Physics engine-driven visualization of deactivated elements and its application in bridge collapse simulation

Element deactivation is one of the most suitable methods in a finite element (FE) analysis of discontinuous features of collapse accidents. However, deactivated elements are typically invisible in the general purpose FE analysis, leading to a very incomplete outcome. To visualize the deactivated ele...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Automation in construction Vol. 35; pp. 471 - 481
Main Authors: Xu, Zhen, Lu, Xinzheng, Guan, Hong, Ren, Aizhu
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 01.11.2013
Elsevier
Subjects:
Accidents
Applied sciences
Bridge collapse
Bridges
Building failures (cracks, physical changes, etc.)
Buildings. Public works
Collapse
Computation methods. Tables. Charts
Computer simulation
Deactivated elements
Deactivation
Durability. Pathology. Repairing. Maintenance
Engines
Exact sciences and technology
Finite element method
Fragment simulation
Fragments
Physics engine
Structural analysis. Stresses
Three dimensional
Visualization
Visualization
Physics engine
Bridge collapse
Deactivated elements
Fragment simulation
Collapse
Deactivation
Fragment
Modeling
Case study
Bridges
Simulation
Physical model
Integrated system
Application
Comparative study
ISSN:0926-5805
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Element deactivation is one of the most suitable methods in a finite element (FE) analysis of discontinuous features of collapse accidents. However, deactivated elements are typically invisible in the general purpose FE analysis, leading to a very incomplete outcome. To visualize the deactivated elements, a 3D simulation method of fragments based on a physics engine is proposed herein. A working system for fragment simulation is designed by integrating a graphics engine, an FE analysis and a physics engine. To reduce the extensive computational workload due to massive fragments, a grid-clustering algorithm for fragment modeling is also proposed. Using the proposed simulation methodology, the collapse processes of two bridges are completely replicated. The results demonstrate a realistic and real-time visual simulation of deactivated elements, which complements the limitations of the general FE analysis results. This study provides an important reference for conducting detailed investigations of bridge collapse accidents. A 3D real-time visualization method of deactivated elements using fragment simulation is proposed to reconstruct a complete process of bridge collapses, which complements the limitations of the general FE analysis results. [Display omitted] •We propose a visualization method of deactivated elements by fragment simulation.•We reconstruct a complete process of bridge collapses in a 3D visual simulation.•Visual simulation of bridge collapse is real-time.•Fragment simulation has proven accurate.•Fragment simulation complements the limitations of the general FE analysis results.
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ISSN:0926-5805
DOI:10.1016/j.autcon.2013.06.006