Training

Bestech Systems offer the following technical seminars:

Exploring Bridge Analysis Techniques for Better Design Solutions

This technical seminar will benefit any bridge engineer wishing to "keep up" with the latest analytical methods and who hasn't the available time to carry out numerous analytical investigations necessary to make important modelling decisions. I should emphasise that this is not a product specific event, so SAM-LEAP5 will not be actively promoted. Many of the graphics used in the presentation will be produced by SAM-LEAP5 as this is the product used for doing much of the testing.

The seminar examines the basic theory behind most of the popular analytical methods and discusses the benefits of each against various types of structure. This is not a training course on the use of specific computer analysis software.

Various modelling techniques are examined, tested and validated with reference to numerous worked examples, some of which cover:

• Sensitivity testing of skewed/orthogonal/FE/grillages
• Comparison of results from an FE and grillage composite beam/slab
• Examples of the effect of non-rigid supports
• An example of composite moment calculations
• The effect of cracked concrete over the supports of a composite beam
• Calculations of transverse shear flexibility in a cellular deck
• How do grillages perform with in-plane loads?
• Structural behaviour at the joint of a folded plate
• Mesh density convergence test
• Use of compression only elements to model masonry arch behaviour
• A demonstration of the importance of modelling variations in N/A depth

At the end of the seminar, the engineer will be able to apply the techniques covered on a variety of bridge structures, thus enabling safer and more economical bridge designs and assessments to be produced.