FAQ Source Book: Technical Materials

FAQ
SOURCE
BOOK 2016 Edition
Frequently Asked Questions about midas Civil
Technical Materials
Pre-Processing / 23
1. Various display options p.4
2. How to provide support at base of a curved bridge deck? p.6
3. How to define moving load to curved bridge? 2 point method is not working. Error is displayed
that no element is on the defined lane. p.7
4. How to generate uniform tapering irrespective of the number of segments? P.8
5. How to copy tendon profile of one girder to all other girders? P.9
6. Warnings displayed during analysis that certain load cases have not converged. How to converge
all the load cases? p.11
7. How to define more modes of vibration? Only a single mode is shown on performing response
spectrum analysis. p.12
8. Why are certain supports/links, though defined in the model are not applied while performing
analysis? p.13
9. How to model bearings? How to rotate bearings in case of curved bridge? p.15
10. How to create a composite PSC / RCC section with an unsymmetrical slab? p.16
11. How to import PSC cable profile from AutoCAD drawing? p.18
12. How to use the material properties defined in one model file in any other model file, without
defining it again? p.20
13. How to reduce the section capacity to model a cracked section approximately? p.21
14. How to import a section from an AutoCAD *.Dxf file? p.22
15. What are Wood Armer moments? How to view in midas Civil? p.24
16. How is the varying longitudinal stiffness of ballast/concrete bed considered for rail track
analysis? p.26
17. How to make a taper from composite T section to composite I ? p.27
18. Why plate thickness is not visible in the model while viewing solid view? p.29
19. What kind of boundary conditions & elements are available in eigenvalue, response spectrum,
and time history analysis? p.30
20. How to input surface spring coefficient for underground structure? p.32
21. How to input temperature gradient load for a general or PSC section? p.34
22. How to get concurrent reactions due to moving load? p.35
23. What does the error ‘PSC/Composite type of beam section temperature cannot be applied to
section of the element’, imply? p.36
Analysis / 9
1. What is the difference between rigid link and rigid type elastic link? p.37
2. What is the difference between lane element and cross beam method for vehicular load
distribution? When should each be used? p.40
3. How is a truss element and a cable element considered in midas Civil? p.41
4. Why is the pre-stress elastic deformation loss sometimes positive? p.42
5. Why is there a kink while elements activated in different construction stage are connected,
when graphically viewing the results? p.43
6. How does the software consider beam property changes with pre-stressing tendon? p.45
7. What is the basis of P-Δ analysis in midas Civil? Secondary moment from P-Δ analysis matches
with classical method calculation using actual stress rather failure stress. Why? p.46
8. The deformations of master and slave nodes of a rigid link are not exactly same. Why? p.47
9. Cable element is automatically transformed to equivalent truss element for linear analysis. What
does this message imply? p.48
Post-processing / 12
1. Why is the model showing reactions at all the nodes, though support has not been provided? p.49
2. How to verify for the uplift due to moving load? And how to obtain the corresponding vehicle
positioning? p.51
3. How to obtain vehicle position causing Max./Min. Force or moment on an element? p.52
4. Why is dead load results of last construction stage not matching with dead load results in post
cs? p.54
5. How to obtain cross sectional stresses for line element? p.56
6. Why are the pre-stress losses given by midas Civil not matching with the manual calculations? p.57
7. How to view the result table for construction stages? p.61
8. Why are the stresses not being displayed for moving load cases in the results? p.62
9. Displacement of the structure looks unrealistic. How can that be changed? p.63
10. How to view the ultimate moment capacity of PSC girder along with the design moment? p.64
11. How to view results of a particular load case separately in construction stages? p.65
12. How to formulate load combinations for construction stage results? p.66
FAQ midas Civil ▶ Pre-Processing
Various display options
From Main Menu select View > Display Option (or )
1. Thickness of the plate element
2. To distinguish plate elements from beam elements
3. To show the outline of the Inactive elements
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midas Civil ▶ Pre-Processing
4. Display only to certain parts

If you enable the Display by Group option in the Display, only the information of the
selected group is displayed. In the figure below on left, the entire " live load surcharge" is
displayed, while in the figure further below only a part of the upper slab loads as defined
in a group is displayed.
Display by Group options can be applied to loads as well as all display information that
can be expressed in midas Civil .
5. Different colored elements depending on thickness
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How to provide support at base of a

curved bridge deck?
In cases where a superstructure is modelled without substructure, the

bottom nodes of the superstructure will have to depict the behavior of
bearing.
For curved bridges, the rotation and translation of bearings have to be in accordance with
the curvature (tangential or perpendicular to the curve). This behavior can be simulated by
defining node local axis for the support nodes which will declare the direction of translation
and rotation of bearings.
To define Node local axis

1. Boundary  Node Local Axis.
2. Local Axis could be defined in four ways.
- Angle : Angle of rotation about global X, Y and Z
axis needs to be specified to rotate the axis for
specified node. This method is the simplest way of
assigning node local axis.
- 3 Points
- Vectors
- Line Vector.
For details on other methods refer ‘Online help manual’

(Press F1 on working window)
Node Local Axis could be viewed only for those nodes

where the axis have been changed and not at all nodes.
y
y z x
x
z
To view the assigned node local axis, navigate to

1. View  Display Options.
2. Under Node tab, check the Node Local Axis option.
Supports defined at nodes with node local axis will have restraints along the defined axis
of the node and not the global axis directions. The reactions as well as the displacements
could be obtained along these local axis as well as global axis.
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How to define moving load for curved

bridge? 2 point method is not working.
Error is displayed that no element is on
the defined lane.
For a curved bridge, selection by ‘Picking’ or ‘Number’ option should
be used to define lane.
From Main Menu select Load > Moving Load > Moving Load Code > Traffic Line Lanes
1. Selection by Picking
Click elements one by one in sequence to define the lane.
2. Selection by number
Enter element numbers in the text box and click on add button. Make sure that the element
numbers are in sequence. Alternatively elements could be renumbered in an increasing
order along the direction of vehicle movement.
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How to generate uniform tapering

irrespective of the number of segments?
While an element is assigned with a tapered section and is divided

into number of segments, tapering happens with each segment of the
element.
From Main Menu select Properties > Section > Tapered Group
To get uniform tapering irrespective of the number of segments, Tapered Section Group
should be assigned.
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5
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3
2
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For the members, grouped in Tapered Section Group,

the sectional properties of the non-prismatic section
are automatically calculated such that the group
section varies uniformly irrespective of the number of
segments in the group. The auto-calculated sectional
information can be converted into the model data on
clicking ‘Convert to Tapered Section’.
NOTE: Tapered sections defined by Value Type

cannot be assigned as a Tapered Section Group
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How to copy tendon profile of one girder

to all other girders?
Where several girders have identical tendon profiles, then the profile
defined for one girder could be copied to other girders if certain
criteria are met.
From Main Menu select Load > Temp/Prestress >Tendon profile
Select the required Tendon profile and click ‘Move/Copy’. The tendons could be copied by
3 methods.
1. Element Increment
Copies single or multiple tendons. For example
to Copy/Move the tendon profile defined in
elements 1, 3, 5, 7 (G1), the following conditions
should as referred in the image below should be
satisfied.
• Increment of each corresponding element

should be identical. For example, Tendon
Profile entered in G1 can be copied to G2
because the increment is identical. On the
other hand, it can’t be G3 because the
increment is different for each element.
• The number of elements to copy should be same. For example, the Tendon Profile
entered in G1 can be copied to G4 which has the same number of elements. On the
other hand, it can’t be copied to G5 since the number of elements is different. As
shown in image above, length of element doesn’t matter while copying tendon profile.
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2. Equal Distance
Copies single or multiple tendons. To copy by this option, the coordinates for tendon
profile insertion has to be entered and also the following conditions are to be satisfied.
• A node should exist at the distance specified, to copy the tendon profile, from the initial
insertion point of the original element. This node will define the new Insertion Point. An
error message is displayed on absence of this node.
• If there is more than one element attached to the initial element, then the Tendon Profile
will be assigned to the attached element that is most linear.
• If Straight/Curve type of tendon profile is to be copied, then the original length and
number of elements should be equal to the length and number of elements at the new
location.
NOTE: Clicking on ‘Current assigned element’ check box copies the tendon profile to the
same element. This option is useful when generating tendons with similar profile in same
element (say, box girder webs). Checking this option off, copies tendons to other elements
provided other element exists at the distance specified.
3. New Assigned Elements

Copies only single tendon. This options enables copying single tendon to multiple
elements at the same time. To copy the tendon profile, the new assigned elements and
inserting point of tendon needs to be provided. Inserting point should be among the
selected elements.
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Warnings displayed during analysis that

certain load cases have not converged.
How to converge all the load cases?
These type of warnings during analysis, can be avoided by altering

the default convergence criteria from Main Control Data as shown
below.
From Main Menu select Analysis > Main Control Data
The number of iterations for load case convergence can be increased or

convergence tolerance can be altered if load cases do not converge.
How to define more modes of vibration?

Only a single mode is shown on
performing response spectrum analysis.
Under the Eigenvalue Analysis Control, the number of frequencies

has to be set accordingly.
From Main Menu select Analysis > Analysis Control > Eigenvalue
In general, the number of modes to be considered for free vibration analysis are
determined by modal mass participation. Most of the literature concedes that at least 90%
of modal mass participation should be considered for an acceptable analysis.
The default number of frequencies for eigenvalue analysis is set to 1. Usually, it is more
than 1 which could be altered with suitable number of frequencies in the dialogue box
highlighted above .
Lanczos method
Adopted for relatively simpler structure to study the lower modes. The Lanczos method
may miss some Eigen pairs in the required ones. However for practical eigenvalue
analysis method, the exact dynamic response has to be obtained which requires the
missed eigenvalues to be included. ‘Sturm Sequence Check’ should be selected to check
the same.
Subspace Iteration method

When performing Eigenvalue analysis for a finite element system of a large scale (large
matrix system), Subspace Iteration method is effectively used.
Ritz Vector
For a model with large degrees of freedom (Say, for model with pile spring supports), Ritz
vector method may be more appropriate. Unlike the natural eigenvalue modes, Ritz
vectors are load dependent and produce more reliable results in dynamic analyses with
relatively fewer modes. The Ritz Vectors are generated reflecting the spatial distribution
or the characteristics of the dynamic loading.
Why are certain supports/links, though

defined in the model are not applied while
performing analysis?
This predominantly happens due to issues related to construction

stage analysis.
This might happen when ,

1. Nodes defined with boundary conditions are not assigned to Structure Group
2. Structure Group incorporating the boundary nodes are not activated
3. Support/link left out from being adding to the Boundary Group
4. The Boundary Group with the support nodes itself is not being activated
The easiest way to detect these problems, is to display all the supports and boundary
from View > Display ( 1 & 2 ) and visually inspect the construction stages for all the
supports/elements that should be active in the respective stages ( 3 ) .
To rectify this issue, ensure that all the nodes and elements which are to be activated at
specific stage are added to the corresponding structure group.
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For example, refer the image to the right where dark blue line
& dots represents the element and nodes respectively. The
rigid link is in light blue, and the brown line with a rectangle is
an elastic link, below which the supports are assigned.
To ensure proper analysis:

1. Assign all the nodes (inclusive of nodes
connecting support and links ) and elements
to the structure group which is to be activated.
2. Now this Structure Group has to be added in
the “Activation” window of the Construction
Stage Dialogue box, indicated as A in
image below.
3. Assign all the supports, support springs, elastic links, general links, rigid links, etc. to
respective Boundary Group which is to be activated in construction stage.
4. This Boundary Group is also to be activated in the “Activation” window of the
Construction Stage Dialogue box, indicates as B in image below.
Not assigning and activating these supports appropriately during the Construction Stages,
would affect the stability of the structure leading to Warning or Error Messages on
performing Analysis. Implementing the above solution should resolve the problem.
How to model bearings? How to rotate

bearings in case of curved bridge?
Elastic Links are used to model bearings connecting the bridge

substructure and superstructure.
From Main Menu select Boundary > Link > Elastic Link
Enter the Displacement stiffness (SDx, SDy, SDz) and Rotational stiffness (RDx, RDy,
RDz) for the elastic link to simulate the bridge bearings.
The image below on right, shows the elastic link

local axis direction, positive x axis being in the
connecting direction of the two nodes. It is
important to note that the displacement and
rotational stiffness are assigned along elastic link
local axis direction.
In case the exact stiffness values are

not known, arbitrary stiffness values y
z
could be assigned to reach a better
x
approximation of result. For
example, neoprene bearings have
high axial stiffness (SDx) and hence
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could be high, say 107 kN/m and
lower shear stiffness (SDy and SDz), say 100
kN/m. For guided bearings (like POT-PTFE
bearing), high values for SDy and/or SDz could be
assigned to simulate high lateral bearing stiffness.
Bearings for Curved Bridges

In case of curved bridges, beta angle should be
assigned to these elastic links to change the
bearing local axis orientation, either aligned
tangentially to the curve of in line with the fixed
support, as depicted in the image below. Beta angles could be assigned while creating the
elastic link or later from the tables.
Tangential to curve In line with Fix Support
How to create a composite PSC / RCC

Section with an unsymmetrical slab?
Section Property Calculator (SPC) tool can be used to generate a PSC

or RCC section with unsymmetrical slab at top.
From Main Menu select Tools > Generator > Section Property Calculator
The steps to generate the section:

1. Generate an AutoCAD .DXF drawing file of required
section (no polylines)
2. Launch the SPC tool from Tools > Section Property
Calculator. Set units same as in the AutoCAD .dxf file
drawing
3. Import the .dxf file from File > Import > AutoCAD DXF
4. Check the imported drawing for discontinuities when
asked.
5. Define Slab and Girder Material from Model > Material
6. Model > Section > Composite Section > Generate, to
generate the Composite Section, and fill in the required
details like the number of parts. If the section has only
slab and girder, then the number of parts would be 2.
Select
&
Click Apply
7. Calculate the sectional properties of the composite section by clicking on

Property > Calculate Composite Property. Enter the mesh size, click on any part of
the composite section and click apply.
8. To generate the section file which could be imported in midas Civil, click on
Model > Section > Composite Section > Export. Enter the file name by clicking on 3
dots in the file name option. Click on file name, any part of composite section and click
apply.
9. In midas Civil, click on Section Property  Add and import the generated SEC file as
shown in Section Data Dialogue box above .
Other methods in which AutoCAD drawings could be used for easier modelling with
midas Civil is demonstrated in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDAQbBWEnd4
How to import PSC cable profile from

AutoCAD drawing?
The Tendon Profile Generator tool could be used to import the tendon
profile which has already been drawn in AutoCAD.
From Main Menu select Tools > Generator > Tendon Profile Generator
AutoCAD drawing format files need to be converted into DXF files
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The steps are detailed in the page to follow :
1. Import the .DXF file which contains the tendon profile.

