GP RM E FEM PreStressedPlateBridge EC.

RM Bridge
Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 1-1
FEM – Finite Element Method

Pre-Stressed Concrete Integral Plate Bridge
RM Bridge CONNECT Edition V10

April 2016
RM Bridge
Contents
1 The Basic Example ...................................................................................................... 1-5
1.1 The Structural System.......................................................................................... 1-5
1.2 Support Constraints ............................................................................................. 1-6
1.3 Cross-Section ....................................................................................................... 1-7
2 Lesson 1: Starting with the Geometrical Pre-Processor .............................................. 2-8
2.1 General ................................................................................................................. 2-8
2.2 Basics of FEM in RM Bridge .............................................................................. 2-9
2.3 Starting the Program .......................................................................................... 2-10
2.4 Creating a New Project ...................................................................................... 2-10
2.4.1 Starting A New Project .................................................................................. 2-10
2.5 Description of the Program Interface ................................................................ 2-13
2.6 Construction of the Axis .................................................................................... 2-13
2.6.1 Creating an Axis ............................................................................................ 2-13
3 Lesson 2: Definition of Cross-Section ....................................................................... 3-15
3.1 Basics ................................................................................................................. 3-15
3.2 Definitions ......................................................................................................... 3-16
3.2.1 Construction Lines (CL) ................................................................................ 3-16
3.2.2 Reference Point .............................................................................................. 3-17
3.2.3 Cross-Section ................................................................................................. 3-17
3.2.4 Cross-Section Elements ................................................................................. 3-17
3.2.5 Parts ............................................................................................................... 3-17
3.2.6 Control Points ................................................................................................ 3-17
3.3 Definition of the superstructure cross-section ................................................... 3-17
3.3.1 Definition of the Construction Lines ............................................................. 3-17
3.3.2 Cross-Section Elements ................................................................................. 3-21
3.3.3 Finite Element Mesh using Shell elements .................................................... 3-21
3.3.4 Bearing – Connection Points ......................................................................... 3-24
3.3.5 Integral Results – Predefinitions for post processing .................................... 3-25
3.3.6 Tendon position – Geometry points .............................................................. 3-27
3.4 Definition of the substructure cross-sections ..................................................... 3-32
3.4.1 Definition of the abutment cross-section ....................................................... 3-32
3.4.2 Definition of the pier cross-section................................................................ 3-33
RM Bridge
4 Lesson 3: Definition of tables and formulas .............................................................. 4-34

5 Lesson 4: Definition of Segments.............................................................................. 5-37
5.1 Definition of the Superstructure Segment - Plate .............................................. 5-37
5.1.1 Definition of the Structural System ............................................................... 5-37
5.1.2 Generating segment points ............................................................................ 5-38
5.1.3 Assigning element numbers ........................................................................... 5-39
5.1.4 Assigning tables to variables ......................................................................... 5-40
5.2 Definition of Substructure Segments ................................................................. 5-42
5.2.1 Definition of both Abutment Segments ......................................................... 5-42
5.2.2 Definition of Pier Segment ............................................................................ 5-44
6 Lesson 5: Finalized Data Preparation ........................................................................ 6-45
6.1 Connection between the Superstructure and Substructure ................................ 6-45
6.2 Connection between the Substructure and ground ............................................ 6-46
7 Lesson 6: Export to Analyzer .................................................................................... 7-48
8 Lesson 7: Tendon definitions .................................................................................... 8-51
8.1 Definition of the Tendon and Assigning Elements to the Tendon .................... 8-51
8.2 Definition of the tendon geometry..................................................................... 8-52
8.3 Definition of the Tendon Stressing Schedule .................................................... 8-53
9 Lesson 8: Load Manager ........................................................................................... 9-56
10 Lesson 9: Load Definition ....................................................................................... 10-57
10.1 Definition of the Load Cases for Self Weight ................................................. 10-57
10.2 Definition of Load Cases for Additional Loads .............................................. 10-58
10.3 Definition of Load Cases for the Tendons ....................................................... 10-60
10.4 Definition of Load Cases for Creep & Shrinkage ........................................... 10-60
11 Lesson 10: Definition of Construction stages. ......................................................... 11-61
11.1 Element activation ........................................................................................... 11-61
11.2 Calculation (Static) .......................................................................................... 11-61
12 Lesson 11: Definition of Additional Loads ............................................................. 12-63
12.1 Definition of Settlement Load Cases ............................................................... 12-63
12.2 Definition of Temperature Load Cases............................................................ 12-64
12.2.1 Uniform temperature load (-34°C and +27°C) ........................................ 12-64
12.2.2 Temperature gradient (+10°C and –5°C)................................................. 12-65
12.3 Insertion of a Construction Stage for the Additional Loads ............................ 12-66
13 Lesson 12: Superposition of Additional Loads ....................................................... 13-67
RM Bridge
14 Lesson 13: Definition of Traffic Loads ................................................................... 14-68

14.1 Traffic load ...................................................................................................... 14-68
14.2 Live Load in RM for FEM .............................................................................. 14-69
14.3 Definition of the Traffic Lines ......................................................................... 14-70
14.4 Definition of the Traffic Lanes ........................................................................ 14-71
14.5 Definition of the Load Trains .......................................................................... 14-73
14.6 Traffic calculation ............................................................................................ 14-74
15 Lesson 14: Post processing ...................................................................................... 15-77
15.1 3D Result presentation ..................................................................................... 15-77
15.2 Result presentation with Diagrams – RMSets ................................................. 15-79
16 Appendix.................................................................................................................. 16-83
16.1 Tables for variation of tendon points – tables from htab1 to htab5 ................. 16-83
16.2 Tables for variation of tendon points - tables from htab6 to htab10 ............... 16-84
16.3 Input for TCL – Tendon definition .................................................................. 16-85
RM Bridge
1 The Basic Example

A two span pre-stressed concrete integral plate bridge shown in the following picture will
be defined in this training example. The total length of the bridge is 66.0 m and has two
spans with lengths of 33.0 m and 31.0 m and 1.0 m overhang on both sides.
Figure 1-1: Pre-Stressed Concrete Integral Plate Bridge
1.1 The Structural System
1 33 31 1
29.95
1 33 31 1
6
6
7
0.5 0.5
0.6
Figure 1-2: Structural System

RM Bridge
 Axis in plan:
Part 1: straight line: Station: 0-66.0 m
 Axis in elevation:
Part 1.: straight line: Station: 0-66.0 m
 The numbering scheme is represented in the picture below.
101 102 103 104 … 114 115 116 117 120 121 … 130 131 132 133
10103 20103 30103
10102 20102 30102
10101 20101 30101
Figure 1-3: Numbering scheme (of master parts) for super- and substructure.
1.2 Support Constraints
29.95
3.1 23.75 3.1
3.1 11,875 11.875 3.1
0.5
1.2
6
29.95
29.95
3.1 23.75 3.1
3.1 11,875 11.875 3.1
0.5
1.2
7
1 21.75 1
23.75
Figure 1-4: Defined Support Constraints.

RM Bridge
1.3 Cross-Section
29.95
3.1 23.75 3.1
3.1 11,875 11.875 3.1
0.5
1.2
Figure 1-5: Plate Cross-Section
RM Bridge
2 Lesson 1: Starting with the Geometrical Pre-Processor
2.1 General
The items that are required for defining a structural system are briefly described in this in-
troduction to Modeler.
Definition:
 an axis (The geometry defining the road centre line layout)
 a segment (Different logical units of a bridge could be assigned to
the same segment. i.e. If the type of deck cross-section
changes (say T-beam to box girder) only one segment
is required)
 a cross-section (A typical concrete box section will be defined)
 the structural model (The complete structural model will be defined – ready
for load application and analysis using Analyzer)
The three-dimensional bridge axis (or alignment) is determined by the definition of the axis
in the ground plan and elevation plan.
The distance measured along the horizontal axis is called the station.
The portion of the axis that contains the bridge girder is sub-divided into segments.
The segments are sub-divided by segment points.
The cross-section is assigned to the segment.
The structural system of the bridge is defined by the axis together with the cross-section
and segment definitions.
The portions between segment points will be transformed into elements, and segment points
will be transformed into nodes when the data is exported to Analyzer.
The minimum requirement for a structural system comprises one axis, one segment and one
cross-section.
There are no limits for the maximum definition.
The current example consists of one axis, one 66.0 m long segment and a plate cross-
section as shown in Figure 1-5.
RM Bridge
2.2 Basics of FEM in RM Bridge

RM Bridge uses a hybrid FEM approach, which is an extension of the normal parametric
beam model based on two-dimensional FE meshes for the structure cross sections.
In the beam approach the model is created by first specifying the two-dimensional FE mesh
of the cross section at different stations. These cross sections are extruded between the sta-
tions to make up the three-dimensional model. Each beam is connected to a structural node
at its begin and end, and each node has six degrees of freedom (three for translation and
three for rotation). The beam represents a stiff connection between the two nodes, where
the stiffness depends on the geometry and material properties of the beam.
Figure 2-1: Beam model
In the FEM mode, the volume of a beam is called a FEM body, and the nodes are called the
master nodes of the body. The body is composed of one or more three dimensional FEM
elements which are created by extruding the elements of the original two-dimensional FE
mesh of the cross section. Depending on the type of the elements (plate, wall, shell or vol-
ume) additional degrees of freedom must be introduced into the model. They are represent-
ed by so-called FE nodes.
Figure 2-2: FEM model

RM Bridge
2.3 Starting the Program

The program installation must be completed before any work can be started. The instal-
lation procedure automatically creates the following icon on the desktop:
2.4 Creating a New Project
The input screen shown in Figure 2-3 appears following the selection of the RM icon.
Figure 2-3: Program window.
2.4.1 Starting A New Project

In order to start a new project, a new working directory must be created. Go to
File/Change Work Directory.
RM Bridge
Figure 2-4: Changing working directory.

