XBUILD: Preprocessor for Finite Element Analysis of Steel Bridge Structures

Abstract

Historically, the lack of interactive preprocessors to describe tedious finite element models has hindered the use of the finite element method for bridge analysis. The work performed in the present study mitigates this problem by providing an interactive graphically based preprocessor for the finite element analysis of highway bridges with high‐speed engineering workstations. The name of the preprocessor is XBUILD. Version 1 of XBUILD is written in the C programming language, uses SunView graphics, and runs on Sun SPARCstations. The preprocessor gives engineers the choice of using both keyboard and mouse styles of interaction to describe and edit bridge geometries, set boundary conditions, define substructure and highway vehicle objects, and place trucks at desired positions on the bridge. The capabilities of XBUILD version 1 are demonstrated by working through the step‐by‐step details of creating a finite element model for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)‐American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) test bridge.