2. Select the layer with the tendon profile.
3. Enter tendon name.
4. Enter appropriate tendon property. The ‘tendon property’ should be predefined in the
model file.
5. Enter the element numbers to which the tendon profile has to be assigned.
6. Click on locations shown by step no. 6 to 9 in sequence. This is to select the starting
point of the tendon and the x-z plane coordinates for the tendon
10. Click on locations shown by step no. 10 to 13 in sequence. This is to select the starting
point of the tendon and the x-y plane coordinates for the tendon
14. Enter the element number at which the tendon has to be inserted.
15. Enter the required offset distance for the profile insertion if necessary.
16. Click ‘Add’
17. Then OK to create the tendon coordinates on text format.
18. Copy the content
19. Open MCT Command Shell from Tools > Command Shell > MCT Command Shell
20. Paste the contents in the ‘MCT command shell’ dialogue box
21. Click ‘Run’. The profile should now be inserted in the model.
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Other methods in which AutoCAD drawings could be used for easier modelling with
midas Civil is demonstrated in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDAQbBWEnd4
How to use the material properties defined

in one model file in any other model file,
without defining it again?
For importing material properties from an existing midas model, follow

the instructions as shown below.
From Main Menu select Properties > Material Properties
The same procedure can be followed for importing section properties from an existing
midas model, as well .
1. Click on ‘import’ and select the midas

model file from which material 2
properties needs to be imported.
2. The materials in the selected list will
be added in the active model on
clicking ‘OK’.
3. On selecting ‘Keep ID’ existing
properties in current model having
same IDs as the one being copied,
will be replaced 3
If New ID option is selected, the

imported material properties will be
4
added with the specified ID or in case
the current model is having an element
property with same ID then the Id of imported property will be incremented by 1.
How to reduce the section capacity to

model a cracked section approximately?
Section stiffness could be reduced or manipulated using the Section

Manager under Properties tab.
From Main Menu select Properties > Section Manager > Stiffness…
To model a section as cracked and to arbitrarily reduce its load carrying capacity, its
stiffness could be reduced, by applying Stiffness reduction factors.
Select the section whose capacity has to be modified from the ‘Section Manager’ window
and input the appropriate reduction factors.
As boxed out in the image above, suitable modification factor could be applied for changing
the cross sectional area, shear area, torsion moment of inertia or weight for any section at
desired location and in desired direction.
For example, say to reduce the stiffness of the section on cracking, the moment of inertia
about local y direction could be reduced by a factor. This factor could be assigned to
particular boundary groups as well in case construction stage or boundary change
assignment needs to be performed. The scale factors for I and J end are kept same by
default. However, these can be different in case of a tapered section.
How to import a section from an AutoCAD

*.dxf file?
For importing a section from an AutoCAD .dxf file, section property

calculator is used. Follow the instructions given below:
From Main Menu select Tools > Generator > Sectional Property Calculator
1. Keep the units same as AutoCAD .dxf file.

2. The tolerance is relevant to the units used, if
two nodes are spaced within the mentioned
tolerance then they will be merged and
considered as one node. 1
3. Angle step is used to create line divisions of a

curve, lesser the angle more will be the line
divisions for the same curve. 2
4. Click ‘OK’
5. Go to File > Import > AutoCAD .dxf > Browse
3
for the relevant .dxf file
6. Click OK > Click Yes
7. Go to Model > Section > Generate 4
Select the whole section
8. For generating Line type section (generally used for

generating built-up steel sections), width of the line
8
should be specified prior to step No. 7 from
‘Model > Curve > Change Width > Select the line for
width definition > Check the Width option & specify
width> Apply’ 9
For generating Plane type section (generally used for generat
ing Pre-stressed Concrete sections), defining line width is not
required. The section is considered by the area bounded by
the lines and will be meshed.
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9. Name the Section 11
10. Check on ‘Calculate Properties Now’ 11
11. After clicking Apply, meshed section will be shown in the
model window
12. Go to Model > Section > Export

13. Click on ‘ MIDAS Section File’
14. Click and define the file path and section name in
the format *.sec as defined here as “Section1.sec”. 14
15. Click on the section and section turns red
16. Click Apply
17. From Main Menu select Properties > Section
Properties > Add
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18. So the *.sec file can be imported as a general
section or a PSC-Value type section
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Click on the section
and section turns red
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What are Wood Armer moments? How to

view in midas Civil?
Wood Armer method allows moment triads from plates (Mx, My, Mxy)
to be transformed into simple bending moments in two directions
(Wood Armer moments) for reinforcement design of plate elements.
This is important because the twisting moment Mxy can be significant. At any point in the
slab, the normal moments in a direction, resulting due to design moments Mx, My, and Mxy,
must not exceed the ultimate normal resisting moment in that direction. The ultimate
normal resisting moment is typically provided by ultimate resisting moments Mux and Muα
related to the reinforcement in the x- and α- directions. Mx, My and Mxy are bending and
twisting moments, usually obtained from a finite element analysis program. α is angle of
transverse steel, measured clockwise, from the Mx axis.
For those plates where, Wood Armer moments are to be found the reinforcement direction
needs to be defined. Create plate elements either with Node/Element > Create
Element > Plate or by using the Mesh option. Next is to define Domain. Invoke the
‘Define Domain’ dialogue box from Node/Element Tab. To assign the plates to a
particular domain, follow the steps below:
1
Enter the domain
Select the element type
2
Select the required plates in the model or directly enter the
3 element numbers
Click Add
4
Now, to add sub domain, one could either click on

the Sub-Domain button form ‘Define Domain’
dialogue box or click on ‘Define sub domain’ from
Node/Element ribbon menu. The sub-domain is
where details like the angle of reinforcement to the
global axis, angle between the reinforcements
spanning in either direction and reference axis
definition are specified.
Also if different parts of the same domain have different details, then these could be
provided using the subdomain.
On applying the necessary loads and boundary conditions, the Wood

Armer moments could be checked graphically as well as in form of table. For an irregular
hypothetical slab as shown below, the Wood Armer moment result in the direction of
reinforcement (i.e., the design moment) will be more than those in local X and Y directions
of the plate.
Along the red line shown in the image above, the Mxx
value obtained for its dead load was 62kNm, while the
Wood Armer moment, considering the Mxx, Myy and
Mxy, which would all be acting along the direction of
reinforcement, i.e., at 20o angle to the global X
direction is 74.2kNm. This is the moment for which
the slab needs to be designed.
The Wood Armer moments could be obtained at top

and bottom of plates along both the reinforcement
directions. This option could be accessed by clicking on the ‘Wood Armer Moment’ button
as highlighted in the image above.
The results could be viewed in tabular format from Results > Results
Tables > Plate > Force (Unit Length)… Once the table interface opens, click on Plate
Force (UL:W-A Moment as in image below and select the required load cases as well as
output positions.
How is the varying longitudinal stiffness

of ballast/concrete bed considered for
rail track analysis?
For Rail Track Analysis, Multi linear elastic links are used to simulate
the bilinear curve of longitudinal stiffness for loaded and unloaded
conditions of ballast/concrete bed connecting rail and superstructure
The multi-linear link data is available under “MEInk” Tab, in the table of
Elastic link data.
How to make a taper from composite