 Create a new directory by selecting the desired directory path and clicking on the
‘Make New Folder’ button.
 Create a directory called ‘TRAINING1’ for this example. The directory structure cho-
sen for the work in this manual is C:\WORK\.
 Choose the <OK> button to accept the displayed directory as the active project directo-
ry.
The active working directory is now defined. To continue we have to initialize current
project (see figure below). With this action the program creates new empty database.
Figure 2-5. Initialize Current Project.
In next few steps, by pressing the <Next> button, the user can:
 Define the basic project information

RM Bridge
 Select the Standard1

 Select Material group
 Select and modify Units
 Change Modeler and BrIM options
By clicking on the <OK> button, the input is confirmed.
Figure 2-6. Initializing Current Project.
1
This example is prepared according EN. However, the example is not code dependent. The only code
dependent selection is the material assignment. To run the prepared training example (from the train-
ing window) with a non EN licence, the standard has to be changed before running the calculation.
RM Bridge
2.5 Description of the Program Interface

General menus:
Calculation Messages, Windows Explorer, Errors and Warnings, Windows Calculator, Configured Editor, TDV Plot
file browser, Free hand symbols, TDV Setup, Print plot a file, Program help
Symbol group for switching between list and

graph view, axis construction and delete last
axis element.
Menu-tree structure
Zoom-Functions
Figure 2-7. Main program interface.

The centre-region for the graphical display will be blank (apart from the cross-hair cur-
sor) at the start of a new project.
Note: By pressing the F1 button a help window, corresponding to the actual window
you are in, will pop up.
2.6 Construction of the Axis

The geometry of an axis is defined by a series of axis elements. These elements, in plan
view, are straight lines, clothoids (spirals) and arcs. The axis, in elevation, is construct-
ed from straight lines, parabolas and arcs.
2.6.1 Creating an Axis

To create axes double click on the ‘Axes’ in the Menu-Tree structure. In the pop up
window define a new axis as shown in Figure 2-8.
RM Bridge
Figure 2-8: Insert a new axis.

 In our case the axis is completely straight. To avoid several steps the “straight” check
button will be activated and the length can be defined as shown in the Figure below.
Figure 2-9: Create straight axis.
The active axis is automatically created and displayed in the axis management window.
It is possible also now to add any axis element to the axis if needed.
Figure 2-10: Axis in plan and elevation view.

RM Bridge
3 Lesson 2: Definition of Cross-Section
3.1 Basics
The cross section has to be defined in order to prepare finite elements analysis. Shell
elements will be used for the cross-section mesh for all cross-sections (deck, abutment
and pier). Let us consider the principle of finite element meshing in RM first.
The meshing in RM is bridge analysis oriented. It means that we want to be able to
evaluate at the same time the corresponding forces in a virtual model that will be asso-
ciated to the mesh model.
29.95
3.1 23.75 3.1
3.1 11,875 11.875 3.1
0.5
1.2
Figure 3-1: Superstructure cross-section.
 Create a new cross-section by double clicking Cross Sections in the menu bar.
 A pop-up window appears for the new cross section. Accept the default name Cross1.
 Click <OK> to create the new cross-section.
The new cross-section will be immediately listed and automatically selected in the
cross-section list window.
 Be aware that you look at the cross-section against axis direction!

RM Bridge
Delete unused construction lines Element type selection
Parallel translation (click right

for other construction line types)
Linear 4-point element (click

right for other element functions)
Length dimensioning (click right

for other dimensioning types)
Grid function – Creating

geometry points
Area and line integral results –

FEM result presentation
Reference point an intersection

point (click right for other
reference point types)
Reference point an intersection

Creat
pointstiffener at for
(click right element
other edge
reference point types)
Creat link (e.g. truss)
Basic construction
lines CL1 and CL2 Axis reference point
Layer-Function Reference set Active Part/List of Active

definitions parts Varible/Constant
Figure 3-2: Input window for cross-section.
3.2 Definitions
3.2.1 Construction Lines (CL)

Construction lines are defined by clicking the button parallel translation (click right for
other construction line types) at the top left hand side of the window (see figure above).
Each construction line (CL) is drawn in relation to at least one other construction line or
to one of the two default construction lines ‘CL1’ and ‘CL2’.
RM Bridge
3.2.2 Reference Point

The intersection point of the two default construction lines ‘CL1’ and ‘CL2’ (normally
on the axis of the bridge, is used as the reference point for the assignment of the cross-
section.
3.2.3 Cross-Section
The geometry of a cross-section is defined by connecting intersection points of con-
struction lines to outline the cross-section elements. Each cross-section is partitioned
into elements.
3.2.4 Cross-Section Elements

Cross-section elements are also constructed by connecting intersection points of CL’s.
An element comprises a two-dimensional, three or four-sided polygon enclosed by the
intersecting CL’s. The sides of the cross-section elements must not intersect. The direc-
tion of input has no effect on the result.
3.2.5 Parts
Elements of the cross-section with different properties can be grouped into parts. For
example, these parts can be used for composite cross-sections. In the current example
the cross-section consists of one part.
3.2.6 Control Points

Certain points within the cross-section such as reinforcement points, stress check points
and temperature points can be assigned.
3.3 Definition of the superstructure cross-section
3.3.1 Definition of the Construction Lines
Firstly, two new CL’s will be constructed which have an offset of 11.875 m from the
center to the left and right side.
 Enter the offset value of ’11.875’ directly in the ‘constant’ field. This offset value
will be used for all other operations on CL’s until it is changed or a variable is de-
fined from the variable list!
 Select the parallel translation button

 Click onto the vertical axis as the reference CL.
RM Bridge
 Click on the left side of the axis where the new CL with an offset of 11.875 meters
should be placed.
Prompts advising on the next required action are printed in the status line in the lower
part of the screen.
Construct the second CL similarly:
 Click onto the vertical axis as the reference CL.
 Click on the right side of the axis where the new CL with an offset of 11.875 should
be placed.
The two new CL’s are displayed in the graphic screen as shown in figure below.
Figure 3-3: Construction line input screen with first two new CL’s.
 Construct additional construction using parallel translation CL type as show in pic-

ture below.
RM Bridge
3.1 3.1
11.875 11.875
0
1.2
Figure 3-4: Construction line input screen with required construction lines.
Construct four more construction lines to define the top plate surface. For that change
the CL type from parallel translation to absolute angle CL (right click on the CL defi-
nition).
 Select the absolute angle

 Enter the angle value (slope) of ‘2.5%’ directly in the ‘constant’ field.
 Before the creation of the ‘CL’ its recommended to change the color of the line (to
have a better overview)
 Click onto the ‘CL1’ and ‘CL2’ intersection point and the new ‘CL’ is created.
 Repeat the same procedure only with negative slope (-2.5%).
RM Bridge
Figure 3-5. Construction line input screen with required construction lines.
The same procedure has to be repeated on both sides to define the both overhangs.
 Select the absolute angle

 Enter the angle value (slope) of ’-3.5%’ (left overhang) directly in the ‘constant’
field.
Before the creation of the ‘CL’ it´s recommended to change the color of the line (to
have a better overview)
 Click onto the ‘CL3’ and ‘CL8’ (see picture below) intersection point and the new
‘CL’ is created (‘CL16’).
 Repeat the same procedure only with positive inclination (3.5%) and the different
intersection point (‘CL4’ and ‘CL9’) on the other side.
Figure 3-6: Definition of the inclination of the left and right overhang.
To define the thickness of the outer overhang edge a new ‘CL’ has to be defined.
RM Bridge
 Select the Parallel translation relative to a point

 Enter the offset value of 0.5 m directly in the ‘constant’ field.
 Click on one horizontal line (not important which one, it is only a reference line
which defines the angle of the new line)
 Click onto the intersection point of ‘CL5’ and ‘CL10’ or ‘CL6’ and ‘CL11’; (see pic-
ture above)
 Click below of the intersection point to define the side (position) of the new ‘CL’.
3.3.2 Cross-Section Elements

Once the construction line definition is complete the cross-section elements can be en-
tered. Here both, beam and FE, meshes will be generated.
First beam mesh will be generated using standard procedure.
 Click on the four element points 1, 2, 3 and 4 to define the left overhang as shown in
the figure below. The newly defined element is displayed on the screen, and the part
number (number ‘1’ in the case) is plotted at the center of the element.
Figure 3-7: Definition of a beam-FE element.

 At the same principle other beam-FE elements need to be generated.
Now the FE mesh using shell elements can be generated. It would be possible to gener-
ate FE mesh without previous generation of the beam-FE mesh. The advantage of this
approach is that the program will automatically compute the thickness of shell elements.
3.3.3 Finite Element Mesh using Shell elements

RM Bridge
To generate a Shell FE element there were several function implemented which are ex-
plained below.
Generation of a shell element relative to a node of a Beam-FE element or rela-

tive to an intersection point of two CL
- if clicked on a middle edge node:
o the thickness of the shell element is automatically taken from the el-
ement
o the thickness direction can be perpendicular to the shell plane (default
setting); if holding SHIFT (keyboard button) while clicking the
thickness direction will be aligned with element edge
- if clicked on an intersection point
o the thickness will be taken from value defined in the input field for
constants (left-bottom corner) or from the active variable
o the thickness direction is in this case always perpendicular to the
shell plane
Changing the direction of shell element. Per default it is always from first defini-
tion point to the second definition point.
Alignment of the thickness of a shell element relative to a construction line
Alignment of the thickness of a shell element relative to a Beam-FE element.
Alignment of the thickness direction of a shell element relative to a Beam-FE

elements edge.
Alignment of the thickness direction of a shell element perpendicular to shell

element.
Automatic subdivision of one shell element into several shell elements

- per default the number of shell elements is increasing: one click = one addi-
tional shell element
- if SHIFT is hold while clicking, the number of shell elements is decreasing:
one click = one shell element less
Changing the position of the automatically generated FE nodes. FE Nodes can

be placed at both edges and in the middle of the Shell element.
 Click with right mouse button on the “element button”

RM Bridge
 Choose “shell element”

 Click (and hold shift) on the left middle edge node of first (most left) Beam-FE ele-
ment to defined starting point of shell element
 Repeat this on the right edge to define the end point of the shell element
 At the same principle other Shell elements must be generated
Note: The end point of certain Shell element is automatically also a starting point of the
subsequent shell element if the acion (generation of shell elements) is not “canceled”
(by “ESC” button or right mouse click)
The two middle Shell elements must be subdivided
 Select “Automatic subdivision”

 Click 3 times on both Shell elements to split each into 4 Shell elements
At the end you have to get the following definition of the cross-section in modeler. To
check that everything is well defined you can add dimensions (it is recommended to
draw the dimensions at the corresponding ‘CL’ in a different layer).
Figure 3-8: Finished definition of the FE mesh.

