Design of steel structures by advanced analysis
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Civil & Environmental Engineering
Abstract
The objectives of the project;
1. To develop and explore the method of design by FE analysis for steel structures
2. To assess different types of structures (e.g. tubular trusses) to identify those that benefit to the greatest extent from this new design approach
3. To improve or tailor the input parameters based on new sound data
4. To assess system level reliability
5. To develop case studies and to disseminate the benefits of design by FE analysis to structural engineers
In this project, FE models of structures will be established using the software ABAQUS, in line with the provisions of the upcoming European Standard prEN 1993-1-14 - Design of steel structures by finite element analysis. The models will be validated against existing physical experiments and used to explore the range and types of structures that will benefit to the greatest extent from this new method of design.
The key input parameters will be evaluated, and where necessary, new models will be established, e.g.
a. Material models: Material models for hot-rolled and cold-formed steels have been developed at Imperial and incorporated into the new Eurocode part 1-14, though more advanced material modes tailored for different steel grades and manufacturing methods (e.g. TMCP/QT for high strength steels), and full-range models including the necking range, will be even more advantageous.
b. Residual stresses: a review of existing data and the generation of new data to reflect modern manufacturing methods is needed. An analysis of the both the patterns and statistics of residual stresses in different product forms is needed
c. Geometric imperfections: a review and collection of additional data on geometrical imperfections in steel products to refine the current provisions.
Comparisons will be made between the results of design by FEA and traditional design. Case studies will be prepared to show the advantages of the approach and these will be disseminated among practising structural engineers to maximise the impact of the research.
The key driver for this project is to bring improved structural efficiency and sustainability to steel structures by harnessing a more streamlined, digitally-enabled design approach - design by finite element (FE) analysis. The novelty stems from this approach being a radical departure from the current practice of design structures through hand calculations.
1. To develop and explore the method of design by FE analysis for steel structures
2. To assess different types of structures (e.g. tubular trusses) to identify those that benefit to the greatest extent from this new design approach
3. To improve or tailor the input parameters based on new sound data
4. To assess system level reliability
5. To develop case studies and to disseminate the benefits of design by FE analysis to structural engineers
In this project, FE models of structures will be established using the software ABAQUS, in line with the provisions of the upcoming European Standard prEN 1993-1-14 - Design of steel structures by finite element analysis. The models will be validated against existing physical experiments and used to explore the range and types of structures that will benefit to the greatest extent from this new method of design.
The key input parameters will be evaluated, and where necessary, new models will be established, e.g.
a. Material models: Material models for hot-rolled and cold-formed steels have been developed at Imperial and incorporated into the new Eurocode part 1-14, though more advanced material modes tailored for different steel grades and manufacturing methods (e.g. TMCP/QT for high strength steels), and full-range models including the necking range, will be even more advantageous.
b. Residual stresses: a review of existing data and the generation of new data to reflect modern manufacturing methods is needed. An analysis of the both the patterns and statistics of residual stresses in different product forms is needed
c. Geometric imperfections: a review and collection of additional data on geometrical imperfections in steel products to refine the current provisions.
Comparisons will be made between the results of design by FEA and traditional design. Case studies will be prepared to show the advantages of the approach and these will be disseminated among practising structural engineers to maximise the impact of the research.
The key driver for this project is to bring improved structural efficiency and sustainability to steel structures by harnessing a more streamlined, digitally-enabled design approach - design by finite element (FE) analysis. The novelty stems from this approach being a radical departure from the current practice of design structures through hand calculations.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Leroy Gardner (Primary Supervisor) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/Y528560/1 | 01/10/2023 | 30/09/2028 | |||
| 2879800 | Studentship | EP/Y528560/1 | 30/09/2023 | 30/09/2027 |