T section to composite I?
The number of points to define the section in I-end and J-end of the
taper section to be generated has to be same.
Since a Composite T (say end I of taper section) will have lesser defining points ( ) as
compared to Composite I section (end J ) , the tapered element could not be generated.
However an as an alternative, we could define T section with so many points as that of I
section and generate the tapering.
Under Properties > Section Properties, click Add > Composite tab > Composite I
option from the drop down menu, enter the data as per the guide diagram shown below and
generate the required I section.
To generate a composite T section,

using the composite I girder option,
enter the BL1 and BR1 values
slightly lesser (say, 0.5mm lesser)
than the BL4 and BR4 values. By
doing so, the additional points
required would have been entered,
still retaining the sectional
properties of a T section. By this
way the tapering of section could be
accomplished. Once the two sections are generated, the tapered section can now be made
using these two section properties.
To generate such tapered section, follow the steps below in sequence:
Click on Properties  Section Properties  Add
3 2
1. Click on Tapered
2. Select Composite PSC-I
3. Enter Name
4. Enter basic data like slab width, thickness, etc and import the “Size-I” and “Size-J”
sections. These would be the sections that are generated using Composite I girder
option.
5. Enter material data for equivalent section property calculations
6. Select they type of variation (Linear, Parabolic or Cubic)
7. Modify the offset as required
8. Click OK
Why plate thickness is not visible in the

model while viewing solid view?
In case the plate thickness is not being displayed after switching off
the hidden view, the plate thickness option is not activated.
For viewing the plate thickness, please follow the instructions given below:
Check “Plate
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Thickness
Option”
What kind of boundary conditions &

elements are available in response
spectrum, and time history analysis?
Elements and boundary conditions used when performing an Eigen
analysis, response spectrum analysis, or a time history analysis can
be summarized as follows.
1. Eigen Value Analysis / Response Spectrum Analysis

1) Element: Tension only / Hook / Cable, Compression only / Gap elements
are replaced with Truss
2) Boundary conditions: General Link such as Tension only / Compression only
Elastic Link are replaced with General Type of Elastic Link
2. Linear time history analysis
1) Element: Same as Eigen analysis / response spectrum analysis

2) Boundary conditions: Force Type and Tension only / Compression only Elastic Link of
General Link are replaced with General Type of Elastic Link
3. Non-linear time history analysis
1) Element: Same as Eigen analysis / response spectrum analysis

2) Boundary conditions: Tension only / Compression only Elastic Link is replaced with
General Type of Elastic Link
Note relationships with eigenvalue analysis and time history analysis can be summarized
as follows:
- If you choose Time history analysis method as Modal (mode superposition method),
you must first perform the eigenvalue analysis.
- If the Damping Method for Time History Analysis is Modal or Strain Energy
Proportional, you must previously perform the eigenvalues analysis.
How to input surface spring coefficient

for underground structure?
Surface Spring Supports function of midas Civil is a feature to enter

the Soil boundary conditions that is automatically calculated based
on the area section shared. You can automatically enter a number of
boundary conditions representing the ground at once.
Ground structure are those which rests on the ground. The structure may sink depending
on the size and shape of the ground support and the load applied. Therefore, the
boundary conditions of the soil must be in the form of spring having a stiffness rather than
full constraints (Supports).
Midas Civil has boundary conditions, in form of spring stiffness, namely Elastic Link and
Point Spring Supports each with six degrees of freedom. Point Spring Support is a
boundary condition to be entered at a node, and Elastic Link is a boundary condition for
entering between two nodes. Therefore, Point Spring Supports and Elastic Link has to
consider the allotment area for each node to give the spring coefficients in the boundary
condition.
Ground Spring Coefficient = Section Area × Ground Reaction Force Coefficient
In the figure below, on left, shows a three-dimensional shape with three nodes, and on the
right is the plan of the figure, the bottom of the tank.
For the boundary conditions to represent the soil type at the bottom surface of the water
tank, you must enter a value at node 17 to input the spring coefficient corresponding to the
area 1m2. Similarly at node 20 and 5, spring coefficient corresponding to the area 0.5m2
and 0.25m2 respectively, has to be entered.
If the geotechnical boundary conditions are to be entered only for a small number of nodes,
you can enter as above, taking into account the contribution of each sectional area.
However, if the nodes you need to enter the geotechnical boundary conditions are multiple
in number, it can become a very cumbersome task.
Surface Spring Supports function of midas Civil is a feature to enter the soil boundary
conditions which automatically calculates spring coefficient based on the shared sectional
area. By this way you can automatically enter a number of boundary conditions of the
ground at once.
Surface Spring Supports feature is available both for the line-element model and plate /
three-dimensional elements model. For Plate elements / three-dimensional element mode,
the shared area of the selected nodes are automatically considered in the spring coefficient
calculation, and for the line element it is calculated by considering the Shared length ×
Width entered.
Therefore, the user to enter the geotechnical boundary conditions in the model, must be
using the Surface Spring Supports. And provide width of the ground reaction force
coefficient for line elements.
How to input temperature gradient load

for a general or PSC section?
For assigning temperature gradient loads, please follow the

procedure given below.
From Main Menu select Load > Temp./Prestress > Beam Section Temp.
For the Sample Positive Temperature Differences shown

below, following input is required for a section of depth
3000mm:
Change Parameters:
1
Change Parameters:
Enter Enter Enter
H1 as 0 mm H1 as 150 mm H1 as 2850 mm
H2 as 150 mm H2 as 400 mm H2 as 3000 mm
T1 as 17.8 [C] T1 as 4 [C] T1 as 0 [C]
T2 as 4 [C] T2 as 0 [C] T2 as 2.1 [C]
Click on Add Click on Add Click on Add
2
4. Select Relevant Load case Sample Positive

Temperature
Differences Input
5. Select relevant section
type. ( For “Value type-
h1
PSC sections” select
General option ) 3
h2
6. Input Initial temperature,
Elasticity and thermal
coefficient over here or
h3
can be taken as defined
in the material properties h1 = 0.15m 4
for individual elements. h2 = 0.25m
h3 = 0.15m
Select reference point depending on the input

heights from top or bottom of section
7. For value type or general sections, average
section width between height H1 & H2 should
be entered manually, for PSC/Composite type
sections width will be taken automatically as per 5
section definition
8. After entering the above data, Select the relevant elements and click “Apply”
How to get concurrent reactions due to

moving load?
To get concurrent reactions at support node (i.e. maximum or

minimum force at one node and corresponding forces at the other
nodes), concurrent reaction groups has to be defined.
Create a Structure Group for

concurrent reactions and group
all support nodes in this group
After definition of live loads, define the concurrent reaction group using the work flow as
shown.
From Main Menu select Load > Moving Load > Moving Load Code > Concurrent
Reaction Group
For Viewing Concurrent reactions after analysis, go to

Results > Result Tables > Concurrent (Max/Min Reactions)
What does the error ‘PSC/Composite type

of beam section temperature cannot be
applied to section of the element’, imply?
This error happens, say, when a temperature gradient is assigned with

PSC/Composite option for a simple beam element.
Usually, for a bridge superstructure, when the

superstructure sections are defined using the in-built
PSC/ Composite section templates, assigning the
temperature gradient across the section becomes
easier with the automatically considered section
width and the effective area for temperature gradient
load computation.
However, this option is not applicable for certain type

of sections. Say for example, in a superstructure with
PSC section, the diaphragm is solid, which is defined
by PSC Value type section, a section type other than
from the PSC templates. So, for these sections, the
temperature gradient load can’t be applied using the
PSC/Composite option. In stead, the General option
has to be selected for temperature gradient
application, and the width has to be manually entered.
If the user, by mistake applies the PSC/Composite option for such sections, then the user is
warned of the said error message in the message window.
FAQ midas Civil ▶ Analysis
What is the difference between rigid link

and rigid type elastic link ?
When defining a elastic link, under certain conditions Rigid type

