Professional Documents
Culture Documents
RM Bridge V8i
August 2012
RM Bridge
Modeler User Guide
This document is an integral part of the program package RM Bridge. Duplication and
dissemination is only allowed with explicit permission of Bentley Systems,
Incorporated.
2012, Bentley Systems, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.
Bentley Systems
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RM Bridge
Contents
Contents
1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.4.1
1.4.2
1.4.3
1.4.4
1.4.5
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.7.1
2.7.2
2.8
2.9
2.10
3.2
3.3
3D Points........................................................................................................ 3-2
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Contents
4.2
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
Layers............................................................................................................. 5-6
5.6
5.7
5.7.1
5.7.2
5.7.3
5.8
5.8.1
5.8.2
5.9
II
5.9.1
5.9.2
5.10
5.11
6.2
6.3
7.2
7.2.1
7.2.2
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Contents
7.3
III
7.3.1
7.3.2
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
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Modeler User Guide
General Information
1-1
General Information
1.1 Introduction
Every structural analysis is based on mathematical models. The quality of the answers
gained from such models depends strongly on the quality of the approximations and
generalizations that underlie each particular model.
Such approximations are necessary to describe geometric properties and the resistance
behavior of structures among others.
The Modeler of RmBridge (formerly geometric preprocessor GP) was invented in order
to achieve high accuracy in describing the geometry of bridges.
The RmBridge Modeler is a geometric pre-processor for the definition of structural
bridge systems. It supports the construction of road axes in both plan view and elevation
and generates structural information for bridges along such road axes. Powerful
interactive tools allow the definition of cross-sections for these bridges. The Modeler
transforms the individual axes together with the associated cross-sections into a
structural database and makes this information available for analysis in RmBridge.
Describing general concepts and the basic program functions is the aim of this Modeler
User Guide. Detailed input descriptions are given through online help texts by pressing
the <F1> -button. They are not repeated in this book.
The input follows some basic rules, which comply with most Windows applications.
The database of the Modeler is part of the RmBridge database. However, it consists of
files (gpdata*.gp9) which are separate from the actual analysis database (db-*.rm9) of
RmBridge. The Modeler database is stored in the RmBridge project directory in parallel
tot he analysis database. The file management is either done by respective functions in
the Modeler or by Windows applications such as the Windows Explorer.
General bridge modeling concepts are discussed in the RmBridge Analysis User
Guide.
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Modeler User Guide
General Information
1-2
and shows the current calculation model. The navigation window remains unchanged,
only the sub-functions of the Modeler are presented in addition to the RmBridge
analysis functions.
Any already defined axes are directly presented in the graphics window when the
Modeler is started. An empty window appears if no axes have yet been defined. The
respective icons for defining or modifying axes are arranged at the left edge of the
graphics window. The user can switch to the other functions of the Modeler, e.g. crosssection definition or segment definition, by selecting the respective function in the
navigation tree.
On selecting the exit button (
-Icon) or any other RmBridge function outside the
modeler, the program leaves the Modeler level and returns to the RmBridge analysis
level (without automatic update of the RmBridge analysis model). The analysis model
update is performed by pressing the Remodel button replacing in the Modeler the
RmBridge Recalc button (see section 2.1 and chapter 8).
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General Information
1-3
Arrow
Check box
Radio button
Input field
Button
Selective
list
Icon or Button
1.4 Definitions
1.4.1 Bridge Axes
In many instances the precise geometry of a bridge must be derived from a known road
or railway axis. The RmBridge Modeler provides all the necessary functions to enter
such axes and to use them as a basis for all ensuing modeling operations. The distance
measured along an axis is called station. An axis in plan view is defined by straight
lines and arcs which can be connected by spiral-shaped curves called spirals. In
elevation, an axis is given by a series of straight lines, arcs and parabolas. The
combination of the information from the two views defines the three-dimensional
position of the axis.
