Efficient multiscale methodology for local stress analysis of metallic railway bridges based on modal superposition principles

• Published in: Engineering failure analysis 2022-08, Vol.138, p.106391, Article 106391
• Main Authors: Horas, Cláudio S., De Jesus, Abílio M.P., Ribeiro, Diogo, Calçada, Rui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Experimental validation; Fatigue; Modal superposition; Railway bridges; Riveted joints; Submodelling relation
• ISSN: 1350-6307; 1873-1961
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2022.106391

•An efficient methodology for local stress analysis is presented.•Combining submodelling techniques with modal superposition principles, the multiscale problem may be efficiently overcome.•The proposed workflow allows the accurate modelling of the structural behaviour at different scales, addressing the real local response of the mechanism of loading transference.•The calculation of local mechanical quantities makes it possible to apply local fatigue methods to multiple geometries, characterised with different materials, overcoming relevant limitations of global S-N approaches.•The suggested multiscale methodology provides tools for disseminating the implementation of local fatigue approaches in current engineering safety checks. This paper presents an advanced submodelling methodology for local stress analysis of complex details of existing metallic railway bridges. The fatigue assessment of connections of large structures based on local methods leads inherently to a multiscale problem that can only be solved by adopting efficient numerical procedures. Aiming to overcome such limitations that influence the analysis process, submodelling techniques and modal superposition principles are combined to fully represent numerically the local geometrical, material and contact properties of the fatigue-critical details. The results of experimental in situ tests are proposed to characterise the numerical models and respective multiscale relation, implementing optimisation and validation procedures. In this work, the suggested efficient multiscale methodology for stress analysis aims to allow the subsequent local fatigue assessment, according to the real mechanism of loading transference, reducing sources of conservatism. All numerical procedures and respective validation thru experimental techniques are illustrated using a real case study.