FE analyses and structural optimization on refitted floating container

Abstract

Abstract On the basis of the requirements of river-crossing emergency traffic guarantee, a structural modification was exerted on 40-foot Dry Cargo Container. A structure of refitted floating container was designed, which could be used in the assembly of emergency floating bridge. A finite element method (FEM) theoretical analysis was made on the static strength and stiffness of refitted floating container. Two kinds of load levels were brought in as the typical working conditions. Modelling in the ANSYS circumstance to simulation analysis and accomplishing optimization design based on the results. The results show that the floating bridge system assembled by refitted floating containers can’t support the load under the level of wheel type-20 and crawler type-500 for a stress concentration appears on the contact sites between floating container and main girder. The maximum stress goes beyond the limit of yield strength. An structural optimization was made to eliminate the influence of stress concentration and floating bridge system assembled by refitted floating containers can meet the requirements of load level of wheel type-20 and crawler type-500 after optimization. The refitted floating container can play a role in transporting troops and engineering emergency task crossing the river in a short period of time.