1.4.2 Segments
Segments identify components of a bridge and group logical units together within a
bridge (e.g. bridge girders, piers, cross beams). Segments are partitioned by segmentpoints. Segments are either related to an axis (master segments) or depend on the
geometry and position of specified segment-points in other segments (slave segments)
(Figure 2).
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General Information
1-4
Supports
Pylon
Bridge
Cross
beams
Main
girders
Piers
Axis
Structural
points
Slave
reference
line
Axis
Slave
origin
Reference
line for pier
Segments are connected at segment-points. The slave origin specifies the position of
the reference line for the slave segment. The connection point(s) specify the position of
the physical connection between segments. These connections in the structural model
are usually made with eccentric spring elements with a physical length of zero. Each
segment-point becomes a node in RmBridge and structural elements are generated
between each two neighboring nodes within a segment for the analysis in RmBridge.
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General Information
1-5
Segment point
(master)
Segment points
Eccentric
connections
Slave origin
Spring
elements
Connection
points
Segment point
slave
Slave reference line
1.4.3 Cross-Sections
Cross-sections of segments are modeled with cross-section elements (Figure 4). These
three and four-sided elements are used in RmBridge to compute all relevant crosssection properties.
Certain reference points within the cross-section such as reinforcement-points, stress
check points, connection points, temperature points or geometry points can be identified
during the cross-section input sequence in the Modeler.
Segment points
1
2 2
22
22
2
1 1 1
1
1
Part
numbers
1 1 1
1
1
1 11 1
1.4.4 Parts
Cross-sections can be split into parts. Each part consists of a number of cross-section
elements or, alternatively, a number of other parts (Figure 4, Figure 5). These parts can
be referenced to create a multiple series of structural elements within a single segment.
Parts can also be used to define composite action within a beam, consisting of two to
eight parts (Figure 6).
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General Information
1-6
Segment points
= Nodes
Composite section
(cross-section C=A+ B)
Only flange
(cross-section B)
Only web
(cross-section A)
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General Information
1-7
Modeler:
1 series of segment points
1 part
RmBridge:
1 series of structural nodes
1 series of structural elements
Modeler:
1 series of segment points
3 parts (A, B, C=A+B)
RmBridge:
1 series of structural nodes
3 series of structural elements
B
C=A+B
(composite)
A
Modeler:
1 series of segment points
2 parts (A, B)
RmBridge:
2 series of structural nodes
2 series of structural elements
Modeler:
1 series of segment points
12 parts (A-K)
RmBridge:
4 series of structural nodes
12 series of structural elements
C=A+B
F=D+E
I=G+H
L=J+K
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1.4.5 Variables
Certain geometric parameters may vary along an axis according to simple mathematical
rules (e.g. variations in cross-sections (Figure 7), distance of lanes from the main axis).
These rules, or functions, can be entered and referenced in the relevant input sequences.
t=f(station)
H=f(station)
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2-1
Menu bar
Navigation
tree window
Main toolbar
Main 3D-View
3D-view toolbar
Detailed
3D-View
3D-view orientation
Status-bar
Figure 8 - Main input window
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2-2
......... <explorer>
......... <error>
......... <calculator>
......... <Crt>
......... <RM-setup>
......... <print>
......... <help>
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2-3
......... <manuals>
......... <Tdf>
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2-4
Open list of axes: Opens a list of the existing axes, which may be added, modified, or
deleted (see chapter 3 and 4).
Open list of cross-sections: Opens a list of existing cross-sections, which may be
added, modified, deleted, imported, or exported (see chapter 5). Global mesh
refinement can be selected here to refine all elements of one cross-section. The edges
of the elements are divided by the number of the input value. I.e. if you input 3 for a
quadrangle you get 9 elements.
Open list of segments: Opens a list of the existing segments, which may be added,
modified, or deleted (see chapter 7).
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Modeler User Guide
2.7.1 Icons
Full view: Fit the entire project to the screen.
Enlarge, Smaller: Zoom into / out of the current plot.
Shift left, Shift right: Move the current plot left / right.
