Welding simulation 1

[Mohamed Zied]

Hi,

I am modeling an existing built-up steel girder bridge (Shell element). The flanges have different thicknesses. The as-built drawings show that the connection is made by welding which stretches for a variable length (4 to 10 cm).
When modeling, I didn't consider this detail. now, results show a stress concentration in the connection between plates (as shown in the attached picture) which distorts results.
How can I fix this? how can I model welding in this case?

 

[FEA way]

So you just want to include the weld's geometry, not simulate the welding process (which is also possible). Welds are rarely included in analyses (unless their fatigue is considered). There are several approaches to weld modeling and stress evaluation. Check the article "Modeling Welds for Finite Element Analysis (FEA)" on the Apollo Engineering blog for a comprehensive comparison of various approaches.