Finite Element Analysis

Finite element analysis (FEA) is the computational method TRSC uses to model the structural behaviour of complex existing structures, predicting how they respond to loads, how forces flow through them, where stress concentrations occur, and what their ultimate capacity is. For existing structures where standard hand-calculation methods may not capture the actual load path behaviour, FEA provides the analytical precision needed for confident engineering decisions.

TRSC constructs FEA models calibrated to investigation findings. Measured geometry from LiDAR scanning, measured material properties from core testing, and measured reinforcement layout from GPR/Ferroscan scanning are all incorporated into the model. This calibration to measured data is the critical difference between TRSC FEA and generic structural modelling, the model reflects the structure as it actually exists, not as it was designed to exist.

FEA is particularly valuable for existing structures because they rarely conform to the idealised conditions assumed in design. Decades of loading, settlement, modification, and deterioration produce conditions that hand calculations struggle to capture accurately. FEA can model irregular geometry, non-standard load paths, partially deteriorated sections, and the effects of previous modifications, providing a realistic assessment of actual structural performance rather than a theoretical assessment of idealised performance.

TRSC uses both linear and non-linear FEA depending on the assessment objective. Linear analysis is appropriate for serviceability assessment and load path identification. Non-linear analysis is used for ultimate capacity assessment, where the non-linear stress-strain behaviour of concrete and reinforcement affects the load-carrying capacity. The choice of analysis method is matched to the engineering question and the level of accuracy required for the decision being supported.