Elastic link may be defined. How is it different from defining the link as
Rigid Link
Rigid link constraints geometric, relative

movement of a structure, where degrees of
freedom of subordinated nodes called Slave
Nodes are constraint by a particular
reference node called Master Node. The
relative movements of the master node and
slave nodes are such as if they are
RIGID LINK interconnected by a three dimensional rigid
body. In this case, relative nodal
displacements are kept constant. While an
Elastic link connects two nodes to act as an
element, where the user defines its stiffness.
Rigid Type of Elastic Link and Rigid Link are

similar in that both are used to simulate rigid
behavior. However, the user must be
ELASTIC LINK
cautious in using them because their internal
processes are different in the program
1. Rigid type Elastic Link vs Rigid Link

-100.0
111111
Rigid Type of Elastic Link Rigid Link
In case of Rigid Type Elastic Link , the element stiffness is automatically calculated based
on the working model, assigning a large stiffness value of magnitude 105~108 times the
stiffness of neighboring elements. Such exceptionally large stiffness may cause a
numerical error because of the relatively large stiffness of the link element. Therefore,
when the model contains an element, which has large stiffness to replicate a rigid action, it
is recommended that Rigid Link be used rather than Rigid Type Elastic Link. Rigid Link
geometrically constrains the relative movements between the Master and Slave Nodes
without being affected by large stiffness of other members.
midas Civil ▶ Analysis
2. Rigid Link + Support

Slave Node
1
OK Master Node
Slave Node
Improper
2 Master Node
Master Node
Improper
3 Slave Node
Rigid link should never be assigned with a boundary condition.
Looking at Model 2, the support boundary condition is applied to the Master Node of Rigid
Link, which implies the support condition is also applied to the Slave Node. This should be
avoided. While in Model 3, the support condition is applied to the Slave node. Slave node is
constrained by the Master node boundary condition and hence the Slave Node will be
ignored.
Model 1 (Rigid Link  Elastic Link  Support), is the right way to define a boundary
condition.
3. Elastic Link + Support
Support Support
Support Support
Elastic Link has not been assigned boundary conditions. In such a case, the links will be
considered as beam elements having the equivalent stiffness. In order to correct this, the
ends of the elastic links must be assigned proper boundary conditions or Point Spring
Support.
4. Computational Time for Analysis
The figure below shows a process in which a total of 72 (6x12) d.o.f are compressed to 54
d.o.f with in the plane of the diaphragm, depicting the behavior of a cross girder in a
bridge deck.
UZRXRY
UZRXRY
UZRXRY
UZRXRY
UZRXRY
UZRXRY
UZRXRY
UZRXRY
UZRXRY
Slave nodes Master node
UZRXRY
UZRXRY
UZRXRY
Ui : Displacement d.o.f in i direction at the corresponding node
Ri : Rotational d.o.f in i direction at the corresponding node

110001 : Ux Uy Rz d.o.f
If a degree-of-freedom of a particular slave node is constrained to a master node for the

relevant degree-of-freedom, by using "Rigid Link" relationship, all the attributes (nodal load
or nodal mass) including the stiffness component of the slave node are converted into an
equivalent component of the master node.
Giving such geometric constraints reduces the number of degrees of freedom which can
significantly reduce the computational time for analysis.
For instance, consider the cable stayed bridge in the figure above where ‘Rigid Link’ action
is used to depict cross girder diaphragm action. If this link is analyzed with the diaphragms
modeled as Rigid type Elastic link, the number of d.o.f will increase substantially. Each
node represents 3 additional degrees of freedom. Hence in a model with large number of
nodes in an analysis can result in excessive program execution time, or it may even
surpass the program capacity. It is therefore recommended that the number of degrees of
freedom be minimized as long as the accuracy of the results is not compromised.
What is the difference between lane

element and cross beam method for
vehicular load distribution? When
should each be used?
The difference between lane element and cross beam element for
vehicular load distribution is in considering the transverse rigidity of
the system and the kind of model generated (line, plate or grillage
model)
In case, the structure is modelled as a line element and is assigned whole transverse
cross-sectional property, lane element for vehicular load distribution option is used.
For grillage models, live load distribution occurs

as per the rigidity of transverse members
(slab/diaphragm), hence cross beam method for
vehicular load distribution is used.
In cross beam method, a cross-beam structure

group (transverse elements group) has to be
defined and selected for transverse distribution
of vehicular load as shown.
A structure
group consisting
of all transverse
elements
How is a truss element and a cable element

considered in midas Civil?
Truss element can resist both tension and compression, while a cable
element can resist only tension.
Main differences in these elements are as tabulated below:
Feature Truss Element Cable Element
Sag is predominant
No Sag
Sag Effect Cable elements are inherently non linear
Truss element, is linear in general and
and the stiffness changes with the load
has constant stiffness.
applied. Hence consideration of sag
becomes important.
Non linear behaviour, no

Superimposition possible superimposition
Load
Combinations Linear combinations of load cases can When non linear behaviour of cable is
be made to compare truss force results. considered, superimposition of load cases
are ruled out and combined effect of loads
has to be considered.
Used for both cable bridges as well as It’s effective in case of cable bridges i.e.
General Usage for modelling struts and ties of general suspension and cable-stayed bridges,
bridges. where in large deformation effects can not
be neglected.
For preliminary design of the cable More detailed analysis may require cable
bridges we go for modelling of cables as elements be modelled. In this case
Usage in Cable
equivalent truss elements. The model is geometric non linear analysis has to be
Bridges
checked if the stiffness of the truss is carried and an elastic catenary behaviour of
sufficient to resist the initial Dead load. the cable is considered.
Why is the pre-stress elastic deformation

loss sometimes positive?
Relief in Elastic Deformation of member is reflected as positive
Prestress elastic deformation losses includes elastic shortening losses, which are caused
by subsequent loadings (self weight, live loads, creep, shrinkage, etc.) after the
prestressing force is applied.
With the passage of time,

tendons undergo relaxation
which results in reduction of
prestress forces and relief of
deformation of prestressed
member which underwent
shortening under prestress.
This relief in elastic deformation of member is reflected as a positive elastic deformation

loss as shown above in the tendon loss results table.
If the prestress load/stress application is done in subsequent stages or as per the actual
stressing sequence, then the elastic deformation loss would be negative as sequential
stressing results in axial deformation and prestress loss.
Why is there a Link while elements activated

in different construction stage are connected,
when graphically viewing the results?
At joint between two construction stages, sudden change in force

causes the Link.
In general for linear analysis, the principal of superimposition is applicable to get the
combined effects of load combinations. So is followed to combine results for different
construction stages.
From Main Menu select Analysis > Analysis Control > Construction Stage
To view the output for current stage, activate the option to ‘Save output for current stage’ in
the ‘Construction Stage Control Data’ dialogue box
Once that is done, perform the analysis and the results for summation of outputs as well
as current stage output could be checked as shown below
From Main Menu select Results > Deformations >

Derformed Shape
Such comparison is made for CS1 ( Construction Stage 1)

and CS2 for a box girder bridge. The displacements of
different stages are compared.
CS 1 – Final Displacement of node 1

(-2.06) mm
2
1
CS 2 – Current Stage Displacement of node 1 CS 2 – Final Displacement of node 1

(+1.06) mm (-2.06 + 1.06 = -1.00) mm
Since the node 2 is activated only in CS2, it has no initial displacement, and hence a kink
appears as shown in the image above.
How does the software consider beam

property changes with pre-stressing
tendon?
The option for beam property variation can be found in Analysis

Construction Stage Analysis Control Data  Beam Section Property
Changes.
If Change with tendon option is checked, the software considers section property as
detailed below:
- For unbonded tendons : The duct area is deducted from the concrete gross area
reducing the section property.
- For bonded tendons : The pre-stressing steel property is converted into an equivalent
concrete property as per the modular ratio and added with the concrete cross-section
property as shown below.
-
Initial Location of CG
Shifted Location of
CG
P – Pre-stressing Axial Force