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2-6
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2-7
Open 3D-view: Opens the window for a three-dimensional view of the defined
structure.
Show ground plan: Pops up the plan view window. (see chapter 3, Plan View
Geometry).
Show elevation window: Opens the input window for the definition of the axis in
vertical view (see chapter 4, Vertical View Geometry).
Show cross-section window: Opens the input window for the definition of crosssections (see chapter 5, Cross-Section Definition).
Open segment points of current segment: Opens the input window for section points
(see chapter 7, Segment Definition).
Opens list of formulas and tables: Opens the input window for arithmetic formulas
and tables (see chapter 6, Formulas).
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Modeler User Guide
3.1 Introduction
First the axis has to be created in the axis list (see chapter 2.5).
Show ground plan: The geometry of an axis is defined by a series of axis elements.
In plan view these axis elements are straight lines, spiral curves, arcs, and cubic curves.
Spirals connect axis elements with different curvatures. The shape of the spiral is
defined by input parameters. An axis must be activated (see 2.5) before any axis
elements can be entered. Axis elements can be defined via input windows accessed
through the Toolbar for horizontal axis definition (Figure 8). Axis elements are
always added at the end of the existing sequence. As soon as an axis element is fully
defined it is also plotted on the graphic screen. Once entered, the geometric properties
of axis elements can only be modified in the axis list, which can be reached by the
toggle button (Switch to list view). However, individual elements can be deleted
sequentially starting from the end of the sequence using the delete last axis elementicon and new elements may be defined. This is done by choosing the icon Delete last
axis element (see chapter 3.2).
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Modeler User Guide
Append cubic curve to axis: A cubic element is connected to the previous axis
element. The input can be done either by radius with start and end radius or curvature
with start and end curvature. The curve continues tangentially to the endpoint of the
last axis element.
Delete last axis element: The undo icon deletes the last axis element in the active axis
after this action is confirmed one more time. This action can be repeated to delete
further axis segments.
3.3 3D Points
In addition to the axis definition the Modeler allows for defining and managing arbitrary
points in space. These points are named objects with the coordinates in space as
properties. They can be used in various situations as reference objects (e.g. as start point
of Segments).
The 3D point management also offers interfaces to other programs with a point database
(e.g. road planning software or geodesy programs). They allow taking over points from
point lists of other programs or storing such point lists for being used in other programs.
Note that the sequence of the coordinate values is X, Z, Y in the RmBridge coordinate
system, corresponding to the common sequence in geodesy applications, where X and Y
are the coordinate in ground plan and Z indicates the altitude.
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4-1
4.1 Introduction
First the axis has to be created in the axis list (see chapter 2.5).
Show elevation window: The axis elements to describe the geometry of an axis in
elevated view available in the Modeler are straight lines, arcs and parabolas. These axis
elements can be entered in two ways: sequentially, or as a tangent polygon to be
rounded with parabolas in a further step. Horizontal co-ordinates and distances in these
input procedures are always measured along the axis (station). The station range of the
axis definition in elevated view may differ from that in plan view. A mouse-click on
the corresponding icon in the Modeling functions toolbar (see chapter 2.8, Modeling
Functions and Figure 8) activates the input window for the axis in elevation as shown
in Figure 9.
Please note that an axis must be activated in the Axis management window and that
every axis must be defined in all three dimensions, i.e. in plan and elevated view.
Name of the active axis
Close window
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Modeler User Guide
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Cross-Section Definition
5-1
Cross-Section Definition
5.1 Introduction
The geometry of cross-sections is defined by connecting intersection points of
construction lines (CL). Construction lines are entered using the tools in the CL-toolbar
at the top left hand side of the Cross-section input window (Figure 12). Each
construction line (CL) is constructed in relation to at least one other construction line or
to one of the two default construction lines CL1 and CL2, the two axes of the crosssection. The intersection point of CL1 and CL2 marks the point where the axis
intersects the cross-section plane.