RM Bridge
3.3.4 Bearing – Connection Points

Define the additional points for the connection between the main girder and the support.
 Add a reference set of type Connection points named ‘ConnPoint’ and activate it.
Figure 3-9: Definition of new reference set ‘ConnPoint’.
 Select ‘Reference point at an intersection point’, to create a Connection-Point be-

tween the main girder and the pier.
 Click the middle intersection point so that the connection point ‘CP0’ will be defined
at the middle of the bottom surface.
Figure 3-10: Definition of connection point ‘CP0’.

RM Bridge
3.3.5 Integral Results – Predefinitions for post processing
3.3.5.1 Basics
In RM Bridge two different integral result types can be defined:
- Area integral result
- Line integral result
Figure 3-11: Graphical presentation of Area Integral (top) and Line Integral Result (bottom).
3.3.5.2 Definition of the Line integral results

Line integral results will be defined as shown in the picture above. Generally it is not
necessary to generate Line Integrals as they are automatically computed at each side of
the Shell element.
RM Bridge
 Click on the line integral result button and follow the program instructions.
A new window opens where it is possible to:

 modify the integral result number
 give a name to each integral result
 to group different integral results together
in one or more groups
 see what has to be done (3 steps)
Figure 3-12: Integral Result
Properties window.
In this example the default numbering will be used, and no
additional names or groups will be created.
 Select the first element (left overhang) and to confirm the selection click on the right
mouse button.
 Click first on the right bottom element node and then on the right top element node,
and to confirm click on the right mouse button.
The graphical presentation of the steps described above is shown in pictures below. Re-
peat the same procedure for all other shell elements.
Figure 3-13: Selection and conformation (left mouse click) of the first element.
Figure 3-14: Creation of the Line integral result on the right side of the overhang element.
RM Bridge
3.3.5.3 Definition of the Area integral result.

Here will be introduced how to define an Area integral result.
 Click on the area integral result button and follow the program instructions.
 Select the first (overhang) element and to confirm the selection with
click on the right mouse button.
 There is nothing further needed for the definition of the area integral re-
sults.
The screen for the cross-section definition should now be as shown in the figure below.
At the definition of the Line integral results, the program creates automatically a new
reference set and assigns a certain integral result number to the corresponding element.
The reference set type is Integral result (line) and the name is Int“number”. The num-
bering is ascending staring with “01”.
At the definition of the Area integral results, the
program assigns only a certain integral result num-
ber to the corresponding element. To see the inte-
gral result numbers (of an Area or Line integral
result) select the overhang element and click on
modify.
There are 2 different integral results defined for this
element – 1 Line IR (#1) and one Area IR (#2).
To look at the Line IR we have to look at the edges.
That is why the edge button has to be selected – for
this element the edges line integral is defined at
Edge3. To look at the Area IR the Element button
has to be selected. The number of Area IR is 2.
Figure 3-15: Element window.
3.3.6 Tendon position – Geometry points
Because the bridge is modeled with FEM, we cannot simplify the tendon geometry as
we can when the bridge is modeled with the beam theory. Basically all tendons have to
be modeled – a detailed tendon plan has to be defined.
In this example the method with geometry points will be used. This means that the posi-
tion of each tendon at a certain station will be defined by a certain geometry point. Also
the vertical variation will be modeled. This will be done by combining variables and
tables.
RM Bridge
In this example 53 tendons have to be defined. All the tendons are grouped into 10
groups – 10 different tendon variations.
In the following steps it will be shown how to prepare all necessary tendon points
grouped correctly together. The tendons are grouped together through 10 different vari-
able horizontal lines.
12 14 16 18 20 22 24 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53
13 15 17 19 21 23 25 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
1000 1000 1000 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 1000 1000 1000
Figure 3-16: Cable – anchor – positions at the abutments.

First step is to define 10 variables and then 10 horizontal construction lines. The refer-
ence line for all these lines is the construction line which defines the bottom plate sur-
face.
 Click on the drop down menu near to the ‘constant field’ .

 A new window opens
 Leave the default name: Var1
 And change the (dummy2) value to 3.0 m
 Description is not needed but recommended
 Using the same principle, define 9 more variables where the value rises by 0.5 m per
variable (from 3 to 7.5).
The screen for the variable definition should now be as shown in the figure below.
Figure 3-17: Variable list.
 Create now 10 horizontal ‘CL’ (parallels) for each variable with reference ‘CL7’ (see
Figure 3-4) above the cross-section (above the ‘CL7’).
 Also here it is recommended to change the color and layer.
2
With the dummy value the ‘CL’ is drawn. The right value is defined with the assignment of values de-
fined an a table.
RM Bridge
Now the vertical construction lines have to be defined

with the spacing as shown in Figure 3-19.
 First create the vertical lines on the left side of the CS –
in total this means 19 ‘CL’
 Spacing for the first line is 0.512/2 m (if this expression
is typed in the Constant field the program will compute
the value automatically)
 For the next 15 ‘CL’ the spacing is 0.512 m and for the
last 3 the spacing is 1.0 m
Figure 3-18: Adding new variable.
 The spacing is the same for the lines at the right side.
Note that the ‘CL’ in the picture below are drawn in a different layer, and the FEM ele-
ments are also assigned to the same layer. In that way the view and the definition are
clearer.
Figure 3-19: Prepared ‘CLs’ for the definition of geometry points-tendon points.
Now everything is prepared for the definition of geometry points. The first step is to
create a new reference set. The type of the reference set is Geometry points and the
name can be TendPoint.
Figure 3-20: Definition of a Reference Set for the definition of the Tendon points.
Click ok and activate this reference set. Now the geometry points can be defined. Create
first the points on the left side as shown in Figure 3-21 and the points on the right side as
shown in Figure 3-22.
RM Bridge
Figure 3-21: Definition of geometry points - tendon points on the left side.
RM Bridge
Figure 3-22: Definition of geometry points tendon points on the right side.
RM Bridge
This is the last thing that has to be defined for the definition of the superstructure cross-
section and at the end it should look like it is shown in the picture below.
Figure 3-23: Modeler cross-section for the superstructure – plate.
3.4 Definition of the substructure cross-sections

The next step is the definition of the substructure cross-sections. For that two different
cross-sections have to be defined – one cross-section for abutment and another one for
pier. Both will be modeled with FEM elements.
The procedure is the same as before and the subdivision in the z-direction will be the
same as for the superstructure cross-section.
3.4.1 Definition of the abutment cross-section
First the cross-section for the abutment will be defined.

 Create a new cross-section by right clicking on the Cross Sections in the menu bar
and clicking on New Cross Section
 A pop up window appears for the new cross section. Accept the default name Cross2.
 Click <OK> to create the new cross-section
 Create the first 4 vertical ‘CLs’ same as for the previous cross-section (see Figure 3-3
and Figure 3-4)
 Create now two horizontal ‘CLs’ (one above and below the ‘CL1’) with an offset of
0.25 m (=0.5m/2)
 Same as before create now normal Beam-FE mesh
 At the same principle as before create now Shell mesh (same subdivision)
 At the end create one connection point in the middle of the cross-section (intersection
point between ‘CL1’ and ‘CL2’)
 For self-checking it is recommended to add some dimensions.
RM Bridge
Figure 3-24: Modeler cross-section for the abutments.
3.4.2 Definition of the pier cross-section
The pier cross-section is a bit different; it varies with height and its narrow than the
abutment cross-section
 Create a new cross-section by right clicking on the Cross Sections in the menu bar
and clicking on New Cross Section
 A pop up window appears for the new cross section. Accept the default name Cross3.
 Click <OK> to create the new cross-section
 Create first a variable with the name ‘Pier_W’ and value 11.875m (see 3.3.6).
 Activate this variable and create the first 2 vertical ‘CL’ on both sides, where the ref-
erence line is ‘CL2’ – same as for the first cross-section (see Figure 3-3)
 Create now two horizontal ‘CLs’ (one above and below the ‘CL1’) with an offset of
0.25 m (=0.5m/2)
 Same as before create now normal Beam-FE mesh
 At the same principle as before create now Shell mesh (same subdivision)
 At the end create one connection point in the middle of the cross-section (intersection
point between ‘CL1’ and ‘CL2’)
For self-checking it is recommended to add some dimensions.
Figure 3-25: Modeler cross-section for the pier.

RM Bridge
4 Lesson 3: Definition of tables and formulas
The superstructure cross-section contains 10 variable dimensions, and the pier cross-
section contains 1 variable dimension. Each variable is currently defined by a dummy
value. It is necessary to define a table for each variable dimension so that the program
can apply the variation to the cross-section. A value must be defined for each position
(station) along the axis – these values will replace the dummy value.
To start with the definition, click on Tables and Formulas in the navigation tree. A pop
up window appears. First the table for the variation of the pier width will be defined.
Give the new table a name ‘Pier_W_tab’.
The variation is defined in the bottom list. To add a new table

item click on the ‘New item’ button. The input for ‘Variable
A’ is the station value on the axis, and the input for ‘Variable
B’ is the appropriate variable for this station.
The desired type of interpolation between two points can be
selected by clicking the arrow symbol in the pop up window.
Note that the interpolation is defined from the current point to Figure 4-1: New table item.
the next point.
 Click on the ‘New table item after this’ button .