Ast – Area of pre-stressing steel
Ac- Total Area of concrete section
With Just beam property,

Stress at top fibre generated by Prestress = P/Ac + P.e1/(I/Y1)
With modified beam property,

Stress at top fibre generated by Prestress = P/(Ac – Ast + m.Ast) + P.e2/(I-modified/Y2)
what is the basis of P-∆ analysis in midas Civil?

secondary moment from P-∆ analysis matches
with classical method calculation using actual
stress rather failure stress. why?
P-∆ analysis in midas Civil is a real-time displacement analysis, where-

in as per the actual load application deflection is calculated and the
stiffness matrix is modified accordingly.
The P-Delta analysis option in midas Civil is a type of Geometric

nonlinearity, which accounts for secondary structural behavior when axial and transverse
loads are simultaneously applied to beam or wall elements.
The flow chart for P-Δ analysis in midas Civil is given below
Input Analysis Model

Linear static analysis is
performed first for a given loading condition
Input Analysis Model
and then a new geometric stiffness matrix
Formulate Stiffness Matrix is formulated based on the member forces
or stresses obtained from the first analysis.
The geometric stiffness matrix is thus
Perform Initial Linear Static Analysis repeatedly modified and used to perform
subsequent static analyses until the given
convergence conditions are satisfied.
Formulate Geometric Stiffness Matrix
Virtually all design codes

Formulate Modified Stiffness Matrix
such as ACI 318 and AISC-LRFD specify
that the P-Delta effect be included in
Perform Linear Static Analysis structural analyses to account for more
realistic member forces.
Check for Convergence

NO The classical nominal
curvature method is used for the calculation
YES
of curvature (1/r) using design strain, for
Static Analysis Dynamic Analysis
calculating secondary moments
theoretically considering the design yield
Produce Analysis Eigenvalue
strain and factoring it by load correction
Results Analysis
factors. The additional moment obtained in
Midas are directly based on the actual
deflected shape of the member due to the applied loading. Thus comparing classical
method results calculated using actual stresses will yield results comparable with P-Δ
analysis results.
The deformations of master and slave

nodes of a rigid link are not exactly same.
Why?
The rotations of slave node must be the same as master node. But,
the translational displacements of slave node are not necessarily the
same as master node because the rotation of master node will affect
the translational displacements of slave node.
Rigid Body Connection constrains the relative movements of the maste

r node and slave nodes as if they are interconnected by a three dimensional rigid body. In
this case, relative nodal displacements are kept constant, and the geometric relationships
for the displacements are expressed by the following equations:
UXs = UXm + RYm ΔZ - RZm ΔY

UYs = UYm + RZm ΔX - RXm ΔZ
UZs = UZm + RXm ΔY - RYm ΔX
RXs = RXm
RYs = RYm
RZs = RZm
where, ΔX = Xm - Xs, ΔY = Ym - Ys, ΔZ = Zm - Zs
The subscripts, m and s, in the above equations represent a master node and slave node
s respectively. UX, UY and UZ are displacements in the Global Coordinate System (GCS)
X, Y and Z directions respectively, and RX, RY and RZ are rotations about the GCS X, Y
and Z-axes respectively. Xm, Ym and Zm represent the coordinates of the master node, a
nd Xs, Ys and Zs represent the coordinates of a slave node. This feature may be applied t
o certain members whose stiffnesses are substantially larger than the remaining structura
l members such that their deformations can be ignored. It can be also used in the case of
a stiffened plate to interconnect its plate and stiffener.
Sample calculation of displacements of a slave node calculated from the displacements of

master node for a sample load is given below:
Node DX (mm) DY (mm) DZ (mm) RX ([rad]) RY ([rad]) RZ ([rad])

Master -1.3725 -0.02404 -1.4286 -0.00022 0.05501 -0.00049
Slave X1 Y1 Z1 -0.00022 0.05501 -0.00049
ΔX (mm) ΔY (mm) ΔZ (mm)

Distance between slave and master nodes:
-210 0 550
X1 = -1.3725 + (0.05501) * (550) - (-0.00049) * (0) = 28.885 mm

Y1 = -0.02404+ (-0.00049) * (-210) - (-0.00022) * (550) = 0.20145 mm
Z1 = -1.4286 + (-0.00022) * (0) - (0.05501) * (-210) = 10.124 mm
Cable element is automatically transformed

to equivalent truss element for linear
analysis. What does this message imply?
A cable element is automatically transformed into an equivalent truss

element in the cases of linear analysis and is considered as an elastic
catenary cable element only in case of geometric nonlinear analysis.
Cable is a three-dimensional line element, which is

capable of transmitting only axial tension force.
Cables are inherently non-linear and the cable
element stiffness varies with internal tension forces.
This change in stiffness could not be captured with

linear analysis and hence a geometric nonlinear analysis is often required. To over come
this, midas Civil adopts the concept of Equivalent Truss Elements for linear analysis, which
incorporates stiffness change due to sag effects of cable as well.
The stiffness of an equivalent truss element is composed of the usual elastic stiffness and
the stiffness resulting from the sag, which depends on the magnitude of the tension force.
The following expressions calculate the stiffness:
𝐸𝐴
𝐾𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 =
𝐿
Truss Element
𝐸𝐴
Kcomb = 1
1
1
= 𝑤2 𝐿2 𝐸𝐴
𝐾𝑠𝑎𝑔 + 𝐾𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝐿 1+
12𝑇3
12𝑇 3
𝐾𝑠𝑎𝑔 =
where, 𝑤 2 𝐿3
E : modulus of elasticity
A : cross-sectional area
Cable as Equivalent Truss Element L : length
w : weight per unit length
In cable bridges, when we try to estimate cable
T : tension force
pretension using the ‘Unknown Load Factor’ function, we
formulate a linear model with cables modelled as
equivalent truss elements.
FAQ midas Civil ▶ Post-Processing
Why is the model showing reactions at all

the nodes, though support has not been
provided?
There could be two possible reasons for reactions being shown at

unsupported nodes.
1. Structure Type
In ‘Structure type’ option, X-Z Plane or Y-Z Plane or X-Y plane option is selected and loads
are applied in the third plane. For example X-Y plane is selected and loads are applied
along Z plane then all the nodes will be experiencing reactions in Z direction as the structure
is restrained in ‘Z’ direction. So for a multi dimensional load application ‘3-D’ Structure type
must be selected.
From Main Menu select Structure > Structure Type
2. No Boundary Change assignment for Settlement Load Cases
Settlement Loads have been defined in the model, but boundary change assignment is not
done for the same. So for all the static-load cases in post-construction, settlement will be
considered first and then static analysis will be carried out.
Definition of boundary change assignment can be done as shown below.
Go to Analysis  ‘Boundary Change Assignment’
1 3
1. Select all support related data

2. Select all permanent support boundary groups.
3. Give a name for boundary group combination and click on Add/Replace.
4. Select defined boundary group combination for Settlement Analysis
5. Check the option of constraining DOF associated with settlement.
6. Click OK to complete boundary change assignment
How to verify for the uplift due to moving

load and how to obtain the corresponding
vehicle positioning?
Activate the maximum displacement for the generated moving load

cases, to view the uplift. To know the corresponding vehicle position,
Moving Load Tracer option can be used.
Go to Results  Deformations  ‘Deformed Shape…’
1. For the moving load combinations (max case) check

the deformed shape in the direction of gravity (DZ) at
the support locations.
2. Positive value of DZ implies there is an uplift at that
support.
Alternatively, same could be checked by verifying the
Reactions at supports for
moving load combination (min
case).
To track vehicle position

causing the maximum uplift at
the particular node, Invoke
moving load tracer from
Results  Moving Load  Moving Trace

