Content Comparison

Location

Girders: Choose the two girders that are connected by the diaphragm.

Skew Angle: A positive skew value rotates the cross frame in a clockwise direction, while a negative skew value rotates it in a counterclockwise direction. It is important to remember that the cross frames are positioned at the specified station along a line perpendicular to the PGL, which is then rotated according to the entered skew value.

Station[Start/End]: Enter the station along the PGL. When dealing with curved girder bridges, collecting distance along the girder length can lead to different inputs for the right and left girder that are connected by cross frames, causing ambiguity. Therefore, collecting the station along the PGL is a more reliable solution to avoid such issues. Furthermore, since cross frames are typically continuous in the transverse direction, entering the same station for all cross frames ensures that their locations are consistent between each girder.

The same principle can be applied for skewed cross frames. If the user enters the same station and skew values for the cross frames between Girder 1-2, Girder 2-3, and Girder 3-4, it ensures continuity between the cross frames. It should also be noted that the cross frames are positioned along a line perpendicular to the PGL, which is rotated according to the entered skew value.

Inaccurate finite element models and disconnected nodes/elements in the cross frame can occur if the entered station values are not >= the girder start station or <= the girder end station. This can cause stability issues in the finite element model. To ensure correct station input, users should select the start/end options from the station input. This approach is especially recommended for cross frames located at the beginning or end of girders.

Section

The data related to this section is used for both the 3D model and the Finite Element Model (FEM) of the object.

Top Flange Width:

Top Flange Thickness:

Web Depth:

Web Thickness:

Bottom Flange Width:

Bottom Flange Thickness:

Top Flange Material:

Web Material:

Bottom Flange Material:

3D Details

Top Offset from Top of Web:

Gap b/w Diaphragm and Stiffener:

FEA Setting

FE Model[Two Beam+Shell/Single Beam]: The top and bottom flanges will be modeled as beam elements, and the beam will be modeled as a shell element if the "two beam+shell" option is chosen. In the absence of this option, a complete section will be defined as a single beam and connected to both bottom and top flange nodes using rigid elements, based on the user's selected preferences.

If you choose two beam and shell elements, the rigid definitions below become not applicable (N/A).

Rigid Section Top: A diaphragm can be linked to the top flange node using a rigid beam element. Please designate a section for this purpose.

Disable Bottom Rigid Line [NO/YES]: Choose "Yes" if you prefer not to generate a rigid beam element between the diaphragm and the bottom flange node.

Rigid Section Bot: A diaphragm can be linked to the bottom flange node using a rigid beam element. Please designate a section for this purpose.

Girder Connection Type [Fixed/Pin]:

Axial Rigidity Coefficient:

Stiffeners

Stiffeners Thickness:

Stiffeners Width:

Gusset Plate

Gusset Width:

Gusset Height:

Number of Bolt Columns at Gusset:

Number of Bolt Rows at Gusset:

Bolt Horizontal Spacing at Gusset:

Bolt Vertical Spacing at Gusset:

Gusset Plate Thickness:

Bolt Diameter:

Bolt to Gusset Plate Edge Distance:

Show Bolts (Detailing) [NO/YES]:

Axial Rigidity

Axial Rigidity Coefficient: