Combined Loading in a Signpost

Signposts on highways are generally supported by a single column structure. Depending on the size of the signpost, the load experienced by the signpost can be significant. A signpost is an example of a combined loaded structure, a structure which experiences both axial and bending loads. The weight of the signboard acting through its center of gravity (CG) creates a bending moment that results in bending stresses. The weight of the signpost acting along the axis of the column structure creates additional compressive stresses in the column. Finally, we also must consider environmental factors such as the pressure loading due to the blowing wind.

This SimCafe Structural Course was developed by Dr. Rajesh Bhaskaran, Swanson Director of Engineering Simulation at Cornell University, and Robert Stewart McBride, in partnership with Ansys. It was last modified by Sebastien Lachance-Barrett. It serves as an e-learning resource to integrate industry-standard simulation tools into courses and provides a resource for supplementary learning outside the classroom. This course demonstrates the structural analysis of a 3D Signpost structure using step-by-step instructions in Ansys Mechanical.

For more ways to learn, check out the Cornell edX course, A Hands-on Introduction to Engineering Simulations at ansys.com/cornell.

Cornell University also offers a Fluid Dynamics Simulations Using Ansys online certificate authored by Dr. Rajesh Bhaskaran. Learn more here: https://ecornell.cornell.edu/fluiddynamics

A course completion badge allows you to showcase your success. We partner with Credly’s Acclaim platform, and digital badges can be used in email signatures, digital resumes and social media sites. The digital image contains verified metadata that describes your participation in our course and the topics and skills that were covered. This badge is for successfully completing the Combined Loading in a Signpost course.