1. In the moving load tracer menu, select the appropriate
moving load case (max)
2. Enter the Key node, node with the maximum uplift.
Follow the same steps for reactions as well, except that

only support nodes could be selected as Key node.
NOTE: It is recommended to check the uplift results for

moving load combinations along with permanent load.
Clicking on ‘Write Min/Max Load to File’ option, generates a .mct file. Running the .mct file
using, Tools  MCT command shell, the said vehicle position is added as a static load
case to existing static load cases.
How to obtain vehicle position causing

Max./Min. force or moment on an element?
The moving load tracer option is used.
Go to Results  Moving Tracer  ‘Beam Forces/Moments…’

or ‘Plate Forces/Moments…’
Midas Civil directly provides the envelop of maximum hogging and sagging bending
moments for each element. However, at times it becomes necessary to investigate the
vehicle position causing the worst bending moment.
Depending upon the Line Lane or Surface Lane

assignment, Beam Forces/Moments or Plate
Forces/Moments respectively should be selected to view
the results
1. Select MV max load case for max hogging moment.
2. Click on the key element to input the element number
3. Location on the key element i.e ( i, ¼ ,… implying
whether at element’s ith end or quarter length of the
element etc.
4. Required Force/Moment components.
5. The value is displayed in a dedicated box besides
‘Maximum Value’
Similarly, to view the maximum sagging moment, select

the MV min Load case.
An image of the vehicle position could be saved for the

purpose of Dynamic Report Generation and could later be
added to the Analysis Report.
Clicking on ‘Write Min/Max Load to File’ option, generates a .mct file.

Running the .mct file using, Tools  MCT command shell, the
said vehicle position is added as a static load case to existing static
load cases.
midas Civil ▶ Post-Processing
Load Case .mct file to be used in MCT Command Shell
Paste the contents of the .mct file in this window

and click on Run
MCT Command Shell window
Since this would be added as a new load case to the existing load case, model has to be
re-analysis. The converted static load could be verified in the tree menu.
Why is dead load results of last

construction stage not matching with
dead load results in post CS?
1. Loads considered in Construction Stage and Post CS are different

2. Consideration of Locked in stresses
1. Loads considered in Construction Stage and Post CS are different
All the static loads (like element, line, nodal, etc. ) when activated in construction stage are
by default clubbed under, CS: Dead Load. Which implies, then results due to all these static
loads, self weight of structure, crash barrier load, wearing course load, etc. would be
displayed under CS: Dead Load case of last Construction Stage and not just the self weight.
On the contrary, in Post CS stage, the static load cases (say, ST: Dead Load) would
represent a user defined static load case, which might just include the self weight and hence
the difference.
But how to view the results of certain load cases separately within the Construction stages?
Add these load cases under ‘Load Cases to be distinguished from Dead Load for C.S
output’ box in the Construction Stage Analysis Control dialogue box as shown below.
Go to Analysis ‘Construction Stage Analysis Control’
2. Consideration of locked in stresses
Construction stage analysis would also incorporate the time dependent effects of creep,
shrinkage as well as compressive strength. The dead load calculations for elements
activated under construction stage, are based on the age of the concrete on the day when
the element is activated . However, in Post CS, the strength of concrete taken for the
particular element is that at the end of last construction stage.
Let us consider the simply supported beam loaded with 20kN/m. The maximum deflection
for the same could be calculated and compared, based on the age at which the beam is
loaded. Elastic Modulus of concrete is directly proportional to its compressive strength.
20 kN/m
20 m
The equation to calculate maximum deflection of simply supported beam with UDL is :
dmax = .
Also the maximum deflection is inversely proportional to Elastic Modulus of concrete. Hence,
later the age of loading, greater is the Elastic Modulus, and, lesser the deflection.
Now say, this beam has 2 construction stages of 3 days and 1000 days. So, defining the
static Dead Load case under the type ‘Construction Stage Load (CS)’ and activating it when
age of concrete is 3 days, Elastic Modulus of concrete at 3 days (E3) would be considered
for deflection calculation. However, checking the same in Post CS, Elastic Modulus
corresponding to the age, at the end of 2nd stage, i.e., 1003 is considered.
To eliminate such
issues, it is
recommended, the
loads which are to be
activated under
construction stage be
defined as Type
‘Construction Stage
Load (CS)’ as indicated
in the image to the right.
The result of Loads under type ‘Construction Stage Load (CS)’ could only be viewed in Post
CS on creating load combinations (even for single load case). The result however includes
time dependent effects, which is otherwise omitted for Static Load Cases (except Prestress).
How to obtain cross sectional stresses

for line element?
Stress Points have to be defined.
Go to Properties  Section Manager  ‘Stress Points…’
Stress points could be defined from,

Properties  Section Manager  Stress Points
Such additional stress points are displayed in blue as in image below.
Stress points could be generated at any position for the sections of types DB, PSC / PSC
Value, Tapered Section, Composite Section, General and Composite General Section. In
case of Composite Section, Stress Points can be defined only for Part2.
The results for these additional stress points could be checked using the beam detail
analysis option., which could be exported to excel. The option can be accessed from path
Results  Beam Element  ‘Beam Detail Analysis…’
Why are the pre-stress losses given by

midas Civil not matching with the manual
calculations?
The probable reasons are:

1. Improper definition of tendon property or tendon profile
2. Internal consideration of the software for pre-stress
calculation
3. Consideration of transformed concrete section
4. Consideration of time dependent properties of concrete
5. Sequence of pre-stressing considered
6. Prestressing force applied at one end or both ends
1. Improper definition of tendon property, tendon profile:
The common mistakes in this dialogue box are:
- Assigning inappropriate tendon material, improper tendon type.
- Duct diameters to be of adequate size for tendon area
- Consideration of relaxation, entries for friction as well as wobble coefficients and
the slip.
- Also, confirm the type of bonding of tendon with the duct.
- Improper tendon property,
- Incorrect number of assigned elements, curve type and reference axis selection
- Make sure to input coordinates based on reference axis selected, whether based
on element local axis or on global axis system or along a specified curve.
Curve type, Spline is selected, then the tendon

curve would pass smooth connecting the
entered coordinates i.e P1, P2, P3 and P4 as on
the figure to left. No abrupt change in angles at Spline curve
these locations.
Curve type, Round is selected, radius R has to
be entered. And this curve would have lines
P1-P2 and P2-P3 as tangents as shown in
figure to the right, where P1,P2 and P3 are the
coordinates entered. Unless R is 0, the tendon
won’t pass through P2.
Round curve
3. Internal considerations of software for
Prestress calculation:
Node Element
Internally midas Civil, divides the elements with
tendon profile assigned to it, into 4 parts and
the effects of Prestressing is calculated at a total Internal Tendon
of 5 points ( inclusive of i and j ends). So, when Profile
these divisions are not ending at locations
where the tendon profile is having a major
change in profile equation (Say, at the curvature
of a parabolic profile), then loss calculations Entered Tendon Profile
wouldn’t be at its most accurate value. Internal tendon profile
4. Consideration of transformed concrete section:

The manual calculations are in general, done considering the gross concrete section
properties. The variation in section property due to the tendon is neglected. Where as
midas Civil accounts for the change in property due to the presence of tendons and
considers an equivalent transformed section. However if this change in section property is
to be neglected, the same could be done under Analysis  Analysis Control 
Construction stage  Beam Section Property Changes as shown below:
Not to consider transformed section To consider transformed section
5. Consideration of time dependent properties of concrete:

