Finite Element Analysis of Bridge Structural Systems under IRC Vehicle Loading: A Comprehensive Review

Sourabh Thakur*1, Dr. Rahul Kumar Satbhaiya*2

*¹Research Scholar, Civil Department, Infinity Management & Engineering College, Sagar.

*2 HOD and Guide, Civil Department, Infinity Management & Engineering College, Sagar

ABSTRACT:The accurate assessment of structural condition under IRC specified vehicular loading is required in the bridge infrastructure. The requirement for accurate, affordable FEA methodologies is paramount, given that the National Infrastructure Pipeline has planned investments of 111 lakh crore rupees over the next six years (2025) in India. In response to the IRC Class 70R loading, finite element analysis (FEA) is becoming the dominant computer analysis tool for bridge response. This review collects the FEA studies conducted on deck slab bridges, cable-stayed bridges and cable suspension bridges (span of 200 m) under IRC Class 70R loading and gives a consolidated comparison of the performance of these bridges and also outlines the research gaps in bridge engineering in India. Cable suspension bridge achieves minimum bending moment (204.54 kN-m; -30.7%) and deflection (2.935 mm; -63.1%). The minimum shear is 281.952 kN and minimum Axial force is 4583.729 kN of Deck slab bridge. Cable-stayed bridge is the most economical (12.1% saving in concrete cost, Rs. 4.07 lakh cost reduction). Recent developments include ML-integrated FEA, monitoring using a digital twin, isogeometric analysis (30% comp. saving), and the use of UHPC applications (40% slab thickness reduction). However, some critical gaps include seismic-vehicle coupled loading, dynamic vehicle-bridge interaction, lifecycle cost analysis, nonlinear large-displacement analysis and experimental validation under IRC conditions.

Keywords: inite Element Analysis, IRC:6-2014, Class 70R Loading, Cable-Stayed Bridge, Cable Suspension Bridge, Deck Slab Bridge and STAAD.Pro, Structural Optimisation, Cost Analysis, Bridge Engineering Review.