion of Displacement in a Bridge

The graph shows displacement data for nodes under varying loads, revealing a direct link between applied loads and structural deformation. Measuring displacement is vital for assessing load impact on structural integrity and performance, as shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 5.
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Displacement analysis at different loads impacting

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Meshing

This research delves into “SolidWorks” meshing options, including solid, node-based, and curve-based methods, granting precise mesh control. Fine-tuning element size, aspect ratio, and mesh density ensures high-quality meshes, vital for accurately representing structural motion, especially in complex geometries and high-stress zones. The mesh employed in this study consists of 109,632 nodes and 53,303 elements, influenced by factors like geometry complexity and element arrangement.

Fatigue

Our analysis used “SolidWorks” to assess fatigue, determining maximum and minimum damage percentages and total life cycle fatigue for a multi-span simply supported beam bridge. The maximum fatigue value, 9.765e + 02, and minimum, 1.000e + 02 indicate severe fatigue damage, suggesting potential strengthening needs. Estimated maximum and minimum total life cycle fatigue values provide insight into the structure's remaining lifespan, potentially requiring replacement or repairs. “SolidWorks” Simulation included a 1000000-cycle event, calculating alternating stress using von Mises equivalent stress and considering fatigue strength reduction factors, as shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 6.
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Fatigue Analysis of Bridge

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6 Conclusion

This article mainly studies the importance of structural cracks in multi-span simply supported beam bridges using advanced solidworks software and finite element analysis to evaluate the impact of various parameters on the bridge's strength. The paper's theme aligns with the direction of the conference submission. However, several issues need to be addressed.

The investigation revealed the influence of load magnitudes on strain, displacement, and natural frequencies. The presence and locations of cracks significantly influence a system's structural integrity, indicating the primary effect of cracks on the associated parameters.

Besides, the examination of fatigue has provided significant insights into the anticipated lifespan of the bridge, hence influencing decisions about safety protocols and maintenance strategies.

The static analysis capabilities of SolidWorks have shown to be highly beneficial in the simulation of critical processes and the design of bridge structures.

This work underscores the significance of vibration-based damage detection approaches, as demonstrated by the provided methodologies, in ensuring the durability and safety of essential infrastructure. The implementation of specific measures aids in mitigating the probability of structural cracking and improving the efficacy of bridge design.