Course Summary

Introduction Course This 3-day course can cover linear static analysis, buckling and some limited nonlinear analysis for a variety of structure and bridge types and with reference to the country codes and requirements of delegates on the course. It covers loading to various design codes and rating analysis and can, subject to requirements, also include some more advanced modelling and analysis techniques such as staged construction and soil-structure interaction. The course is for engineers with some or no prior knowledge of LUSAS.

Advanced Course This 3-day course covers dynamic and nonlinear analysis applicable to bridge and structural applications and is only available to those previously attending an LUSAS for Structural and Bridge Applications Introduction course, or those with suitable previous experience. 

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

Course Details

Course Type	Dates	Location	Duration	Cost (USD)	Booking
Introduction	11-13 June 2019	National Harbor, MD, USA	3 days	$1750	No more bookings
Introduction	28-30 August 2019	New York, NY, USA	3 days	$1750
Introduction	2-4 September 2019	Boise, ID, USA	3 days	$1750
Introduction	5-7 November 2019	Orlando, FL, USA	3 days	$1750

Introduction Course

Content will be customised to suit delegates on the course and will be selected from the following topics:

• 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

• Nonlinear analysis, advanced analysis control, geometric nonlinear analysis, nonlinear materials, plate girder buckling

• Staged construction modelling and techniques available for complex bridge construction

• Using LUSAS to model soil structure interaction

Advanced Course (when scheduled)

This covers dynamic and nonlinear analysis applicable to bridge and structural applications and is only available to those previously attending a LUSAS for Structural and Bridge Applications Introduction course, or those with suitable previous experience.

Content will be customised to suit delegates enrolled on the course but can incorporate:-

Nonlinear analyses

• Understanding why nonlinear analysis is needed and how to set up the relevant controls.

• Geometrically nonlinear analyses i.e. large displacement problems including buckling and stiffening of long cables.

• Materially nonlinear analyses such as plasticity and hardening in steel, concrete cracking and crushing, and soils (Mohr Coulomb etc)

• Boundary nonlinear analyses i.e. contact problems including lift-off, addressed using joint elements and/or advanced slideline algorithms

• Staged construction - How the birth (activation) and death (deactivation) facility can be used to model construction sequences, in concert with other nonlinear functions

Transient analyses (i.e. dynamics or other analyses involving time)

• Modal dynamics (frequency solutions) including: Identifying resonant frequenciesAssessing peak responses and time-histories using interactive modal dynamic facilities; Knowing when these techniques are valid and when they are not

• Step-by-step dynamic analyses including: Setting up a transient dynamic analysis; Damping coefficients; Use of step-by-step (transient) solutions for other scenario including concrete creep and consolidation in soils.

Examples will be drawn from course material to support delegate specific requirements, as well as allowing time to develop models specific to the delegates desired learning outcomes.

Further details of the course will be developed to address the needs of those enrolled.

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 may be available for sending more than one delegate from the same organisation. Please 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)

• Venue to be advised via joining instructions sent no later than two weeks prior to the running of a course.

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.