 Type in: Variable A: -7.0; Variable B: 10.875
 Hit <OK> to confirm the input, a new line will appear in the bottom list for the table
‘Pier_W_tab’.
 Complete the table as shown below.
Figure 4-2: Input for the ‘Pier_W_tab’ table and the end diagram.
Now create 10 empty tables with default names (htab1, htab2, … htab10).
RM Bridge
 Click on the ‘New item’ button , leave the default name and hit <OK>
 Repeat this 10 times.
Figure 4-3: Tables for the tendon variation and for the pier width variation.
To simplify the table input, previously defined tables (see appendix) will be used. This
means that the values for each table will be copied from the table in appendix and past-
ed in to the ‘.tab’ files. To create these files click on the ‘Save all tables’ button below
the table definition (see picture above).
To see the created ‘.tab’ files click on the ‘Windows explorer” button . This will au-
tomatically open the project directory.
Figure 4-4: Working directory with the ‘htabi.tab’ files.

Now each ‘htabi.tab’ file has to be separately modified – the values in the tables defined
in the appendix have to be copied (entire column except the first row where the name of
the table is written) to each htabi.tab file. After the modification click on ‘Load all ta-
bles’ button (see Figure 4-3).
RM Bridge
Figure 4-5: Finished definition of tables – using copy-paste principle and Save-Load all tables button .
RM Bridge
5 Lesson 4: Definition of Segments
5.1 Definition of the Superstructure Segment - Plate

The structural system in this example comprises an integral pre-stressed concrete plate,
throughout the length of the bridge. Only one segment therefore needs to be defined to
identify the location of the bridge deck on the axis.
 Activate the segment list by clicking on ‘Segments’ to open the ‘Segment manage-
ment window’.
Enter a segment name, a segment type and choose the appropriate axis (Axis 1) in the
pop-up window.
Figure 5-1: Definition of the new segment.

The new segment is immediately displayed in the segment list.
 Subsequent operations on segments will refer to this segment. The active segment
will be displayed in the lower part of the main window.
5.1.1 Definition of the Structural System

The next step in Modeler is the definition of the structural system. The structural system
consists of structural elements, nodes, cross-section properties and material properties.
Several segment points can be generated in each segment, and each segment point is
identified by its station value. The structural system is defined by creating a node at
each segment point, generating a structural element between each two neighboring
nodes and storing the appropriate cross-section information for each structural element.
RM Bridge
5.1.2 Generating segment points
 Click on Segments in the navigation tree to open the window for the definition of
structural data. The table is blank, as no segment points have been defined yet
Figure 5-2: Segment Input window.
 Select the ‘insert’ button to open the input table for segment points and choose
the option Insert segment points.
 Follow the input (in 4 steps) as it is shown in the pictures below.
Figure 5-3: Segment point input window.

 Steps are used in order to get the appropriate segmentation (at 1.0 m a segment point
is needed to define the first abutment, then at 34.0 m to define the pier and at 65.0 m
to define the second abutment)
 Confirm by selecting <OK>.
 Check that the system has generated all 67 stations up to station value 66.0 m as
shown below by scrolling to the end of the list.
RM Bridge
Figure 5-4: Subdivision of the superstructure segment.
5.1.3 Assigning element numbers
 Click on the ‘Parts’ button
 Click ‘Edit part’ button

 Assign a material to seg1’. The actual material
“properties” associated with this material
name will be added at a later stage in analyzer.
The material name for this example is
‘EN_Eurocode:C30/37’.
 An element group can be assigned. The ad-
vantage of this is that later on in analyzer you
can refer to this element group when plotting
results.
 The element numbering system should start at
element 101 and should go from node 101 to
node 102. All these elements will be defined
with a step of 1.
 Click also ‘Apply modeling’ and ‘FEM’ to
Figure 5-5: Element attribute definition.
make a FEM model. If this is not done, then a
normal beam model.
 By clicking <OK> the definitions will be accepted.
RM Bridge
 With this step only the master element (with master node) was numbered. That is why
the FE nodes have to be numbered in additional step.
 Click ‘Automatically renumber all parts of the segment’ button .

 Because of the previously defined numbering of the master segment, the default input
values in this window are already acceptable.
 Click <OK>
Figure 5-6: Automatically numbering of master part and FE nodes.
This action automatically numbers all FE parts. The numbering step between the parts
is 100 and between the stations is 1. Scroll through the stations to see how the num-
bering changes.
5.1.4 Assigning tables to variables
 Click on Segments in the navigation tree to open the window for the definition of
structural data.
 Press the variable – button to see all the variables which have been set in the cross
section.
The two lists on the bottom (see Figure 5-7) represent the variables of the segment ei-
ther at the beginning (left list) or at the end of the element (right list). The different ta-
RM Bridge
bles and formula (see chapter 4) need to be linked to the variables set in the cross sec-
tion. (htab1, htab2, htab3, …).
Figure 5-7: List of all defined variables (at the moment dummy values).
Click on the ‘Edit variables’ button or just double click on one of the variables .
Figure 5-8: Modification of segment point variables.
 Set From Point to 1 and To Point to 34 to modify all

stations.
 Click ‘Var1’ in the left listing.
 Open the defined table window (under ‘Expression’)
 Click on ‘htab1’ for the Expression.
 Use (sg) as extension. (returns the global station at the
segment point)
 Confirm by clicking <Append>.
 Repeat this procedure for all other variables.
 Click <ALL->> to switch the expressions to be included
in the right listing as well.
Figure 5-9: Table assignment.
The window switches back to the previous view (‘List of

RM Bridge
segment points’). It is possible to check the changes of values in the variable listing by
scrolling down the upper listing. The current value corresponding to the defined tables
is interpolated for each station.
Figure 5-10: Assignment of tables to defined variables.
To see and check the segment definition click on the ‘Browse cross section’ button .
To browse between the stations click on one of the browsing buttons .
Figure 5-11: Brows cross-section view.

As the picture above shows, the geometry points are not anymore “out” of the cross-
section because of the dummy values of the variables. They are in the cross-section be-
cause the dummy values were replaced with the values from predefined tables.
5.2 Definition of Substructure Segments
5.2.1 Definition of both Abutment Segments

The procedure for the definition of the abutment is basically the same. The first and
essential difference is that the Type of the abutment segment is not a ‘Main Girder’, but
rather the type is ‘Pier’ which has to be positioned to the right “Reference segment” and
at the right position. This is done in the first step – creation of new segment.
RM Bridge
 Right click on the ‘Segments’ in the

Tree menu and then click on New
Segment.
 Change the Name to: Abut1
 Change Type to: Pier
 For the reference segment select the
previously created segment: Seg1
 The longitudinal position of the
abutment is at 1.0 m – this is Seg-
ment Point 2
 The transversal position of the pier
relative to the reference segment is Figure 5-12: Definition of Pier (Abutment) segment.
defined with the Connection Point –
in our case ‘CP0’
The next steps are:

 add segments points and assign the abutment cross-section (Cross2)
 number the master part (do not forget to activate FEM modeling)
 number the FE parts
See picture(s) below.
Figure 5-13: Creating segment points and numbering of the master part and FE nodes.
Because the second abutment has the same Cross-section and height (same segmenta-
tion) we will use the copy function when the definition of the abutment is complete.
RM Bridge
5.2.2 Definition of Pier Segment

The definition of the pier follows the
same procedure as the definition of the
abutment segments.
 Right click on Segments and choose
New Segment
 Change the Name to: ‘Pier’
 Change the Type to: ‘Pier’
 Reference segment is ‘Seg1’
 Change the longitudinal position: Seg-
ment point 17 (at 34.0 m)
 Connection point: ‘CP0’
 Click <OK>
Figure 5-14: Definition of Pier (Abutment) segment.
The next steps are:

 add segment points and assign the pier cross-section (Cross3)
 number the master part (do not forget to activate FEM modeling)
 number the FE parts
Figure 5-15: Creating segment points and numbering of the master part FE nodes.
The width of the pier changes with the

height. This is the reason why a variable
was defined in the Pier cross-section
(Cross3). Now a table (‘Pier_W_tab’)
has to be assigned to this variable using
the same principles as before.
Figure 5-16: Assignment of tables to defined variables.

RM Bridge
6 Lesson 5: Finalized Data Preparation
6.1 Connection between the Superstructure and Substructure

Because this is an integral bridge, the connection between ‘Piers’ and ‘Main girder’
segments has to be rigid. In RM the rigid connection is defined from the “Pier’ segment
to the “Main girder”.
To define the rigid connection, go to the first abutment (Abut1) segment and click on
connections. The rigid connection has to be defined on the top of the abutment (Point 4;
Station 0.0)
 Select the ‘insert’ button in the

lower list and click ‘New Rigid Con-
nection’
A new window opens. The window
shows which segments will be connected
(left and right), on which position (sta-
tion) and which parts.
In this step:
 We connect Abut1 and Seg1 (Abut-
ment 1 and Plate)
 Position – Segment point at Abut1 is 4
 To rigidly connect all overlapping FE
nodes at the joint of super and sub- Figure 6-1: Adding rigid connections.
structure the option ‘Automatic connection of FE nodes’ needs to be selected.
At the same principle the rigid connection between segments ‘Pier’ and ‘Seg1’ (Main
girder) needs to be generated.
Figure 6-2: Adding rigid connections.

RM Bridge
6.2 Connection between the Substructure and ground

The connections between the Substructure and ground will be defined in this step. There
are two ways to model them. Each FE node can be connected to ground through a 0-
Spring. This would be necessary if we have a soft ground with possible differential set-
tlements.
Another way (which is used in this example) is to use only one 0-Spring in the middle
of the pier (abutment) and then program automatically connects all FE nodes to this 0-
Spring using rigid connection.
Connection between the first abutment and the ground will be created. To do that, go to
the first abutment – Segment ‘Abut1’ and click on connections. The 0-Spring has to be
defined at the bottom of the abutment (Point 1; Station -6.0).
 Select the ‘insert’ button in the lower list and click

‘New Spring-0’
 Give a number to the spring – Element: 10000
 Choose Connection point: ‘CP0’ – It’s only one that can
be selected; if there are more connection points the right
one has to be selected.
 The node will be defined by the part, and the spring will
connect to the Part 1
 Under constants the DOF can be defined – in this case the
default values will be taken
 To confirm the input click <OK>
Figure 6-3: Definition of Spring-0.
The same procedure has to be followed for the definition of the connection between the
ground and the pier. Follow the input as is shown in pictures below. Note that all the
connections are defined at the bottom – Segment point 1.
Figure 6-4: Definition of Spring-0 ‘Pier’ segment.

