Course Summary

This 3-day course covers linear static analysis, buckling and nonlinear analysis for a variety of bridge types and with particular reference to the requirements for North America. It covers loading to AASHTO codes LFD and LRFD, and rating analysis, before proceeding to more advanced modeling and analysis for bridge applications including staged construction and soil-structure interaction.

The course is for engineers with some or no prior knowledge of LUSAS and for those of you wanting to add to, or complete, your continuing Professional Development Hours. You will be taken through the steps required to perform linear static bridge analysis and then proceed to look at more advanced modeling and analysis techniques for bridge engineering applications. 

Please note that limited places are available and will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis.

Course Details

* Dates revised from previously published to now precede the 2010 Concrete Bridge Conference in Phoenix

Day 1: An Introduction to LUSAS

Incorporating topics to suit delegates on the course

• About LUSAS, finite element analysis, geometry, attributes, the LUSAS treeview, section property calculators, viewing results, documentation, sources of help
• Getting more out of beam models, tapering sections, discrete loads and moving loads, temperature effects, settlement of supports, enveloping and smart combinations, report writer, obtaining natural frequencies
• Flat slabs, construction options/ classification, analysis options, isotropic slabs, plate models, grillage analogy, orthotropic slabs, multicellular slabs, shear key / box beam, 
• Beam and slab construction, construction options/ classification, analysis options, mixing elements, ordinary beams with top slab, box beams with top slab
• 3D modelling, plate girder modelling, CAD import, accuracy of FE analysis, interpolation and mesh refinement, element shapes, mesh patterns, surface and volume meshing, linear buckling analysis, basic checklist
• Bridge loading, principles and use of the vehicle load optimisation facility, wheel loads

• Advanced analysis control
• Understanding nonlinear analysis
• Geometric nonlinear analysis
• Nonlinear materials
• Plate girder buckling

• Staged construction modelling
• Techniques available for complex bridge construction
• Using LUSAS to model soil structure interaction

Costs:

• Course costs are quoted in US Dollars and include full course documentation, lunch and refreshments. Please advise any special dietary requirements when booking.
• Discounts are available for sending more than one delegate from the same organisation. Contact LUSAS for details.

Computer hardware

• Please bring your own laptop. We will provide you with the latest version of LUSAS and a temporary access key to use the software for the duration of the course.

Course location(s)

• Various, to be advised.

Who should attend?

The course is aimed at those who want to get the most out of LUSAS and those who wish to extend and improve their analysis knowledge and capabilities for bridge engineering applications. Those wanting to add to or complete your continuing Professional Development Hours are especially welcome.

• Attend the course and get a time-limited Teaching and Training version of LUSAS.