Each cross-section is partitioned into cross-section elements. A cross-section element is
a two-dimensional three or four-sided area enclosed by parts of CL's. All relevant crosssectional properties are computed from this cross-section element mesh, the direction of
input has no influence on the result. Adjacent cross-section elements must share corner
nodes to ensure correct connectivity in the cross-section element mesh (Figure 10), even
across part boundaries.
The sides of the cross-section elements must not intersect.
2
wrong
correct
2
Cross-section elements with different properties can be grouped into cross-section parts.
Figure 12 shows the connection between CLs, cross-section elements and parts.
Certain reference points within the cross-section such as reinforcement-points, stress
check points, connection points, temperature points or geometry points can be
identified. These points may consist of single points or be integrated in polygons.
A solid graphic cursor signifies that an input function is active. Use the <Escape> button to terminate an input sequence and to switch the cursor back to a dashed line
type. Please note that a cross-section must be activated in the Cross-section
management window. The logic connection between cross-section geometry and
segment-points is made at a later point (chapter 7, Segment Definition).
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Cross-Section Definition
5-2
CL2
CL1
Construction
lines
Cross-section
elements
Parts
The icons at the top left of the cross-section window are pop out icons, which can be
accessed by hitting the right mouse button and choose from the list (Figure 12).
There are several possibilities of automatic element mesh refinement:
Global mesh refinement: All elements are subdivided automatically (see chapter 2.5).
Local mesh refinement: Elements containing a reference point are refined (see
chapter 5.9).
Individual mesh refinement: An individual refinement of any element can be defined
(see chapter 5.7).
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Cross-Section Definition
5-3
Delete
Create element
construction
lines
Stiffeners
Reference points
Create link
Dimension line
CL-toolbar
Cross-section
lock
Elongation or shortening
of construction lines
Zoom functions
Status and prompt line
Layers
Reference
sets list
Part list
Variable list
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Cross-Section Definition
5-4
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Cross-Section Definition
5-5
(a)
(b)
New CL
New CL
Distance
(variable field)
Distance
parallel to axis
(variable field)
Reference CL
Reference CL
Distance
(variable field)
New CL
(c)
Reference point
(intersection point
of two CLs)
(d)
New CL
Reference CL
(e)
New CL
Relative angle
(variable field)
Absolute angle
(variable field)
Reference CL
Reference point
(intersection point
of two CLs)
Reference point
(intersection point
of two CLs)
Figure 13 - CL definition
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Cross-Section Definition
5-6
5.5 Layers
All the different drawing elements can be defined on different layers to obtain clearly
arranged cross-sections. Up to ten layers are possible.
The layers window can be opened by clicking on the arrow beside Layers at the
bottom left of the window. The active layer may be chosen (only one at a time
possible). An unlimited amount of visible ones can be displayed at once.
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Cross-Section Definition
5-7
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Cross-Section Definition
5-8
Assign shear factors: Shear factors for Qy, Qz, and Mx may be entered.
Create stiffener at element edge: This function allows creating bracings at existing
cross-section elements easily. Follow the prompts and modify the dimensions of the
bracing in the opened input window New element Stiffener (Figure 15). Note: It is
not yet possible to combine stiffener with local or individual mesh refinement.
+R
(a)
(e)
(c)
curved parabolic
linear
(d)
-R
(b)
(f)
Thickness 2
Thickness 1
Thickness 3
Depth
Angle 1
Angle 2
Width
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Cross-Section Definition
5-9
If other border elements exist where edges are parted, the neighboring elements are also
refined automatically, corresponding to the prior refined element (see chapter 5.9.2,
Local Mesh Refinement).
5.7.3 Copying Elements
There are four different possibilities to copy elements within a cross-section. The copied
elements depend geometrically on their source elements. If the geometry of the source
element is changed, the geometry of the dependent elements changes as well.
Construction lines and reference points are not copied.