RM Bridge
With this step the definition of both supports is fin-

ished. To define the third support, Abutment at the
end of the bridge, the definition of the first Abutment
can be copied.
 Right click on segment ‘Abut1’and choose Copy

Pier
 Change the Name of the segment to ‘Abut2’
 Change the Segment Point from 2 to 33 (= at 65 m)
 Click on the button ‘Extended’ (in the bottom left
corner)
 Follow the input as it is shown on the picture Figure 6-5: Definition of Spring-0.
 To confirm the input click <OK>(twice)
Now the model definition is finished. The 3D View should now look as shown in the
picture below.
Figure 6-6: 3D View in Modeler.

RM Bridge
7 Lesson 6: Export to Analyzer
To export all of the data click on the Recalc/M button and select the Recalc options as
shown in picture below.
To create a model for the analysis, click
on the Create model button. Below this
button 3 options can be selected as it is
shown on the right picture. Because no
data exists yet in the analyzer it is not
important which option is selected, but
in other cases it is important.
If the first option is chosen the all exist-
ing ‘modeller’ data (structure) in the
Analyzer will be kept or overwritten
Figure 7-1: Modeler recalc window.
with the new (changed) data from Mod-
eler.
If the second option is selected, then all the structure data and structure depending data
(e.g.: activations, ...) will be deleted, and the structure will be once again exported.
The third option deletes all the data defined in Analyzer and makes a new Modeler ex-
port.
After the recalculation, switch to Analyzer window. The 3D View should now look as
shown in the picture below.
Figure 7-2: 3D View in Analyzer.

RM Bridge
Figure 7-3: 3D View in Analyzer; Master nodes (Black circles), FE nodes (Blue circles), Area integrals (Red
circles) and Line integrals (Green circles).
Figure 7-4: 3D View in Analyzer; Rigid connections between Abutment and Plate (Blue circles).
RM Bridge
Figure 7-5: 3D Connection to ground (Spring-0; Green circle) and rigid connections between FE nodes and
master node (Black circles).
RM Bridge
8 Lesson 7: Tendon definitions
In the following chapter definitions for the structure will be done. In Modeler most of the
definitions are already done. The only definition that is missing is the specification of the
tendon layout for the structure and the corresponding stressing procedure.
In this example 53 tendon groups will be defined. The detailed tendon geometry was
modeled already in the geometric preprocessor – modeler. In the analyzer only the ten-
dons have to be created. Then the elements have to be assigned, and the geometry has to
be defined. The definition of the geometry will be very simple in this step due to the
predefined geometry – the tendons only have to be assigned to the corresponding geom-
etry point.
8.1 Definition of the Tendon and Assigning Elements to the Tendon

In this step the tendon material will also have to be assigned to the tendons. To be able
to select the material in the tendon definition, the material has to be imported from the
default databases.
 Go to Tree menu and then to Configuration/Load Default Properties
 Select the appropriate Material Group: EN_Eurocode
 Click on the material: Strands-1640/1860
 Click on the Copy button
Figure 8-1: Importing the material form Default databases to the Project databases.
Now the tendons can be created. Follow the procedure described below.
RM Bridge
 Open the list for the definition of tendons under Structure/Tendons/Element Assign-
ment
 Select the append button in the top list to open the input window for the tendon
definition. Here the basic tendon properties will be defined (see picture below).
 Select the append button in the bottom list to assign ALL elements to previously
created tendon – the tendon goes through all elements (see picture below).
8.2 Definition of the tendon geometry

Now the tendon geometry can be defined. For that, go to Structure/Tendons/Geometry.
 Select the append button in the bottom list to open the input window for the ten-
don geometry definition. Here the input is as shown in picture below. In all elements
(from 101 to 133) the tendon is relative to the cross-section point with no eccentrici-
ties. The angles (Alpha1 and Alpha2) are free (calculated by the program automati-
cally) and are calculated relative to the CS points.
Select the append button ‘Add. Point for last element’ to define the position of the
tendon at the end of the bridge (end of element 133 – x/l=1).
Figure 8-2: Tendon definition; Creation of the tendon, Element assignment and Tendon Geometry definition.
RM Bridge
8.3 Definition of the Tendon Stressing Schedule

After the tendon geometry is defined the tendon stressing procedure can be set. To do
that, go to Schedule/Stages/Tendon actions/Top Table, click on the append button (4
times) and define the stressing procedure as is shown in pictures below.
Figure 8-3: Definition of the stressing procedure – stressing on both sides (with wedge slip).
Figure 8-4: Definition of the stressing procedure.
If you click on the ‘i’ button you will get the following picture of the of the force
in the tendon over the whole tendon length.
Figure 8-5: Tension force in the first tendon.

RM Bridge
Using the same principle, all other tendons have to be defined. The only thing that
changes is the number of the tendon and the geometry point (number of the GP). To
avoid the ‘hand input’ we will use TCL programming (see TCL script guide and TCL
script commands). The idea is to export only the tendon definitions and tendon
stressing actions (see picture below) and make a loop over this definition.
Figure 8-6: Export properties.
Make a TCL export as is shown in the picture above. Then open the file and modify it
as is shown in the appendix (the content in appendix can also be simply copied to the
file). After the modification, import the file (Add to project), and the tendon defi-
nition is finished. To see the tendon geometry, the project has to be recalculated. See the
recalculating options in the picture below.
RM Bridge
Figure 8-7: Recalc options.
Figure 8-8: 3D Tendon geometry.

RM Bridge
9 Lesson 8: Load Manager
The following actions can be completed with the ‘Load Manager’.

 An individual loading case can be defined so that, after calculation, its results
are automatically added to 1, 2 or 3 other load cases.
 An individual loading case can be defined so that, after calculation, its results
are automatically combined into 1, 2 or 3 envelopes.
 The loading cases and envelopes that are being added or combined into, must be
defined prior to this ‘Info’ action.
Loading cases and envelopes are set up (initialised) using the ‘LcInit’ function. Instead
of using the LcInit function an automatic initialization of the load cases can be done by
activating the check box ‘Init Load Manager’ in the ‘Recalc’ pad.
All the actions on loading cases and envelopes are started from Schedule Load Def-
inition.
Schedule Load info SW SDL PT
Input for the Load
Load case I SW-SUM SDL-SUM PT-SUM
Manager
Load Definition State  Total  Total  Total
Load case II SUM SUM SUM
Load Manage-
State  Total  Total  Total
ment
Load case
- - -
III
Top table State - - -
Envelope I - - -
Comb I - - -
Envelope II - - -
Comb II - - -
Envelope III - - -
Comb III - - -
The final creep loading case is CS-INF and should not be added to the total summation
loading case (SUM) as it is necessary to have the final creep and shrinkage effects sepa-
rate so that the structure can be checked after construction (before final creep and
shrinkage) with live loading and other loading combinations and at the time infinity
with live loading and other combination.
RM Bridge
10 Lesson 9: Load Definition
Several loads can be combined into one ‘Load Case’ or one ‘Load Set’, and several
Load Sets can be combined into one Load Case.
The loading in Analyzer is defined in the same way as it would be without FEM
 Select  Schedule Load Case Definition to start the loading definitions.
 Select the append button in the upper table to open the input window.
10.1 Definition of the Load Cases for Self Weight

Three separate Loading cases are defined. One for the self-weight of the plate, another
for the self-weight of both abutments and the last one for self-weight of the pier
SW-
Schedule Name SW-Plate SW-Pier
Abutments
Definition of Load
Type Permanent Permanent Permanent
Cases
Load Case Def-
Load Manag. SW SW SW
inition
Self weight
Self weight Self weight
Description of both
of plate only of pier
abutments
Top table
Num-
Schedule. SW-Plate SW-Abutments SW-Pier
ber
 Uni-
Load-  Uniform  Uni-  Uniform
form
Definition of Load ing load form load load
load
Cases
Self Self
Self weight Self weight
Load Case Def- weight as weight
Type as load an as load an
inition load an as load
mass mass
mass an mass
From 101 10101 30101 20101
Bottom table To 133 10106 30106 20107
Step 1 1 1 1
Rx 0 0 0 0
Ry -1 -1 -1 -1
Rz 0 0 0 0
Gam
0 0 0 0
[kN/m3]
RM Bridge
10.2 Definition of Load Cases for Additional Loads

The superimposed dead loads look as is shown in the picture below.
21.4 kN/m 6.3 kN/m 6.3 kN/m 21.4 kN/m

2.4 kN/m² 2.4 kN/m²
0.5
0.5
13.5 13.5
Figure 10-1: Super imposed dead loads.

