This paper details the novel combination of a population-based swarm intelligence algorithm, structure mechanics, geotechnical variability, and a specific construction staging methodology, to propose an autonomous construction system which can erect a bridge over arbitrary crossing geometry while satisfying project constraints and conventional design code requirements (the Proposal). The fields of metaheuristic applications in structures (MAS), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and additive manufacturing are all independent innovations in the transportation industry. The Proposal brings these fields together, with a vision that independent drone robots with very basic programming could construct a bridge with no user interruption and without performing a conventional structural design. A simulation as proof-of-concept is compared with a modern bridge design; the result is a modest increase in materials with an anticipated dramatic saving in labor. The paper also studies the effects of geotechnical variability for insight into preparation for possible future construction methodologies and algorithms. The Proposal has promise where socio-economic issues may be a factor, such as construction of infrastructure in remote locations or developing nations, and emergency repair or replacement of bridges. With recent U.S. policy supporting a permanent lunar presence and expanding Moon to Mars exploration through the Artemis program, the Proposal may also assist infrastructure development in advance of human missions.
The nonlinear behavior of shallow bridge and building foundations under large-amplitude seismic loading is an important aspect of performance-based earthquake engineering. Soil yielding beneath foundations can be an effective energy dissipation mechanism; however, this yielding may lead to excessive permanent deformations. The research and engineering community has established decades of model testing and analytical modeling to understand foundation nonlinearity and uplift. Physical model testing provides insight into the mechanisms at work in rocking, shallow foundations, while analytical modeling and simulation are validated against these experiment results such that modeling recommendations can be applied in practice. This body of work led to the current design procedures in industry, such that the benefits and consequences of foundations allowed to rock under seismic events can be understood and implemented in practice generally for design of proposed structures, as well as retrofit of existing structures. While there are various established analytical modeling approaches, this paper presents a summary of both the elastic and nonlinear Winkler analytical modeling approaches used to approximate observations from experiment, the status of codified design procedures incorporating rocking, and includes speculation on the future of research and design in this field.
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