Copy elements to active part: With this function one or more elements of a part can be
copied to an active part. The current part (to which the new element should be copied to) has
to be activated in the input field for parts. The position of the copied element relative to its
active part position is the same as the relative position of the source element to its part
position. Elements get copied to the active part by clicking the source elements. Follow the
prompts in the command line.
Part position 1
1
1
1
Source element
Part position 2
Copied element
2
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Cross-Section Definition
5-10
Copy elements by mirroring: With this function one or more elements can be mirrored
relative to a specified axis. The mirror axis is a chosen construction line.
Source element 1
1
Source element 2
Mirror axis
Copied element 1
Copied element 2
Note that after copying, rotating and mirroring elements, the position of the axis
(intersection point of construction line 1 and 2) has the desired position in your defined
overall cross-section.
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Cross-Section Definition
5-11
Copy elements by rotation: With this function elements may be copied and rotated about a
defined angle (). This angle has to be input in the Variable field as constant or as variable.
Choose the centre-point (intersection point at two construction lines). By clicking on a source
element it will be copied and rotated about the specified angle. This procedure may be repeated
infinitely.
Copied element
1
1
1
Source element
Copy elements by translation: With this function elements can copied and moved along a
chosen base line. The required distance in the base line direction has to be input in the
Variable field. This can be a constant or a variable, which has been defined before.
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Cross-Section Definition
5-12
It is necessary to define at least two cross-sections: one for the geometrical definition of
the cross-section of e.g. truss girders, and the second to define the cross-section of the
link segment beam. It is possible to define different cross-sections at begin and end of
every Link segment.
The cross-sections of the link segments are easily defined as any other girder.
5.8.2 Link Segment Cross-Section
To define the location of the link segments in 3D space you have got to define nodes.
The first two dimensions are added in the cross-section window. This is done by adding
parts. Open the parts window by clicking on the arrow beside Part: at the bottom of
the cross-section window. Then hit the insert icon. Select Cable or Node,
depending on what you want to create. For truss girders you have to choose Node. If
you choose Cable the link segments that you create is only able to support tensions.
After that you have got to define which nodes the link segments are connecting.
Create link: This is done by choosing this icon at the top of the cross-section screen.
After clicking on two nodes, an input window pops up (You can also double-click on
the same node for link segments along the axis!).
Here you have to input
a name (which you need later in the segment list),
2D location between the created nodes (Parts-you have to take care of the order of
your input),
the position of the beams of the link segments (You can change the starting and
ending location by clicking on the button <Change> - the position of the link
segments and the position of the beams can be different!),
and the segment point steps (you can imagine it as the third dimension).
For every location in space you have to create an own link segment.
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Cross-Section Definition
5-13
Note: The position of the link segment can be different to the position of the
beam itself.
Further definition for link segments see chapter 7.8, Link Segment.
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Cross-Section Definition
5-14
this point is situated is automatically refined. The refinement depends on where the
stress check point is located in the element see Figure 21.
If the point is in the centre (point 1) the element is refined like the left element in
Figure 21.
If the point is near to the edge in the centre (point 2) the element is parted like in the
centre.
If it is near to a corner (point 3) the refined mesh looks like in the picture on the
right.
1
2
1
3
2
If other border elements exist where edges are parted, the neighbouring elements are
refined automatically, corresponding to the prior refined element. In Figure 21 these are
the points 2 and 3. The refinement looks as in the Figure 22.
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Cross-Section Definition
5-15
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Cross-Section Definition
5-16
Groups of
different crosssection types
Cross-sections
in the selected
group
Pre-view of a
selected crosssection
Applys the
selected crosssection
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Cross-Section Definition
5-17
Groups of
different cross
section types
Edit functions
(Insert/modify/
Delete)
Pre-view of a
selected cross
section
ASCII-Import-button
resp. Export-button
Cross sections
in the selected
group
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Cross-Section Definition
5-18
Export cross-section to catalogue: This function offers the possibility to insert a user
defined cross-section from the Modeler to the cross-section catalogue. This application
is offered in the cross-section input window (Figure 26). A cross-section, to be added
to the catalogue, can be assigned either to an existing group or to a new one. In the
input field description cross-section specific details can be input. With <Apply> the
cross-section is added to the selected group. In the window at the top right the pre-view
of the selected cross-section is shown (Figure 26).