First the asphalt load will be defined. As is shown in the Figure 10-1 the asphalt is over
the full width of bridge except for two meters in the middle and on the overhangs.
Ignoring that, the asphalt load will be defined over full width of the bridge. Then other
loads (weight of the concrete sidewalks,…) will be defined, but not with the full weight.
Internally this load is distributed on all Master and FE nodes of the structure as is shown
in picture below.
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Figure 10-2: Internal load distribution.
Schedule Name SDL-A SDL-L

Definition of
Type Permanent Permanent
Load Cases
Load Case Definition Load Manag. SDL SDL
Superimposed Dead
Superimposed Dead
Description Loads – Left Side
Loads - Asphalt
Walks + Barriers
Top table
Schedule Name SDL-R SDL-M

Definition of
Type Permanent Permanent
Load Cases
Load Case Definition Load Manag. SDL SDL
Superimposed Dead Superimposed Dead
Description Loads – Right Side Loads – Middle Side
Walks + Barriers Walks + Barriers
Top table
RM Bridge
Schedule. Number SDL-A SDL-L

Definition of Load Loading  Uniform load  Uniform load
Cases Load Case Def- Uniform concentric Uniform eccentric
Type
inition element load element load
From 101 101
Bottom table To 133 133
Step 1 1
Qx 0 0
Qy -2.4 -6.6875
Qz 0 0
Global  
Local
Ey 0 0
Ez 0 -13.5
Local 
Local + ey 
Local + ez
Real length  
Load mult. by

CS width
Load/Unit
length
User Area Dz=3.2
Schedule. Number SDL-R SDL-M

Definition of Load Loading  Uniform load  Uniform load
Cases Load Case Def- Uniform eccentric Uniform concentric
Type
inition element load element load
From 101 101
Bottom table To 133 133
Step 1 1
Qx 0 0
Qy -6.6875 -6.3
Qz 0 0
Global  
Local
Ey 0 0
Ez 13.5 0
Local 
Local + ey 
Local + ez
Real length 
Load mult. by
CS width
Load/Unit
length
User Area Dz=3.2 Dz=2.0
RM Bridge
10.3 Definition of Load Cases for the Tendons
The calculation of pre-stressing effects will be divided into 3 different groups. This is
done so that the results of an asymmetric load on the finite element structure can be ob-
served. We will adopt the following grouping definition
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
12 14 16 18 20 22 24 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53
13 15 17 19 21 23 25 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
1000 1000 1000 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 512 1000 1000 1000
Figure 10-3: Tendon Groups.
Schedule Name PT1 PT2 PT3

Type Permanent Permanent Permanent
Insert Load Set
Load Case Def- Load Man-
PT PT PT
inition ager.
Top table
Schedule Number PT1 PT2 PT3

Define Load Sets Loading  Stressing  Stressing  Stressing
for the Tendons Load Case Def- Tendon Tendon Tendon
Type
inition stressing stressing stressing
From 1 12 43
Bottom table To 11 42 53
Step 1 1 1
 Increment  Increment  Increment
Type
Force Force Force
10.4 Definition of Load Cases for Creep & Shrinkage

For the creep and shrinkage calculation only one empty (dummy) Load Case has to be
created – only final creep and shrinkage will be calculated. This is a dummy load case
that has to be created for load management and post processing.
Schedule Number CS-INF

Insert Load Case Type Permanent
Load Case Definition Load Info 0
Top table
RM Bridge
11 Lesson 10: Definition of Construction stages.
11.1 Element activation
 Open the construction schedule input window with  Schedule Stages Activa-
tion.
The entire ‘activation plan’ for the bridge construction is summarized in this window.
The upper table displays a list of all the construction/activation stages. The lower table
lists all the elements that are activated in the selected construction stage
In this example no real construction sequence will be modeled and calculated. All ele-
ments will be activated in one stage. The different age of the concrete (superstructure
and substructure) will be taken into account through the input of the concrete age in the
activation step.
 Select the (upper) append button to open the input window for the construction
stage definition. Insert the construction stage name ‘STG’ and the description – ‘All
in one’ here.
 Select the (lower) append button to open the input window for element activa-
tion/deactivation.
 Activate elements for stage 1 as is shown in the following table.
Schedule Activate     
Input Active Ele-
Deactivate     
ments to Stage 1
Stages From 101 10101 20101 30101 10000
To 133 10106 20107 30106 30000
Activation Step 1 1 1 1 10000
Age 14 42 42 42 0
Bottom table ts 2 2 2 2 0
11.2 Calculation (Static)
 Open ‘Schedule’ \ ‘Stages’ \ ’Schedule Actions’. The upper table contains a list of the
defined construction stages. The lower table contains a list of the actions assigned to
the selected construction stage.
 Select the append button in the lower table and add the following actions.
RM Bridge
Input the Schedule Action Calculation (Static)

Calculation Type Calc
(Static) for Stages
Inp1 SW-Plate SW-Abutments SW-Pier
Stage 1
Inp2 - - -
Inp3 - - -
Schedule
Out1 - - -
Actions
Out2 * * *
Bottom table Delta-T 0 0 0

Calculation Type Stress Calc Calc Calc GROUT
(Static) for Stages
Inp1 - PT1 PT2 PT3 -
Stage 1
Inp2 SL1 - - - SL1
Inp3 - - - -
Schedule
Out1 - - - - -
Actions
Out2 * * * * *
Bottom table Delta-T 0 0 0 0 0

Calculation Type Calc Creep
(Static) for Stages
Inp1 SDL-A SDL-L SDL-R SDL-M 5
Stage 1
Inp2 - - - - -
Inp3 - - - - -
Schedule
Out1 - - - - -
Actions
Out2 * * * * CS-INF
Bottom table Delta-T 0 0 0 0 10000
RM Bridge
12 Lesson 11: Definition of Additional Loads
12.1 Definition of Settlement Load Cases
Schedule Name LC-S-A1 LC-S-A2 LC-S-A3

Type Non-permanent Non-permanent Non-permanent
Definition of
Load
Load Cases
Load Definition Manag- - - -
er
De- Settlement of
Settlement of Settlement of
scrip- second abut-
first abutment pier
tion ment
Load Case
Top Table
Num-
Schedule LC-S-A1 LC-S-A2 LC-S-A3
Definition of ber
Settlement Load-
 Actions on the elements ends
Load Cases ing
Load Definition Type Element end displacements
From 10000 20000 30000
Load Case To 10000 20000 30000
Step 1 1 1
Bottom Table Vx [m] 0 0 0
Vy [m] 0.01 0.01 0.01
Vz [m] 0 0 0
Direc-
 Global  Global  Global
tion
Rx
0 0 0
[Rad]
Ry [m] 0 0 0
Rz [m] 0 0 0
Where  Begin  Begin  Begin
RM Bridge
12.2 Definition of Temperature Load Cases
Schedule Name LC-TU-1 LC-TU-2 LC-TG-1 LC-TG-2

Non- Non- Non- Non-
Definition of Type
permanent permanent permanent permanent
Load Cases
Load
Load Definition -. - - -
Manager
Uniform Uniform
Tempera- Tempera-
Descrip- tempera- tempera-
ture gradi- ture gradi-
tion ture load - ture load
ent +10K ent -5K
-34°C +27°C
Load Case
Top Table
12.2.1 Uniform temperature load (-34°C and +27°C)
Definition of Schedule Number LC-TU-1

Temperature Loading  Initial stress/strain
Load Cases Load Definition Type Uniform temperature load
From 101 10101 20101 30101
Load Case To 133 10106 20107 30106
Step 1 1 1 1
Bottom Table Alpha 1°e-5 1°e-5 1°e-5 1°e-5
DT-G [°C] -34 -34 -34 -34
DT- Y [°C] 0 0 0 0
H-Y [m] 0 0 0 0
DT- Z [°C] 0 0 0 0
H-Z [m] 0 0 0 0
Definition of Schedule Number LC-TU-2

Temperature Loading  Initial stress/strain
Load Cases Load Definition Type Uniform temperature load
From 101 10101 20101 30101
Load Case To 133 10106 20107 30106
Step 1 1 1 1
Bottom Table Alpha 1°e-5 1°e-5 1°e-5 1°e-5
DT-G [°C] +27 +27 +27 +27
DT- Y [°C] 0 0 0 0
H-Y [m] 0 0 0 0
DT- Z [°C] 0 0 0 0
H-Z [m] 0 0 0 0
RM Bridge
12.2.2 Temperature gradient (+10°C and –5°C)
Definition of Schedule Number LC-TG-1 LC-TG-2

Temperature Load Loading  Initial stress/strain
Cases Load Definition Type Uniform temperature load
From 101 101
Load Case To 133 133
Step 1 1
Bottom Table Alpha 1°e-5 1°e-5
DT-G
0 0
[°C]
DT- Y
10 -5
[°C]
H-Y [m] 0 0
DT- Z
0 0
[°C]
H-Z [m] 0 0
RM Bridge
12.3 Insertion of a Construction Stage for the Additional Loads
Definition of the Schedule Name AddCalc

Required Con- Description
struction Stage Stages
Calculation of additional loads
Activation
Top Table
Insertion of the Schedule Action  Calculations (Static)

Calculation Ac- Type Calc
tions to the Con-
struction Stage Stages Inp1 LC-TU-1 LC-TU-2 LC-TG-1 LC-TG-2
100
Inp2 - - - -
Inp3 - - - -
Schedule Actions Out1 - - - -
Out2 - - - -
Delta-
Bottom Table 0 0 0 0
T
Action  Calculations (Static)

Type Calc
Inp1 LC-S-A1 LC-S-A2 LC-S-A3
Inp2 - - -
Inp3 - - -
Out1 - - -
Out2 - - -
Delta-T 0 0 0
RM Bridge
13 Lesson 12: Superposition of Additional Loads
Definition of the Schedule Name AddSup

Required Con- Description
struction Stage Stages
Superposition
of the addi-
Activation
tional loads
Top Table
Schedule Action LC/Envelope action

Insertion of the
SupAd-
Calculation Ac- Type SupInit SupOrLc SupInit
dLc
tions to the Con-
Temp- Temp-
struction Stage 101 Stages Inp1 - -
unif.sup unif.sup
Inp2 - LC-TU-1 LC-TU-2 -
Inp3 -
Temp- Temp-
Schedule Actions Out1 - -
unif.sup grad.sup
Out2 - - - -
Bottom Table Delta-T 0 0 0 0
Action LC/Envelope action

