Stress Analyses of Old and New Connector:

Improving the Safety of The E levated C auseway System (E LC AS)

Daniel La, Bryant C isneros, Rodrigo GonzalezNavy Mentor: Tanya Bartel

Graduate Student Mentor: Eric Terry

The Problem:Changes in the equipment used to deploy and operate the pier necessitated a new analysis of the system to determine if it is safe to bear the new loads. The original software used to construct the 3D model of the system and analyze the structural integrity of the system has been phased out. Our team’s first goal was to recreate the initial components of the ELC AS -M in current 3D modeling software, to enable the Navy to perform analyses on current and future changes to the pier system. In addition, the increased bearing loads have pushed the lifting lug, a critical component used to lift the main bodies of the ELC AS -M from ship to shore, closer to the edge of its safety limit. Our second goal is to design a new lifting lug capable of safely performing the required engineering lifts.

Design Approach:Drawings from the original blueprints were used to remodeled these components in Solidworks. We then simulated the physical forces on the ELC AS -M and compared our results to the old analyses.

Upper Casting Connector Drawing and 1995 Test

For the lifting lug, we analyzed the original design to determine where the heaviest stresses were concentrated. After finding these weakest points, we found ways to reinforced these areas and then proceeded to determine if a better material could be used.

Recreated Models and Proposed Redesign:Upper Casting Connector Lifting Lug

Stress Analyses of Old and New Connector:

Conclusion:Our SOLIDWOR KS recreation of the ELC AS -M components are functionally accurate to the original design report. The redesign of the lifting lug has a factor of safety of 1.8, compared to the original’s factor of safety of 1.05. We hope that our results will allow the Navy to deploy the ELC AS -M both safely and efficiently.

Acknowledgements:Tanya Bartel and JP Ortuno, along with the rest of the Expeditionary department, who provided valuable insight into our project and mentored us through this internship experienceEric Terry, our graduate student advisor who guided us with countless pieces of advice that polished and refined our projectThe entire CSE P faculty, who enabled us to present our findings and project in a clear and successful way

What is the ELCAS-M?Built in 1995, the Elevated Causeway System Modular, or “ELC AS -M,” is a pier designed to be carried in pieces by ship and deployed worldwide where a pier is needed but does not currently exist. Compared to floating piers, the ELC AS -M has an advantage in its pile-driven foundation that allows it to withstand more difficult sea states and weather conditions. The ELC AS -M allows the Navy to quickly carry out cargo offloading during emergencies or wartime.

Results for Lifting Lug:

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0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

ASD LRFD ASME Trilateral Design Report

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Building Codes

Lifting Lug Comparison

Old Lifting Lug

New Lifting Lug