The Morandi Bridge in Genoa – Analysis with the Applied Element Method

The Morandi Bridge, designed by Prof. R. Morandi, was built in the 1960s. It was one of Italy’s most important bridges with pre-stressed concrete stays. The bridge collapsed on August 14, 2018, causing 43 deaths. The video describes the structural analysis performed with the Applied Element Method, implemented in the software Extreme Loading for Structures®, with the aim to analyze the assumptions behind the collapse of the bridge. A detailed article of the analysis performed can be download here: www.appliedscienceinteurope.com/the-morandi-bridge…

Software Used: Extreme Loading for Structures (www.extremeloading.com/) is an advanced non-linear structural analysis software tool designed specifically for structural engineers. ELS allows structural engineers to study the 3D behavior of structures through both the continuum and discrete stages of loading. This includes static and dynamic loads such as those generated by a blast, seismic events, impact, progressive collapse, and the wind. Unlike many structural analysis software tools which are based on the Finite Element Method (FEM), ELS utilizes a non-linear solver based on the Applied Element Method (AEM). This allows ELS is to automatically analyze structural behavior during elastic and inelastic modes including the automatic yielding of reinforcement, detection, and generation of plastic hinges, buckling & post-buckling, crack propagation, membrane action & P-Delta effect, and separation of elements. The resulting debris and impacts with structural elements are also automatically analyzed and stress redistribution is inherently calculated.

Company: Applied Science International www.appliedscienceint.com/