StruSoft Bridge training

Why are we hosting bridge training events?

The challenge for pedestrian bridges is being structurally sound, even though they are slender due to the aesthetic requirements of the owner. Therefore, a modern tool such as FEM-Design is invaluable to ensure accurate calculations and good collaboration between the engineer, architect, and owner.

FEM-Design users have been eager to exploit the opportunities to apply the software for bridges- and civil structures. Because of this, we have been offering training sessions this spring on modelling and analysis of pedestrian bridges with FEM-Design. The participants have had different experiences in their profession and managed to acquire new knowledge to be implemented in their daily work.

Lightweight structures have particular issues regarding the dynamic effects due to the eigenfrequencies regarding human-induced vibrations. This issue occurs when the structural frequency coincides with the crowd’s frequency. The developers of FEM-Design have developed features concerning dynamic loadings, such as footfall analysis, and periodic- and arbitrary excitation. These tools are helpful aids for the user and are being exploited during the training sessions.

Shaho Ruhani is hosting the training sessions and has been enjoying the events, both online and physical.

The objective of the training session is to enhance the quality of the models in FEM-Design and improve the decision-making process for the user. Modelling errors for complex structures are usually present but can be identified and corrected by an experienced user.

Eni Lecini was one of the participants of the training as is currently working at Sweco in Sweden as a Bridge Engineer. He has answered a few questions regarding the training that gave us some insight for future events.

My name is Eni Lecini, 34 years old, M.Sc. Civil Engineer. I graduated in Civil Engineering at Politecnico di Milano and got a master’s degree in Structural Engineering.

I have been working as a Bridge Engineer for 5 years in Sweden, after 2 years of experience with Civil Buildings in Italy. I have been using FEM-Design from the beginning of my career in Sweden.

I attended the training because I think that FEM-Design is a good program for the design of pedestrian bridges, and I was also interested in dynamic analysis.

The agenda was very good as it focused on the most important steps of the structural analysis and design of pedestrian bridges. I also had a very good experience of the fact that the course was held online, I think that all worked well!

New knowledge that I acquired during the training was how to handle the load combinations efficiently. Also, the dynamic analysis was insightful, and of course, I learned some new quick commands.

I am more confident in using FEM-Design for the design of pedestrian bridges, and I will also use this new knowledge with other types of structures.

Jonatan Ledin participated in one of the live events in May. He is currently working as a Structural Engineer at Statik & Form in Stockholm, a newly started firm where he is one of the owners. Previously he has been working at Tyréns and WSP in Sweden. Jonatan has given us some further insight about his experience during the training.

My name is Jonatan Ledin and I’m 35 years old. I’ve got a master’s degree in civil and architectural engineering. Since graduation, I’ve been working as Structural Engineer with house-, bridge-, and civil structures. I started my own business in May 2022.

The first time I ever tried FEM-Design was in 2011 when I used it to design concrete slabs in semi-prefabricated residential structures. Since then, FEM-Design has been my best friend in the FE universe. Mainly due to its user-friendly interface, ease of modelling complicated geometries, and awesome capabilities in presenting analysis results. Furthermore, I find the StruSoft customer support friendly, personal, and effective. The software has developed significantly since I started using it.

I’ve been using it from the micro-scale level, designing steel joints and welds e.g., steel structures up to global level stabilizing analyzes of large houses and civil structures. It does a good job at all levels.

I wanted to attend the training mainly to get better acquainted with the dynamic analysis tools. To keep up with the development of the industry, I feel the need to add more knowledge to increase my capability as a structural engineer. I want to know FEM-Design to the best of my ability since I’m a frequent user. My philosophy is that the more I learn, the more business opportunities and markets I will be exposed to. It’s always great to meet other engineers and share knowledge and experiences too!

The day was well structured and as the group at this specific event was relatively small, we got great opportunities to dive deeper into specific aspects of the analysis work.

I learned how to use the footfall analysis and excitation force tools, the theory behind crowd loads, and smarter/more effective ways of extracting and visualizing results from the analysis.

The footfall/excitation analysis tools are not only applicable for pedestrian bridge structures. I can see myself using it in the design of other types of structures subjected to other types of dynamic loads.

It has been fantastic to meet our users and discuss hands-on topics concerning real-life engineering challenges. We very much look forward to hosting new events!

For more information about our training program click the button below

Shaho Ruhani

SHAHO RUHANI

I am working with market development and as a technical specialist in bridge applications for FEM-Design. I have 3+ years of experience in the bridge- and civil engineering industry as a consultant. I am specialized in troubleshooting within finite element analysis and providing coaching to professional bridge engineers through webinars, coaching, and technical courses. Naturally, my curiosity benefits my clients by providing innovative ideas and adding new perspectives to understanding the solutions.

Market Development & Technical Specialist

Phone: +46 70 03 85 104

Email: shaho.ruhani@strusoft.com