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Column

Cap: The midpoint of the pier cap is utilized to designate the position of the column.

Section Data: The section of the pier column can be specified.

  • Section Length(Starts From Top): Input the distances for the defined section, starting from the top of the pier column. If the sections do not vary, one row is sufficient.

  • Start Section: The location of the start section is calculated as the sum of all previously defined rows. If it is the first row, then the starting point is the top of the pier column.

  • End Section: The position of the end section is determined by adding the distance defined in this row to the sum of all previously specified rows.

Transverse Offset: The midpoint of the pier cap is set to 0 location. If a negative value is employed, the pier will be shifted towards the left when viewed up-station from the alignment, while a positive value will shift it towards the right when viewed up-station from the alignment.

Rotation Angle: This parameter is utilized to rotate the section.

Bottom Elevation: This parameter specifies the global elevation of the bottom of the pier column. Suppose the vertical profile of the alignment is defined, and the PGL is at an elevation of 100. In that case, entering a value of -50 here will offset the bottom of the column by 150 units from the PGL elevation.

Column Height (readonly): Displays the height of the column, which is calculated based on the input values of the 'Cap' parameter and the 'Bottom Elevation' parameter.

FEM

Cap Connection [Rigid/Pin]:

The connection of the column to the substructure (cap) above can be defined by the parameter that offers two options: Rigid or Pin. A Rigid connection assumes full moment transfer between the column and the substructure, meaning the connection resists rotation and ensures stiffness. A Pin connection, on the other hand, allows for rotational freedom, implying no moment is transferred, and the connection mainly resists vertical and horizontal forces.

Additional Break Points: Break points can be added to include additional nodes at various positions. The distance is inputted from the top of the pier column. In some scenarios, users enter collision loads on the pier column as a point load. If there is no node defined at that precise location, the load is distributed to the nearest nodes based on their distance. However, in these instances, the user's objective is to apply the collision force from one particular location. Thus, creating a node at the intended location can fulfill this requirement.

Generate FEM[Yes/No]: Setting the "Generate Fem" parameter to "No" can disable the analytical representation of the pier.

Bottom Fixity [Fixed/Stiffness Matrix]: The Bottom Fixity of the pier column can be defined with one of the following options: Fixed: This assumes the base of the pier column is fully restrained, resisting all translations and rotations. Stiffness Matrix: The bottom fixity is adjusted based on a defined stiffness matrix, allowing for partial restraint, depending on the stiffness values assigned.

6x6 Stiffness Matrix: If the Stiffness Matrix option is chosen, the 6x6 stiffness matrix can be specified. This matrix defines the resistance in three translational and three rotational degrees of freedom:

Tx, Ty, Tz: Translational stiffness values along the X, Y, and Z axes.

Rx, Ry, Rz: Rotational stiffness values about the X, Y, and Z axes.

By adjusting these parameters, the model can simulate varying degrees of support flexibility at the base of the pier column, providing more realistic behavior depending on the structure's design and foundation conditions.

Mesh Size: The mesh size parameter can be utilized to set the maximum distance for a single finite element line.

Pushover

Generate Top Hinge [NO/YES]: If this parameter is set to 'YES', pushover-related definitions can be specified for the column. If 'NO' is selected, the parameters related to pushover in this section will be Not Applicable (N/A).

Top Hinge Property: A previously defined hinge property (from Properties > Pushover) can be assigned to the respective section to define the properties of the top hinge.

Top Hinge Length: Specifies the length of the top hinge, determining the region of the column over which the hinge behavior will be applied.

Generate Bottom Hinge [NO/YES]: If this parameter is set to 'YES', pushover-related definitions for the bottom of the column can be specified. If 'NO' is selected, the parameters of this section will be Not Applicable (N/A).

Bottom Hinge Property: A previously defined hinge property (from Properties > Pushover) can be assigned to the respective section to define the properties of the bottom hinge.

Bottom Hinge Length: Specifies the length of the bottom hinge, defining the region of the column where the hinge behavior will apply.

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