Import cross-section from AutoCAD file: DXF/DWG formats can be imported to a
defined insertion position to the RmBridge Modeler.
Different
groups of
existing crosssection types
View of the
created crosssection
Shows the
existing crosssections of the
selected group
Description of
the created
cross-section
Applys a new
cross section
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Formulas
6-1
Formulas
6.1 Introduction
Certain geometric parameters may vary along an axis in accordance with certain
(mathematical) rules (e.g. variations in the flange depth, distance between two main
girders). These rules, or functions, must be taken into account at three different stages
during the input in the Modeler (Figure 27). Firstly, the variable parts of a cross-section
must be identified as such (see chapter 5.3, Variables and Cross-Section Input).
Secondly, the actual rules must be entered. This is the purpose of the functions
explained in this chapter. And thirdly, the cross-section parameter must be related to
the appropriate mathematical expression, so that the exact position of the variable parts
can be computed as functions of the station along a segment.
constant
fh(s)
fh(s)
constant
s=a
s=b
Stations s
constant
fh(s=a)
constant
fh(s=b)
constant
Figure 27 - Variable flange depth
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Formulas
dirac()
6-2
diract()
eps
eps1 eps2
(a)
(b)
0
b
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Formulas
6-3
(a)
(b)
constant
a
(c)
parabolic 0
linear
(d)
parabolic 1
(e)
parabolic 2
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Formulas
6-4
Mathematical
expressions and
table lists
Point edit
functions
Table
display
Table
values
Table Load/Save
functions
The Edit functions described in chapter 2.6 (icons at the left side of the window) serve
as tools to work on the Mathematical expressions and tables list. The Point edit
functions provide access to the Table points of the active table. An active table can
be displayed on a separate graphic window by clicking on the <i> button (Figure 30).
With the tools at the bottom of the window, one or several tables may be saved or
existing tables can be loaded. So, modifying and editing tables is easily done in the text
editor.
The actual or all defined tables can be saved to a simple ASCII format by clicking the
button <Save> respectively <Save all tables> . The ASCII files can be edited,
modified and extended. <Load> reads the changed file and updates the listing. Different
input types can be selected. <Load all tables> loads all saved tables and overwrites
the existing ones. This is a very powerful and easy to handle input facility for tables.
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Segment Definition
7-1
Segment Definition
7.1 Introduction
Segment information is built from data generated by the functions described in
previous chapters. The geometry of segments in longitudinal direction depends on the
reference line (or axis for master segments) and in orthogonal directions on the shape
of the cross-section. All geometry definitions may be given in terms of formulas.
Segment points govern the degree of structural discretization within segments. The
structural system for RmBridge, which will be generated from the Modeler data, will
have a structural node at each segment point and structural elements between the
respective consecutive nodes.
Please note that a segment and an axis must be activated in the Segment management
window and the Axis management window.
Segment
point list
Active segment
point details before
Select active
segment
point details
Active
segment
point details after
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Segment Definition
7-2
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Segment Definition
7-3
<New sg-table>
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Segment Definition
7-4
Create new
connections
Description of the
defined connections
Schema of the
connections
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Segment Definition
7-5
2nd connection-point
(segment, part)
Connection-part of
the segment-point
New Spring-0
With this function a spring element between an existing connection point (reference
point) of a cross-section and the earth (node 0) can be defined. Springs of this type
can be connected to a structural node of any segment point. The element number, the
spring constants and the direction of the spring have to be specified using the button
<Constants> in the input window shown in Figure 34.
