EXPERT ASSESSMENTS
Main information
Included in the scope of our company’s services is performing expert assessments. We look into each case individually and comprehensively. The focus of our analysis is assessment of the technical condition of existing objects as well as defining the reasons for construction damage and creating potential repair projects. In our expert assessments we carry out detailed surveys and prepare photographic documentation. Then, we define the reasons for construction damage using our knowledge and experience as well as creating appropriate calculation models.
Survey and analysis
For each examined construction project we perform a detailed survey and prepare photographic documentation. On the basis of visual analysis, we find the reasons for faults in construction. Then, we create detailed FEM models in a SOFiSTiK environment.
Analysis of shroud’s anchorage
In the scope of our analysis, we create complicated calculation models reflecting the most sensitive places of construction which are vulnerable to damage. An example is a shroud’s anchorage in the pylons of a cable-stayed bridge. We created a detailed model in a SOFiSTiK environment. A pylon was made by BRICK elements to reflect boundary conditions imitating immersion of steel in concrete. Steel plate was created using QUAD elements and connected with the pylon by proper interface. The analysis allowed us to check the strength of the steel anchorage.
Analysis of connection with temporary support
Another example was the detail of the connection of a column with a temporary truss support. We made a model reflecting eccentric work of connection under the operating load. The column and steel plates were made by QUAD elements, whereas the truss was created using BEAM elements. Nonlinear material analysis allowed us to check tension of the steel in the connection.
Analysis of buckled steel girder web
Due to SOFiSTiK software, we are able to imitate every construction state. Checking the capacity of a damaged steel object is an example. The web of a steel girder buckled up and we had to check the capacity of the object and design stiffening ribs. Deformation of the web was implemented in SOFiSTiK. As a result of nonlinear analysis (material nonlinearity), we defined the manner and the scope of reinforcement.
Analysis of cooperation of soil with construction
Our task was to define technical condition and causes of geometrical deformations of a retaining wall. As a part of our expert assessments, we created a shell model in plane state of deformation. Calculations were made in two-dimensional surface. The soil was imitated by QUAD elements, the same as the structure. At the interface between the soil and construction, element reflecting cooperation was added.
Analysis of bearing capacity
The primary issue of expert assessments is checking the bearing capacity of a bridge for carrying non-normative vehicles. Therefore, a calculation model is created. In the multi-girder bridges, the main girders and cross beams are made by BEAM elements, whereas a reinforced concrete slab is created using QUAD elements. The main girders are connected with the slab using constraints in order to reflect cooperation of elements and compatibility of displacements.
Analysis of torsion of support
For the bridge in Barczewo, we made a detailed structural and strength analysis of intermediate support. The torsion of the upper parts of the columns was caused by mechanical damage. In the SOFiSTiK software a calculation model was created by BEAM and TRUSS elements. In order to reflect the existing state of support, preliminary deformation was made: rotation of the column and bidirectional displacement.