SupAd- SupAddS SupAnd- SupAddS SupAnd-
Type SupOrLc SupInit SupInit
dLc up Sup up Sup
Temp- Temp- Temp- Temp- Temp- Temp-
Inp1 - -
grad.sup grad.sup 1.sup 1.sup 2.sup 2.sup
Temp- Temp- Temp- Temp-
Inp2 LC-TG-1 LC-TG-2 - -
grad.sup unif.sup unif.sup grad.sup
Inp3 - - - 1,1 0.35,0.35 - 1,1 0.75,0.75
Temp- Temp-
Out1 - - - - - -
1.sup 2.sup
Out2 - - - - - - - -
Delta-T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Action LC/Envelope action

Type SupInit SupAddSup SupOrSup SupInit SupAddLc SupAndLc SupAndLc
Inp1 - Temp.sup Temp.sup - Settle.sup Settle.sup Settle.sup
Inp2 - Temp-1.sup Temp-2.sup - LC-S-A1 LC-S-A2 LC-S-A3
Inp3 - - - - - - -
Out1 Temp.sup - - Settle.sup - - -
Out2 - - - - - - -
Delta-T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
RM Bridge
14 Lesson 13: Definition of Traffic Loads
14.1 Traffic load

The traffic load with which the bridge will be loaded is according to the EN 1991-2. Not all
load positions will be modelled in this example. Only two load positions will be taken into
account. The bridge will be loaded as shown in the picture below.
Figure 14-1: Traffic load definition according EN 1991-2.
- 1st lane Tandem load 2x300kN (axial load) and distributed load of 9kN/m2
- 2nd lane Tandem load 2x200kN (axial load) and distributed load of 2.5kN/m2
- 3rd lane Tandem load 2x100kN (axial load) and distributed load of 2.5kN/m2
- Remaining area distributed load of 2.5kN/m2
1. Variant
150 kN 150 kN 150 kN 150 kN
150 kN 150 kN 150 kN 150 kN
100 kN 100 kN 9.0 kN/m² 9.0 kN/m² 100 kN 100 kN
2.5 kN/m² 2.5 kN/m²
2. Variant
150 kN 150 kN 150 kN 150 kN
100 kN 100 kN 100 kN 100 kN
50 kN 50 kN 50 kN 50 kN
9.0 kN/m² 2.5 kN/m² 2.5 kN/m² 9.0 kN/m²
Figure 14-2: Traffic load position according EN 1991-2 transversal position – wheel loads.
RM Bridge
14.2 Live Load in RM for FEM

When FEM is chosen for modelling of the structure, not only the influence lines but also
influence surfaces are needed. Because of this, in addition to the Traffic lanes and Load
Trains (as usual), some Traffic Lines have to be defined.
The influence surface will be built from different ‘profiles’. Each profile is a Traffic Line
along the trace of one FE node along the bridge:
Figure 14-3: Traffic lines defined at each node.

From these ‘profiles’ a surface is interpolated.
Figure 14-4: Integration of influence lines - influence surfaces.

The Traffic lines define the position of the Load Train. RM Bridge will position the Load
Train at the worst position and integrate the values from the influence surface.
Figure 14-5: Positioning of Load Trains.

RM Bridge
14.3 Definition of the Traffic Lines

Eleven Traffic Lines will be defined – one for each node. In the future this step will be au-
tomated. More Lines can be defined if more detailed calculation (integration in the trans-
versal direction) is necessary.
Define 11 lanes from 101 to 111. We have to indicate that all these lines are related to the
same Surface. They actually define that surface. For that reason we enter a surface number
in the definition of the lane.
Figure 14-6: Definition of Traffic Line.
Schedule Number 101 102 … 111

Definition of Output-
- - … -
Lanes File
Load Definition Info-File - - … -
Surface 100 100 … 100
Traffic Lanes Offset 0 0 … 0
Descrip-
Line 1 Line 2 … Lane 11
tion
Top Table
Figure 14-7: Line Eccentricities.
Now the lines are prepared. To define the eccentricities MACRO2 will be used. Follow the
input as is shown in the tables below.
RM Bridge
Schedule Lane 101 102 103 104

Definition of the
Macro Macro2 Macro2 Macro2 Macro2
Lanes by Mac-
Eccen- EYel EYel EYel EYel
ros Load Definitions
tricity EZel EZel EZel EZel
El-from 101 101 101 101
Traffic Lanes El-fo 133 133 133 133
El-step 1 1 1 1
Bottom Table ey [m] 0 0 0 0
ez [m] 0 -14.975 -11.875 -8.90625
Phi 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Ndiv 1 1 1 1
Lane 105 106 107 108 109 110 111

Macro Macro2 Macro2 Macro2 Macro2 Macro2 Macro2 Macro2
Eccen- EYel EYel EYel EYel EYel EYel EYel
tricity EZel EZel EZel EZel EZel EZel EZel
El-from 101 101 101 101 101 101 101
El-fo 133 133 133 133 133 133 133
El-step 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
ey [m] 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ez [m] -5.9375 -2.96875 +2.96875 +5.9375 +8.90625 +11.875 +14.975
Phi 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Ndiv 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
14.4 Definition of the Traffic Lanes
The position of the Load Train is defined with Traffic Lane. First the input for the 1. variant
will be shown (see Figure 14-2).
10.938 10.938
8.5 8.5
5.5 5.5
2.5 2.5
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Figure 14-8: Lane eccentricities.
RM Bridge
Schedule Number 1 2 3 4
Definition of
Output-File - - - -
Lanes
Load Definition Info-File - - - -
Surface 100 100 100 100
Traffic Lanes Offset 0 0 0 0
Description ez=-10.938 ez=-8.5 ez=-5.5 ez=-2.5
Top Table
Number 11 12 13 14
Output-
- - - -
File
Info-File - - - -
Surface 100 100 100 100
Offset 0 0 0 0
Descrip-
ez=10.938 ez=8.5 ez=5.5 ez=2.5
tion
Schedule Lane 1 2 3 4
Definition of the
Lanes by Mac-
ros Load Definitions
El-from 101 101 101 101
Traffic Lanes El-fo 133 133 133 133
El-step 1 1 1 1
Bottom Table ey [m] 0 0 0 0
ez [m] -10.938 -8.5 -5.5 -2.5
Phi 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Ndiv 1 1 1 1
Lane 11 12 13 14
El-from 101 101 101 101
El-fo 133 133 133 133
El-step 1 1 1 1
ey [m] 0 0 0 0
ez [m] 10.938 8.5 5.5 2.5
Phi 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Ndiv 1 1 1 1
RM Bridge
14.5 Definition of the Load Trains
Six different Load Trains have to be defined for this example (see Figure 14-1).
1. Load train - 2x300 kN axial load (150 kN wheel load)

2. Load train - distributed load of 9kN/m2
4. Load train - distributed load of 2.5kN/m2 (on 3 m width)
6. Load train - distributed load of 2.5kN/m2 (on 1.875 m width)
Schedule Number 1 2 3
Definition of Fact-min 1 1 1
Load Trains Load Defi-
Fact-max 1 1 1
nitions
Location - - -
Load Trains LM1 - L1 - LM1 - L2 - LM1 - S3 - 2*100
Description
2*300 kN 2*200 kN kN
Top Table
Number 11 23 4
Fact-min 1 1 1
Fact-max 1 1 1
Location - - -
LM1 - L1 - 9.0 LM1 - L2&3 - 2.5 LM1 - L4 - 2.5
Description
kN/m2 kN/m2 kN/m2
Definition of Schedule Load Train 1 2

Load Train Q (kN/m) - - - -
Properties Load Definitions qu (kN/m2) - - - -
wu (m) -300 -300 -200 -200
F(kN) 2 2 2 2
wc (m) 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
dl (m) 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
dt (m) - - - -
AASHTO - - - -
LRFD - - - -
Free length 0 0 0 0
Load Trains l-from 0 0 0 0
l-to 1.2 0 1.2 0
Bottom Table l-step 0 0 0 0
RM Bridge
Load Train 3 11 23 4
Q (kN/m) - - - - -
qu (kN/m2) - - -9.0 -2.5 -2.5
wu (m) - - 3.0 3.0 1.875
F(kN) -100 -100 - - -
wc (m) 2 2 - - -
dl (m) 0.4 0.4 - - -
dt (m) 0.4 0.4 - - -
AASHTO - - - - -
LRFD - - - - -
Free length - -   
l-from 0 0 - - -
l-to 1.2 0 - - -
l-step 0 0 - - -
14.6 Traffic calculation

To calculate the traffic loads two different commands have to be used in the schedule ac-
tions. The first is ‘Infl’ where the influence lines are calculated, and the second is
‘LiveL’ with which a Load Train is combined with a Load Lane. Eventually calculated su-
perposition files (combining of the lane with train) will have to be superimposed. Follow
the input for the traffic calculation as is shown in the tables below.
Definition of the Schedule Name TrafficCalc

Required Con- Description Calculation of
struction Stage Stages Traffic Loads
Activation
Top Table
Insertion of the Schedule Action  Calculation (Static)

Calculation Ac- Type Infl Infl Infl Infl Infl Infl Infl
tions to the Con- Stages Inp1 101 102 103 104 105 106 107
struction Stage Inp2 - - - - - - -
102 Inp3 - - - - - - -
Schedule Actions Out1 - - - - - - -
Out2 * * * * * * *
Bottom Table Delta-T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Action  Calculation (Static)

Type Infl Infl Infl Infl Infl Infl Infl Infl Infl Infl Infl Infl
Inp1 108 109 110 111 1 2 3 4 11 12 13 14
Inp2 - - - - - - - - - - - -
Inp3 - - - - - - - - - - - -
Out1 - - - - - - - - - - - -
Out2 * * * * * * * * * * * *
Delta-T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
RM Bridge
Action LC / Envelope action