Select a
defined
connectionpoint
Define the
constants of
the springs
Selection if nodes
should be defined
by parts or by free
node number
New Spring
This function opens a window where springs between two connection points in the
cross-section can be defined. At least one node of a spring element has to be connected
to a structural node. The other node can be situated at a connection point anywhere
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Segment Definition
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within the cross-section. The element number, the spring constants and the direction of
the spring have to be specified using the button <Constants> in this input window.
Select the segmentpoints of the 2-nodespring
Select a segment
for the spring
connection
Select the
connectionpoints
Define the
constants
New Abutment
The RmBridge Modeler provides the possibility of a quick and easy abutment definition
(standard abutment with 2 bearings).
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Segment Definition
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number where the spring-0 should be connected to. For conventional input see chapter
0.0.0.
7.2.2 Modelling Supports with Spring Elements
Supports with a discrete stiffness can be defined by using spring elements. The local
orientation of these springs in comparison to the global coordinate system of RmBridge
is shown in Figure 37. The Modeler automatically creates the local coordinate system of
these spring elements, taking into account the plan angle 2 of the superstructure
elements the spring is connected to. The local axis xL of the springs is always oriented
in the global YG direction, i.e. the elevation angle 1 will be set to 90. The plan angle
2 will always be zero. The angle will be created as the angle between the global Xaxis and the tangent to the horizontal projection of the respective superstructure axis.
K
YG
YG
ZG
ZG
xL
zL
yL
=0
1=90
2=0
=90
xL yL
zL
XG
1=90
2=0
XG
Figure 37 - Orientation of spring elements, for the final RM Left Hand System
Figure 37 shows the generated axis system for superstructure axes in global x ( = 0)
and z (=90) directions. To achieve a consistent logical model of the support spring,
the axis, the cross-sections of girder elements, the segment numbering and assignment,
and the part numbering and assignment must have been defined before.
Note that any angle directly defined by the user will be added to the default
angle derived from the superstructure axis direction, i.e. angles entered by the
user represent the angle between the superstructure axis direction and the main
principal inertia plane of the pier or bearing modeled by the spring.
Simple Supports connected to a Structural Node
Using the <Connection> -button in the Segment input-window allows for creating a
support by selecting New Spring-0. This spring element connects the node 0 (rigid
base) with the defined connection point (CP0) of the cross-section at the specified
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Segment Definition
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segment point. By using the <Constants> -button the stiffness of the spring element
can be modified. It must be carefully checked if any rotational stiffness term (CM Y,
CMY, CMZ) must be entered in order to avoid torsion freedom of the connected
superstructure.
Be careful when defining the stiffness because of the local co-ordinate system
(Xlocal, Ylocal, Zlocal) differing from the global system (see 7.2.2).
The structural length of spring elements is zero per definition with a length of zero. An
appropriate eccentric connection from the connection point CP0 to the structural node
is generated automatically in the Modeler.
AXIS
1
Co-ordinate -system
spring (local)
Yglobal
Xlocal
CMX
Xglobal
CP0
CMZ
Spring-element 1101
CP0
Spring 0
CMY
Zglobal
Zlocal
Ylocal
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Segment Definition
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Also the position of the element and the connection points belonging to them (CP0,
CP1) are requested in this input window (Figure 39).
The connection from the pier to the earth will be defined as a support spring (New
spring-0) (see chapter 0.0.0).
node 101
CP0
seg1 (master-segment)
Spring-element 1105 +0,00
CP1
node 1105
Length of zero
Co-ordinate -system
structure (global)
seg2 (slave-segment)
Co-ordinate -system
spring (local)
Yglobal
Xlocal
CMX
Xglobal
CMZ
Support-spring 1100
(spring 0)
CMY
Zglobal
Zlocal
Ylocal
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Segment Definition
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AXIS 1
spring 101
Co-ordinate -system
structure (global)
Co-ordinate -system
spring (local)
Yglobal
Xlocal
(spring 1100)
CMX
Xglobal
CP0
CMZ
CP2
(spring-element 1102)
CP1
(spring-element 1101)
CMY
Zglobal
Spring-element 1100
Zlocal
Node 0
Ylocal
Part 1
Part 2
Cross-member elements
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
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Details about the material as well as the cross-section of the cross member can be
defined in the pop-up window after pressing <Additional Parameters> .
