Dynamic Analysis of Transversal Response Due to Moving Mass in a Simply Supported Beam

This study presents a computational analysis of the dynamic behavior of a simply supported beam subjected to a moving mass and corresponding load that travels along its entire length. It aims to understand the behavior of the structure and to determine transversal response of the structure. Consideration of the dynamic behavior of a structure allows to evaluate the results with greater reliability, since it brings the model closer to reality, as the actual masses and corresponding loads vary with time and, therefore, produce dynamic effects. Here, a discretized simply supported beam model was developed, based on the Finite Element Method, using numerical integration by Newmark’s Method for the solution of ordinary differential equations and obtaining the deflections of the structure in the time domain, to evaluate its behavior due to moving masses and loads. The analysis is made in different velocities, applying optimization technique to obtain the maximum transversal deflections of the structure. The main objective is to apply the results obtained with the method to obtain deflections due to moving loads in structures such as bridges and viaducts, among other applications, and to obtain the critical velocities, where the greatest deflections of the structure are promoted.