Content Comparison

Continuity Diaphragm

Purpose of the continuity diaphragm is to connect two different girder units. These units are connected with beam finite elements and they act as a continuous span instead of separate simple spans.

Connected Girders at Start (DownStation): Select the

start girders (down station) to which the continuity diaphragm is connected. These girders belong to a separate unit. Continuity will be established through the continuity diaphragm object not the girders.

Connected Girders at End (UpStation): Select the

end girders (upstation) to which the continuity diaphragm is connected. These girders belong to a separate unit. Continuity will be established through the continuity diaphragm object not the girders. See Figure 1.

The FEA representation is as follows: it connects the start and end girders with beam elements, introduces an additional node at the midpoint of these start and end nodes, and then creates transverse beam elements.

Image Added

Depth: Total depth of the section.

Additional Overhang Length Transverse Dir.

Left-Right: Set the cantilever extension of the continuity diaphragm. This distance is measured from the web of the girder. The depth of the diaphragm is calculated automatically from bottom of the bottom flange to top of the haunches of the girders. See Figure 2

Thickness (Downstation w.r.t. Support Line)

: The thickness (Downstation) of the continuity diaphragm measured from Support Line where girders are connected. See Figure 3

Thickness (Upstation w.r.t. Support Line)

: Thethickness (Upstation) of the continuity diaphragm measured from Support Line where girders are connected. See Figure 3

Material: Set the material for the continuity diaphragm.

FEM

Cap Connection[Yes/No]: When selected as 'yes,' additional beam elements are created between the midpoint of the continuity diaphragm and the pier cap, and they behave as a unit. Otherwise, the bearing connection will transfer the forces.

Cap Connection Type[Rigid/Pin]: If the Cap connection option is set to 'yes,' we offer two types of connections: rigid and pin connections. The pin connection is suitable when the forces only transfer to the pier cap without sufficient reinforcement. This behavior(pin) is achieved by using beam end releases. If there is sufficient reinforcement connecting the pier cap to the diaphragm, the rigid connection can be selected to guarantee that the concrete block moves together during rotation.