Application of

to Truss Bridge Using Finite

Element Analysis (FEA)
Prepared by:
Jabay, Benmark D.
Ignacio, Shiloni A.
Barola, Reymund
Fabio, Ailyn

MATH 115 - Numerical Solution to CE Problems

Introduction
• Nowadays the trend is towards new, technology and complex advanced
structures, including the building of bridges as a road to transportations and
other uses for the convenience of people.
• This study will utilize some of the application in Numerical Method to real
life problem in structural design. Specifically, in Truss Bridge structure.
• Some of the Numerical Method that we will use are:
 Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Finite Element Analysis is a numerical method to solve
engineering problems and mathematical physics. One of the
purposes using finite element method is predict the performance
of design, understand the physical behaviors of a modal and
identify the weakness of the design accurately to obtain the safety.
 EXCEL Strategy
-  It features calculation, graphing tools, pivot tables, and
a macro programming language called Visual Basic for
Applications.
Problem and Setting
• Building truss bridge is one of the civil engineering problems
that needs numerical solutions through application of
numerical methods.
• This study will find solution and answers to the following
problems:
General Problems:
1. How to predict the Siargao-Surigao Truss Bridge
performance of design, understand the physical behaviors of
a modal and identify the weakness of the design accurately
to obtain the safety.
2. How to use Finite Element Method on the said
structure/bridge using Excel.
Specific Problem:
Our Siargao-Surigao truss bridge has seven (7) nodes and eleven
(11) members, but in this study we will just going to solve only
the Triangular Truss of the bridge with a vertical load of 3.0 and
horizontal load of 2.0 (both) at node six (6) (and seven (7)).
Calculate or find the deflections and axial force in member 3.
 Numerical Method and Its
Background Theory
• While it is difficult to quote a date of the invention of
the finite element method, the method originated from the
need to solve complex elasticity and
structural analysis problems in civil and aeronautical
engineering. Its development can be traced back to the work
by A. Hrennikoff and R. Courant in the early 1940s.
• Finite Element Analysis is a useful tool widely used by almost
all structural design engineers in the field of civil engineering
for numerically approximating physical structures that are too
complex for regular analytical solutions.
• Finite element analysis applications include: stress analysis,
slope stability analysis, soil structure interactions, and etc.
 Showcase of the Numerical
Analysis
• Finite Element
Summary
As a summary of the result of the numerical analysis using
Excel through FEA application, the truss bridge node has
calculated deflections of 0.003 vertical and 0.002 horizontal.
The maximum member axial force is 3.54 in member 3.
Deflection of a truss is generally based on the amount of
vertical movement from its original position due to the loads
applied to the members. The amount of deflection depends
on the magnitude of the loads applied.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE
NUMERICAL TECHNIQUE
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is an extremely useful tool in the
field of civil engineering for numerically approximating
physical structures that are too complex for regular analytical
solutions. Consider a truss bridge with support at both ends,
facing a concentrated load on its center span. The deflection
at the center span can be determined mathematically in a
relatively simple way, as the initial and boundary conditions
are finite and in control, thus, help to designing part and avoid
failure of any sorts.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
FURTHER STUDIES/
IMPROVEMENT
Should analyze other factors of the bridge such as the beam,
beam on elastic foundation, foundation and etc.
It is much better if the whole bridge or all the nodes and
members will be analyze, in order to know the full capability
of the bridge.
Upon using Excel for FEA analysis, future research must study
deeper about the application of FEA using excel in order to
easily analyze the data.
Future research must use appropriate Numerical Method for
their specific choice of study.
The End! Thank You! 