Assignment of cross-sections to the cross-members
7.2.3..1
Already defined tables can be assigned to the width of the reference cross-section. If the
main-girder elements have different element lengths, with this feature the cross-sections
for the cross-members can be created with the corresponding width (the width of the
cross members varies with the element length of the main-girder).
This requires that the reference cross-section be created with the variable
dimensions b1 and b2 (see Figure 42).
7.2.3..2
Use of the function _hdp (half distance between two segment points)
The width of cross-sections (b1, b2) depends on the adjacent element lengths before and
after segment points of the main-girder (b1=L1/2, b2=L2/2) (see also chapter 0.0.0).
Instead of assigning tables with the corresponding width of the cross section, there is
also the possibility to assign the function _hdp(-1) and _hdp(1). When using these
functions, the program automatically calculates the width of the cross-sections from the
adjacent half girder element length for generating the appropriate cross-sections. The
expression _hdp(-1) delivers the half element length before the segment point and
_hdp(1) the adjacent half element length after the segment point. This expression can
be combined also with formulas and other expressions.
Note, that for arranging the cross-sections at the correct position, the
eccentricity check boxes (Y, Z) have to be clicked in the input field of the crossmember definition.
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Segment Definition
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Li
bi
Bentley Systems
Element length
Half element length (bi=Li/2)
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Segment Definition
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Note that in the Modeler GUI cross-sections are generally presented as views
against the axis direction. In order to define the eccentric position of crossmember elements properly, they must usually be oriented from the right main
girder to the left main girder, e.g. from axis 2 axis 1 as shown in Figure 43 General view of a double T-beam).
Position of the cross-section of the cross-member without consideration of the
eccentricities:
This means that the drawn cross-section (see Figure 45) will be input at the specified
connection points in the middle of the upper edge of the cross-section with b1=b2
=(L1+L2)/2.
Position of the cross-section of the cross-member with consideration of the Zeccentricity:
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symbol Modify on the left side of the variable lists, the input window for the
assignment of expressions opens. By clicking on the desired line and pressing the key
<Ctrl> simultaneously (the marked line is highlighted with red color) a new value or
table can be assigned in the input field expression directly or selectively by clicking
on the arrow-button. To copy variables from begin to the end of the segment or vice
versa (left table to the right), select the desired lines of the table and copy the desired
expressions from the one table to the other by hitting the <All> or the < > key.
Note that if you change tables or formulas, you have to reassign these tables or
formulas to the specified variables.
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8-1
Recalculation
2.
Check Numbering
3.
Create Model
If the option Recalculation is selected, the geometric data describing the structure in the
Modeler are evaluated in order to be suitable detailed to describe the analysis model.
This detailed data can then be directly transferred to the RmBridge analysis database.
These concerns in principle the evaluation of all tables and mathematical formulas, and
the assignment of the respective numerical values to the individual segment points and
elements (see also 2.9).
The option Check numbering brings about a proof check whether the numbering of the
individual segment points and elements is complete and consistent, and whether a
meaningful mathematical model for the structural analysis can be created. If the option
Create Model is selected, the proof check of the numbering is in any case performed.
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RM Bridge
Modeler User Guide
If the option Create Model is selected, the data of the analysis model are created and
stored in the RmBridge analysis database. Additional options govern, whether the
existing RmBridge analysis database shall be initialized before inserting the Modeler
data, or whether the new data only replace those data of the analysis database, which
have been defined in the Modeler database.
Other additional options can be set in the <Options> menu. They allow for the data of
different object categories (cross-sections, segments, etc) to be excluded or included in
the transfer process.
This <Options> menu also governs the storage of backup files for saving the current
status of the Modeler database. These backup files are TCL files in ASCII format.
Different export possibilities are available.
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