Project Description

FLUID AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF A SIDE ROAD WARNING GATE

CLIENT : Versilis Inc.

INDUSTRY : Transportation

EXPERTISES :

THE PROJECT

Creaform worked with Versilis to perform the structural integrity assessment of the SwiftGateTM road sign as per AASHTO – Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, Sixth Edition (LTS-6). The first step was to determine drag coefficients for different wind direction using CFD, which turned out to be greatly helpful because the generic coefficients pulled from the standards were much too conservative. The aerodynamic loading was then applied on the gate within a finite element model of the entire structure, including the anchoring system, the swivel gate welded support, shaft, bearings and polymer gate. The model enabled Versilis to confidently set the maximum wind velocities that the gate could withstand in both deployed and retracted configurations, in accordance with all the prescribed factors and norms stated by AASHTO LTS-6.
Services provided

  • Preliminary analysis and methodology recommendations;
  • Production of an aerodynamic force calculator integrating the wind velocity and the number of gate sections;
  • Finite element modeling using linear elastic behavior for metallic parts and non-linear elastic behavior for HDPE polymer;
  • Recommendations and production of all methodology and substantiation reports.
  • CFD simulations using hexahedral meshes and local refinement;
  • AASHTO LTS-6 Standard analysis and interpretation for the specific application;
  • Yield and Factor of Safety calculations for all components;

GALLERY

TOOLS AND METHODS USED

Based on the client’s needs, Creaform used the following tools and methods:

  • StarCCM+
  • k-omega SST turbulence
  • Femap
  • Nei Nastran
  • NX
  • AASHTO LTS-6 Standard analysis and interpretation for the specific application;
  • Static and Non-Linear Analysis