PSI - Issue 84

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com

ScienceDirect

Procedia Structural Integrity 84 (2026) 983–990

© 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Conference Abstract This work presents a case study demonstrating the application of high-fidelity numerical analysis to the deconstruction planning of the original Champlain Bridge in Montreal, Canada. The numerical method used is the Applied Element Method, AEM, implemented in the software Extreme Loading for Structures, ELS. The deconstruction process introduced load cases that the bridge was not originally designed to withstand, resulting in uncertain structural responses. In fact, the bridge undergoes nonlinear and dynamic behavior due to shifting load paths and changes in boundary conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate these structural responses and identify potential risk scenarios. AEM enabled the accurate reproduction of the span’s geometry, distribution of tendons, and the detailed modeling of constraints such as bearing pads and expansion joints. Sensitivity analyses were carried out considering construction sequences and post-tensioning losses, as well as the installation of external strengthening systems such as steel trusses and fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). Multiple deconstruction alternatives were evaluated to optimize the overall dismantling strategy, aiming to enhance safety, efficiency, and structural stability throughout the removal process. In addition, pre-existing conditions such as cracks and corrosion were introduced in the numerical model based on available inspection data and observed deterioration patterns. These conditions were addressed through a combination of modeling techniques, including time-dependent area reduction, boundary condition updates, and time-based variation of material properties across affected components. The analysis provides critical insights into the safety of removal operations, collapse behavior, and the residual capacity of structural elements. These findings contributed to the safe decommissioning of the bridge and offer valuable guidance for the assessment and retrofitting of similar aging infrastructure. III Fabre Conference: Existing Bridges, Viaducts, and Tunnels: Research, Innovation, and Applications Deconstruction analysis of bridges using the Applied Element Method: A Case Study of the Champlain Bridge A.A. Khalil a , C. Pellecchia b, *, E. De Iuliis b a Applied Science International, 2012 TW Alexander Dr. P.O. Box 13887 Durham, NC 27704 b Applied Science International Europe, 12 Osci Street, 86170 Isernia, Molise, Italy

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +39-328-247-8900. E-mail address: cpellecchia@appliedscienceint.com

2452-3216 © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Conference 10.1016/j.prostr.2026.06.126