To consider the time dependent effects such as variation in concrete compressive strength,
creep and shrinkage, appropriate parameters would have to be defined, linked with base
material and assigned
to appropriate elements (Say, only longitudinal
and not transverse). Also the time dependent
effects are to be considered in the construction
stage analysis control. For defining and linking
these parameters with base material, options as highlighted on the image is to be used.
Under Construction Stage analysis control  Time Dependent Effect Control

the effects of time
dependent behavior like,
creep, shrinkage,
internal creep calculation
steps, etc. could be
controlled. The
implications of common
options are explained
besides the image below.
To consider creep/shrinkage effects
To consider either creep, or

shrinkage or both
If user want’s to use their own creep

coefficients instead of auto calculation,
activate ‘Only user’s creep coefficient’.
The user defined coefficients for
elements are to entered under Loads 
Construction stage  C.S. loads 
Creep coefficient for construction stage…
To apply effect of creep and shrinkage

to tendons in model
To apply compressive strength

variation effects in tendon pretension
and consider the elastic shortening.
Elastic shortening when manually calculated is usually based on constant initial force.
Where in with the software, elastic shortening could be calculated with the force variation as
well, which might vary the software results as compared to manual calculations.
6. Sequence of pre-stressing considered:

The age of concrete during when the tendons are pre-stressed, the sequence of pre-
stressing etc. should be carefully assigned in the construction stage. For example, stressing
4 cables at the same instance yields different result as compared to stressing of each cable
with a small time gap.
To pre-stress the tendons in sequence, ‘Additional steps’ are to be defined in the Compose
Construction Stage dialogue box. The tendons can be stressed or the load group for each
tendon could be activates at these defined additional step time duration.
As highlighted in the image above, under step ( 1 ) define the additional steps for time
duration when a particular tendon would be stressed. Under step ( 2 ), the tendon’s pre-
stress load group is to be activated at the specified time step under the Load tab. Doing
so would yield different result as compared to having all
the 5 tendons stressed at the same instance.
7. Pre-stressing force applied at one end or both

ends:
Jacking force could be applied at both ends or only one
end. Providing inappropriate choice would lead to
different pre-stressing force application as compared to
what is intended and the results could vary from manual
calculations. This option is highlighted on the image to
the right.
Besides the above mentioned reasons, there can be

other manual input errors, like incorrect force value,
mistakenly entering ‘Stress’ values when the ‘Force’
option is selected and so on. With proper inputs and
assumptions, the software results and manual
calculations would greatly be comparable.
How to view the result table for

construction stages?
For viewing construction stage results, go to results and select any

construction stage and then go to Result Tables  Beam  Forces as
shown below.
1
3
Select any construction stage
Select the
relevant stage
Select the load-case to

be displayed in tabular
format
Why are the stresses not being displayed

for moving load cases in the results?
The stress calculation option is not checked in the moving load

analysis control data. Please follow the instructions given below for
changing the same.
Go to Analysis  ‘Moving Load Analysis Control Data’
Displacement of the structure looks

unrealistic. How can that be changed?
Usually, the deformations shown are not the real deformations, but
scaled up deformations.
The real deformations could be viewed by activating ‘Real Displacement’ under

Deformation Detail dialogue box.
Auto-Scale deformed shape
Deformed shape with Real Displacement option
Generally, the scaled up deformation makes it easier to verify or check for any abnormality
in the structure behaviour on applying load. If however one is interested in real
displacement or relative displacement, choose the corresponding options as indicated in the
image above.
This feature can also be used with other Forces & Moment components.
How to view the ultimate moment

capacity of PSC girder along with the
design moment?
To view the sufficiency of the Design, pictorial depiction to compare

Ultimate Moment/Shear capacity of the girder with the Design Force /
Moment is possible.
After performing the PSC design of the sections, under PSC tab  PSC Result Diagram,
the section capacity can be viewed in form of values or its capacity scaled up.
Capacity
Design Force/ Moment
As depicted in the image above, the required components and options can be chosen to
view the desired results. This is a very quick way of verifying if the section is over safe or
failing at certain locations.
How to view results of a particular load

case separately in construction stages?
For all the loads applied in construction stages, the results are
clubbed under a single loads case i.e. “Dead load” except for the
pre-stressing loads which are displayed under heads “Tendon
Primary and Tendon Secondary”.
If a particular load case results needs to be separated from “dead load case”, then it
needs to be segregated as shown below.
Go to Analysis ‘Construction Stage’
2
Load Case Name
Select
Maximum of 3 Load-cases can relevant load
be separated from “Dead Load cases
CS”
4
Maximum of 15 Load-cases can

be selected under one Load
Case head.
How to formulate load combinations for

construction stage results?
By default, the results of last construction stage will be available in

Load combinations in post-construction mode after completion of
analysis.
2
3 1
These load cases gives the

results for the last construction
stage from which the load
combinations could be made
If one wants to extract results for construction stages other than last construction
stage, then post-construction mode should be changed to that particular construction
stage and then goto Results Results Tables  Beam  Force…
2
3
location
for beam
results
Check the relevant Check relevant Construction

Input beam numbers
load cases stage/Step
Construction Stage-wise results are obtained for all selected load cases as shown below.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about midas Civil

Various display options

From Main Menu select View > Display Option (or )

1. Thickness of the plate element

2. To distinguish plate elements from beam elements

3. To show the outline of the Inactive elements

4. Display only to certain parts

5. Different colored elements depending on thickness

How to provide support at base of a

In cases where a superstructure is modelled without substructure, the

To define Node local axis

For details on other methods refer ‘Online help manual’

Node Local Axis could be viewed only for those nodes

To view the assigned node local axis, navigate to

How to define moving load for curved

How to generate uniform tapering

While an element is assigned with a tapered section and is divided

For the members, grouped in Tapered Section Group,

NOTE: Tapered sections defined by Value Type

How to copy tendon profile of one girder

From Main Menu select Load > Temp/Prestress >Tendon profile

• Increment of each corresponding element

3. New Assigned Elements

Warnings displayed during analysis that

These type of warnings during analysis, can be avoided by altering

From Main Menu select Analysis > Main Control Data

The number of iterations for load case convergence can be increased or

How to define more modes of vibration?

Under the Eigenvalue Analysis Control, the number of frequencies

Subspace Iteration method

Why are certain supports/links, though

This predominantly happens due to issues related to construction

This might happen when ,

To ensure proper analysis:

How to model bearings? How to rotate

Elastic Links are used to model bearings connecting the bridge

The image below on right, shows the elastic link

In case the exact stiffness values are

Bearings for Curved Bridges

Tangential to curve In line with Fix Support

How to create a composite PSC / RCC

Section Property Calculator (SPC) tool can be used to generate a PSC

The steps to generate the section:

7. Calculate the sectional properties of the composite section by clicking on

How to import PSC cable profile from

AutoCAD drawing format files need to be converted into DXF files

The steps are detailed in the page to follow :

1. Import the .DXF file which contains the tendon profile.

How to use the material properties defined

For importing material properties from an existing midas model, follow

From Main Menu select Properties > Material Properties

1. Click on ‘import’ and select the midas

If New ID option is selected, the

How to reduce the section capacity to

Section stiffness could be reduced or manipulated using the Section

How to import a section from an AutoCAD

For importing a section from an AutoCAD .dxf file, section property

1. Keep the units same as AutoCAD .dxf file.

3. Angle step is used to create line divisions of a

Select the whole section

8. For generating Line type section (generally used for

12. Go to Model > Section > Export