Master Thesis – Autumn 2022

Evaluation of model uncertainties for a steel-concrete

composite bridge
Background / Motivation to investigate the deviations of the results between the
When back-calculating existing bridges or designing different modelling concepts as well as between individ-
new ones, engineers will use a calculation model to sim- ual realisations.
ulate the behaviour of the real structure. The require-
Learning outcomes / Lernziele
ments for these models depend on the considered level
The student will achieve the following specific
of detail.
knowledge and skills by completing the project:
The complexity of the models ranges from a beam
• Application of modelling concepts used in bridge de-
model over analytical solutions to complex finite element
sign;
models (e.g. shell or volume element models).
• Analyse results with the help of FE-models in differ-
Since certain effects are not considered when working
ent software applications;
with a simple model, the load-carrying behaviour may
not be modelled accurately enough. This can lead to un- • Knowledge about probabilistic concepts;
certainties when investigating the load effects. In the
Prior knowledge / Vorkenntnisse
current semi-probabilistic design model of the Euro-
The contents of the BSc courses “Baustatik I & II” as well
code, these model uncertainties are not considered
as “Stahlbau I & II” are required.
properly. Additionally, literature does not provide a large
database for those uncertainties, if at all. It is required to learn operating different finite element
analysis software during the development of this thesis.
Objectives / Bearbeitungsziele Prior knowledge is useful, however not a requirement.
The goal of this Master thesis is to compare different
concepts of modelling a steel-concrete composite
bridge and to evaluate the load effects. Depending on
the complexity of the model, different software applica-
tions (e.g. SOFiSTiK, Abaqus) will be used. In a next
step, the internal forces due to different load combina-
tions will be evaluated at critical sections in the structure.
Contact and supervision:
These investigations will be extended in a second step
Prof. Dr. Andreas Taras
by performing a parametric study for typical dimensions
Stefan Martinolli
(found in literature or from data bases) of steel-concrete
composite bridges. This parametric study will then help
Chair of Steel and Composite Structures, D-BAUG
E-Mail: taras@ibk.baug.ethz.ch
stefan.martinolli@ibk.baug.ethz.ch