2D Analysis of Beam Bridges Using Python

Abstract

This master’s thesis addresses the necessity for an efficient analysis tool to evaluate the structural integrity of bridges subjected to special vehicle transport conditions. Currently, reliance on old software like Koboss poses risks due to its lack of maintenance and susceptibility to errors. To tackle this challenge, a Python-based program has been developed to simplify bridge analyses for special vehicle transport, offering a faster and more accessible alternative while maintaining accuracy. The core of the program is to determine the extreme bending moments and shear forces in all points along a bridge, for a special vehicle transport utført under controlled conditions. The script is validated through comparison of results from both Koboss and Autodesk Robot and shows great compliance and agreement when comparing with special case results. The findings highlight the script’s potential as a valuable tool in bridge engineering analysis. Additionally, a second Python-based script has been developed to automate the optimization of three-span bridges for traditional traffic, yielding optimal span ratios to minimize extreme bending moments and absolute shear forces. Thorough comparisons with Autodesk Robot, in combination with reviewed literature, validate the reliability, and results of the script.