Numerical simulation and evaluation of the world’s first metal additively manufactured bridge
Author(s)
Kyvelou, Pinelopi
Buchanan, Craig
Gardner, Leroy
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Recent disruptive technological advances, including wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) and the concept of digital twins, have the potential to fundamentally transform the way in which we design, build and manage structures. WAAM is a method of metal 3D printing that is well suited to the price-sensitive construction industry and has been used to manufacture the MX3D bridge – the world’s first metal additively manufactured bridge. The intricate geometry, undulating surface finish and particular material properties rendered the bridge outside the scope of any existing structural design standards; hence, physical testing and advanced numerical modelling were carried out for its safety assessment. The key features of the finite element model of the bridge, and its validation against in-situ structural tests, are described herein. Subsequent numerical studies undertaken to verify the structural performance of the bridge under various loading scenarios are presented, while the basis for the development of the smart digital twin of the bridge is also introduced. The presented research provides insight into the use of advanced computational simulations for the verification and ongoing assessment of structures produced using new methods of manufacture.
Date Issued
2022-08
Date Acceptance
2022-06-05
Citation
Structures, 2022, 42, pp.405-416
ISSN
2352-0124
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Start Page
405
End Page
416
Journal / Book Title
Structures
Volume
42
Copyright Statement
© 2022 Institution of Structural Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Sponsor
Lloyds Register Foundation
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352012422004921
Grant Number
ATIPO000004844 (PO)
Subjects
0905 Civil Engineering
1202 Building
Publication Status
Published online