Torsional inertia moment of beam element with complex section analysis based on FEM

Currently, for the analysis of complex bridge based on beam element, the calculation of cross-section torsional inertia moment is still an unresolved technical problem. Most current calculation of section torsional inertia moment is an approximate analytic method for two-dimensional cross-section, which is not fully consistent with the actual situation, and do not consider the effects of diaphragm in bridge. In order to analyze accurately cable-stayed bridge, suspension bridge and other complex bridge structures based on beam element, the calculation method of section torsional inertia moment based on finite element method (FEM) is invented in this paper. Firstly, setting up local cantilever fine model with solid element or shell element and applying torsion on the end of cantilever. Secondly, calculating the torsion angle of cantilever by FEM method and then the torsional moment through equivalent beam method. Finally, the examples of the section torsional moment calculation of concrete model with solid element with diaphragm and steel girder box model with shell element with diaphragm are used to verify the calculation method, which is applied to the suspension bridge design and construction control special software SBNA developed by Research Institute of Highway Ministry of Transport. Taizhou Bridge under construction is one of the examples.