Dear SolidWorks Simulation Experts,
I am new to SolidWorks Simulation and would appreciate guidance on best practices for modeling a large structural system efficiently using beam elements. I apologize in advance for the length of this post, and thank you for taking the time to read it.
I am analyzing a steel bridge structure in SolidWorks Premium 2023. A full solid-body simulation is computationally heavy due to the large number of bolted joints and contact interfaces, so I am developing an equivalent beam-based global model.
(Please refer to the attached images: “intended model” and “actual section view.”)
Structure Overview
- Four longitudinal steel H-section girders
- Span length: about 15 m
- Girder spacing: 3 m – 2 m – 3 m (total width = 8 m)
- Each girder includes a bolted splice joint
- Vertical stiffeners are welded along the girder webs
- Channel-section cross members are installed every 2 m
The cross members do not carry deck loads.
They function as lateral restraint / anti-overturning members intended to restrict lateral displacement and torsional rotation of the main girders. Temporary decks rest directly on the main girders.
Each cross member is bolted to vertical stiffeners using 3 × HTB M22 bolts at each end, forming connections that are neither perfectly rigid nor pinned (semi-rigid behavior).
Modeling Difficulty
In beam analysis within SolidWorks Simulation 2023, it appears difficult to directly assign joint stiffness or semi-rigid behavior to beam connections or bolt groups. Because of this, I am unsure what modeling approach is typically adopted by experienced users when simplifying such assemblies.
Question
When creating a large beam-element model in SolidWorks Simulation, how do experienced users typically represent semi-rigid bolted lateral bracing connections so that the global structural behavior remains realistic while keeping the model computationally efficient?
My objective is to create a reliable global model suitable for vertical vehicle loads, horizontal loads, and evaluation of girder lateral stability.
Thank you very much for your guidance and suggestions.
Best regards,
Sagar
- Intended model
( Some of cross girders are treated as solid body in this case )
2. Actual section view