Type SupInit
Inp1 - - - - - - -
Inp2 - - - - - - -
Inp3 - - - - - - -
Out1 T1-L4.sup T11-L4.sup T2-L3.sup T23-L3.sup T3-L2.sup T23-L2.sup T4-L1.sup
Out2 - - - - - - -
Delta-T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Type LiveL
Inp1 4 4 3 3 2 2 1
Inp2 1 11 2 23 3 23 4
Inp3 - - - - - - -
Out1 T1-L4.sup T11-L4.sup T2-L3.sup T23-L3.sup T3-L2.sup T23-L2.sup T4-L1.sup
Out2 - - - - - - -
Delta-T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Type SupInit SupAndSup
Inp1 LeftS.sup
T11- T23- T23- T4-
Inp2 T1-L4.sup T2-L3.sup T3-L2.sup
L4.sup L3.sup L2.sup L1.sup
Inp3 - - - - - - -
Out1 LeftS.sup - - - - - - -
Out2 - - - - - - -
Delta-T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Type SupInit
Inp1 - - - - - - -
Inp2 - - - - - - -
Inp3 - - - - - - -
T11- T23- T23- T4-
Out1 T1-L14.sup T2-L13.sup T3-L12.sup
Out2 - - - - - - -
Delta-T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Type LiveL
Inp1 4 4 3 3 2 2 1
Inp2 1 11 2 23 3 23 4
Inp3 - - - - - - -
T11- T23- T23- T4-
Out1 T1-L14.sup T2-L13.sup T3-L12.sup
Out2 - - - - - - -
Delta-T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
RM Bridge

Inp1 RightS.sup
T1- T11- T2- T23- T3- T23- T4-
Inp2
L14.sup L14.sup L13.sup L13.sup L12.sup L12.sup L11.sup
Inp3 - - - - - - -
Out1 RightS.sup - - - - - - -
Out2 - - - - - - -
Delta-T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Inp1 - Var1.sup Var1.sup
Inp2 - LeftS.sup RightS.sup
Inp3 - - -
Out1 Var1.sup - -
Out2 - * *
Delta-T 0 0 0
The same procedure has to be repeated for the second variant. This means that first the lanes
for the second variant (different eccentricities) have to be created, and then the calculation has
to be repeated using the same principle as above (same trains but new lanes). Note that the lines
do not have to be calculated again.
RM Bridge
15 Lesson 14: Post processing
15.1 3D Result presentation

Both Load Case and Superposition results can be seen in the 3D View. To see the results in
the 3D view, right click viewing window and select result options.
Figure 15-1: Result options.

Now the result options can be chosen. As is shown in the picture above, in the 3D View
Displacement, Stresses and Forces can be shown for the Load Case results and also for the
Superposition results.
Beside the selection of wich results to display (as shown above) also the way how to repre-
sent them is possible to be set. This is done by right click in viewing window and selecting
diagram options.
Figure 15-2: Result options.

RM Bridge
Figure 15-3: Result presentation in 3D view – Longitudinal Bending Moments for ‘SW-SUM’ Load Case.
Figure 15-4: Result presentation in 3D view – Displacements for ‘SDL-R’ Load Case.
At the very same principle can be results seen also under Results/Load Cases – FE and Re-
sults/Envelopes – FE. The difference is that the results can be seen for each body and that
besides the 3D view also numbers can be seen.
RM Bridge
15.2 Result presentation with Diagrams – RMSets
With the diagrams (RM-Sets) several results can be represented 2

- all moments, normal and shear forces, displacements and rota-
tions. All these results can be represented for bodies (FEM ele-
ments) and also for predefined cuts (integral results).
xL
Just like each beam element has its own local coordinate system
the Integral cut also has its own. The local X-Axis is normal to
the integral cut. The direction of the X-Axis is defined by a def-
inition of the Integral Cut itself (positive direction of the X-
1
Axis is from starting to the ending point) and its clockwise rota- Figure 15-5: Local Coordi-
tion. nate system of Integral result
To create a new diagram – RM-Set – follow the steps below.
 Select  Properties  RM Sets Definition

 Select the (upper) append button to add a new RM-Set
 Tables for variation of tendon points - tables from htab1 to htab5
 Define a Name: TransBendMom
 Define a Description: Transversal Bending Moment
 Click <OK>
Click on the ‘i’ button to define the Diagram Parameters
In the following step it has to be defined which results of a particular load case (or superpo-
sition file) should be displayed and for which element (body) series.
First the bodies (elements) and integral results have to be selected as shown in the pictures
below. In this case the Integral results (1,3,5,6,7,9,11,12,14,16,18,20) in body 115 (in mid-
dle of first span) will be displayed. Note that each input has to be confirmed with the ‘Insert
before’ or ‘Insert after’ button.
RM Bridge
Figure 15-6: Definition of bodies and integral results for certain diagram – RM-Set.
Then the result itself (internal force, displacement, rotation, …) and the load case have to
be selected. In this case the transversal bending moments for the SW-SUM load case will
be displayed.
RM Bridge
Figure 15-7: Choosing of the result component and load case.

To see the diagram we can click on the ‘Plot to file’ button, and we get the following pic-
ture.
Figure 15-8: The final diagram of the Transversal bending moments

in the body 115 begin (in the middle of first span).
The results can also be exported to a list file and to a Microsoft Excel file. The diagram
itself can also be seen under Results/Plot/RM-Sets. In addition the diagram can be plotted
in Schedule Actions with the DgmSet (in List/Plot actions) action.
RM Bridge
Now the same Diagram (RM-Set) can be copied and modified so that the displacements at
the same position can be displayed.
To do that click the copy button and change the name of the RM-Set to
‘VerDispl-115B’ and the description
‘Vertical displacement in body 115
begin’.
Then click on the ‘i’ button and

change only the result component in the
result definition. Note that the displace-
ments have to be displayed in the global
coordinate system.
Figure 15-9: Changing the result component.
By clicking the ‘Plot to file’ button the

following picture should be displayed.
Figure 15-10: Vertical displacements Vy in the body 115 begin (in the middle of first span).
RM Bridge
16 Appendix
16.1 Tables for variation of tendon points – tables from htab1 to htab5
htab1 htab2 htab3 htab4 htab5
"0" "0.498" LINEAR "0" "0.498" LINEAR "0" "0.498" LINEAR "0" "0.498" LINEAR "0" "0.72" LINEAR
RM Bridge
16.2 Tables for variation of tendon points - tables from htab6 to htab10
htab6 htab7 htab8 htab9 htab10
RM Bridge
16.3 Input for TCL – Tendon definition
RMJOB BEGIN
RMSTRUCT BEGIN
foreach tend [SERIE 1 9] {

TENDON $tend INTERNAL
INFO "Tendon"
AREA 285e-5 5e-3
FRIC 0.2 0.2865
MAT "EN_Eurocode:Strand-1640/1860"
STRESS [SERIE 101 133]
foreach el [SERIE 101 133] {
NODEAT ELEM $el 0.0000 ECCQ 0.0000 0.0000 POINT "GP0$tend"
}
NODEAT ELEM 133 1.0000 ECCQ 0.0000 0.0000 POINT "GP0$tend"
TENDON END
}

TENDON $tend INTERNAL
INFO "Tendon"
AREA 285e-5 5e-3
FRIC 0.2 0.2865
MAT "EN_Eurocode:Strand-1640/1860"
STRESS [SERIE 101 133]
foreach el [SERIE 101 133] {
NODEAT ELEM $el 0.0000 ECCQ 0.0000 0.0000 POINT "GP$tend"
}
NODEAT ELEM 133 1.0000 ECCQ 0.0000 0.0000 POINT "GP$tend"
TENDON END
}
RMSTRUCT END
RMSCHED BEGIN
TENDON BEGIN
STRESS $tend LEFT "SL1" REL 1.0500
WEDGESLIP $tend LEFT "SL1" 0.0060
STRESS $tend RIGHT "SL1" REL 1.0500
WEDGESLIP $tend RIGHT "SL1" 0.0060
}
STRESS $tend LEFT "SL1" REL 1.0500
WEDGESLIP $tend LEFT "SL1" 0.0060
STRESS $tend RIGHT "SL1" REL 1.0500
WEDGESLIP $tend RIGHT "SL1" 0.0060
}
TENDON END
RMSCHED END
RMJOB END

GP RM E FEM PreStressedPlateBridge EC.

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

GP RM E FEM PreStressedPlateBridge EC.

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

RM Bridge

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 1-1

FEM – Finite Element Method

RM Bridge CONNECT Edition V10

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 1-2

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 1-3

4 Lesson 3: Definition of tables and formulas .............................................................. 4-34

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 1-4

14 Lesson 13: Definition of Traffic Loads ................................................................... 14-68

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 1-5

1 The Basic Example

Figure 1-1: Pre-Stressed Concrete Integral Plate Bridge

1.1 The Structural System

Figure 1-2: Structural System

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 1-6

10103 20103 30103

10102 20102 30102

10101 20101 30101

1.2 Support Constraints

Figure 1-4: Defined Support Constraints.

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 1-7

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 1-8

2 Lesson 1: Starting with the Geometrical Pre-Processor

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 1-9

2.2 Basics of FEM in RM Bridge

Figure 2-1: Beam model

Figure 2-2: FEM model

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 2-10

2.3 Starting the Program

2.4 Creating a New Project

Figure 2-3: Program window.

2.4.1 Starting A New Project

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 2-11

Figure 2-4: Changing working directory.

Figure 2-5. Initialize Current Project.

 Define the basic project information

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 2-12

 Select the Standard1

By clicking on the <OK> button, the input is confirmed.

Figure 2-6. Initializing Current Project.

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 2-13

2.5 Description of the Program Interface

Symbol group for switching between list and

Figure 2-7. Main program interface.

2.6 Construction of the Axis

2.6.1 Creating an Axis

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 2-14

Figure 2-8: Insert a new axis.

Figure 2-9: Create straight axis.

Figure 2-10: Axis in plan and elevation view.

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 2-15

3 Lesson 2: Definition of Cross-Section

Figure 3-1: Superstructure cross-section.

 Be aware that you look at the cross-section against axis direction!

Finite Element Method – Advanced Training Example 2-16

Delete unused construction lines Element type selection

Parallel translation (click right

Linear 4-point element (click

Length dimensioning (click right

Grid function – Creating

Area and line integral results –

Reference point an intersection

Reference point an intersection