Validation of Finite Element Updated Models of the Developed Façade Scaffold Anchor

Abstract

The paper focuses on the updating of the finite element models of the newly developed façade scaffold anchor in the light of the experimental results. The experiments (force-displacement curves) have been carried out on the anchor. The façade scaffold anchor overcomes the problems arising in the process of joining them to the façades through the thermal insulation layers. Using the current methods, the wind load cannot be effectively transferred into the façade and scaffolding stability is decreased. Experimental results are presented and the finite element models of the anchor are developed using non-linear beam and solid elements. It has been observed that the predictions of finite element models that is force-displacement curve do not match with the experiment results. Subsequently, the finite element models of the developed anchor have been updated in the light of experimental results by using the parameter-based finite element model updating method. In case of an anchor, modelling of stiffness of the joints and values of the materials are expected to be dominant sources of inaccuracy in the FE model, assuming that the correct geometric parameters are known. After updating joint stiffness of the anchor joints and material properties, the finite element predictions match with experimental results. The outcomes show that there is a good correlation between the updated finite element models and the experimental data. The accuracy of the updated finite element models is demonstrated by overlaying force-displacement curves with the curve from the experiment, it can be concluded that the updated finite element models of the anchor accurately represent reality.