RmBridgeE FEMGuide

RM Bridge Advanced
CONNECT Edition (Release v10.01)
FEM Application Guide

Last Updated: February 02, 2016
Copyright
This document is integral part of the program package RM Bridge Advanced. Duplication and dissemination is
only allowed with explicit permission of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or authorised agents.
©2016, Bentley Systems, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
RM Bridge Advanced 2 FEM Application Guide

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Background Story ...................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Traditional Approach ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Girder Grid Approximation ..................................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Finite Element Method ...........................................................................................................................................................5
1.4 Hybrid Solution ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Chapter 2: Concept for FEM Implementation in RM Bridge Advanced .........................................7
2.1 Approach ......................................................................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Basic Definitions in the Geometric Model ......................................................................................................................8
Chapter 3: Input Requirements in the RM Bridge Advanced Modeler ....................................... 10
3.1 General ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Mesh Refinement ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.1 FE Mesh of the Cross-Section ................................................................................................................ 10
3.3 Degrees of Freedom - Slave Nodes .................................................................................................................................11
3.4 Definition of Finite Elements ............................................................................................................................................13
3.4.1 Element Types ............................................................................................................................................. 13
3.4.2 Element Definitions for Bridge Superstructures .......................................................................... 14
3.5 Integral Results .......................................................................................................................................................................15
3.6 Creation of the Analysis Model ........................................................................................................................................ 16
3.7 Performing the Analysis ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
Chapter 4: FEM Definitions in RM Bridge Advanced Analysis .................................................... 18
4.1 General ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.2 Parameter Sets of the Table of Bodies ..........................................................................................................................18
4.2.1 Integral Results ........................................................................................................................................... 18
4.2.2 FEM Elements .............................................................................................................................................. 20
4.2.3 FEM Eccentricities ..................................................................................................................................... 21
4.2.4 FEM Thickness .............................................................................................................................................21
4.2.5 FEM Thickness Vector ..............................................................................................................................21
4.2.6 FEM Integral ................................................................................................................................................. 21
4.3 Results of FEM Analysis ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
4.3.1 FEM Load Case Results ............................................................................................................................ 22
4.3.2 Integral Load Case Results ..................................................................................................................... 23
4.4 Load Definition ....................................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.4.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................25
4.4.2 Concentrated Loads ...................................................................................................................................25
4.4.3 Uniform Loads ............................................................................................................................................. 27
4.4.4 Partial Uniform Loads .............................................................................................................................. 28
4.4.5 Trapezoidal, Triangular, and Variable Loads ................................................................................. 29
4.4.6 Masses ............................................................................................................................................................. 30
4.4.7 Stressing ......................................................................................................................................................... 32
4.4.8 Initial Stress/Strain (Temperature) ...................................................................................................32
4.4.9 Actions on Element Ends ........................................................................................................................ 33

4.4.10 Wind Loads ................................................................................................................................................... 34
4.4.11 Normal Forces ............................................................................................................................................. 34
4.5 Graphic Presentation of Results ......................................................................................................................................34
4.5.1 Stress Distribution ..................................................................................................................................... 35
4.5.2 RM-Sets ...........................................................................................................................................................35
4.6 Superposition of Load Case Results ...............................................................................................................................35

Background Story
1
1.1 Traditional Approach
The concept of RM Bridge Advanced has traditionally been based on standard analysis with beam elements as
standard structural elements. In addition it offers special elements (different types of spring elements) for
modelling boundary conditions and connections. I.e., it is basically a space-frame program, where the beam
theory applies for the individual elements. This theory assumes that cross-sections remain plane and un-
deformed. Additionally we have the assumption of plane stress conditions.
The approach of considering beam elements has the advantage that almost all design code regulations relate to
respective beam element results. That means, that the results of the program directly allow for doing all
required proof checking processes in accordance with the relevant design code.
1.2 Girder Grid Approximation

However, in practice we are often faced with structural systems where the basic assumption of the beam theory
—i.e., plane and undeformed cross-sections and plane-stress conditions— is not suitable anymore. In bridge
engineering this is for instance the case for wide superstructures with small depth, i.e., plate structures, multiple
web T beams, or multiple cell box girders.
In order to allow for treating these cases with reasonable accuracy in accordance with the design rules, a widely
accepted practice has been developed, where the cross-sections are divided into several parts forming several
parallel main girders. Beam theory can be assumed approximately valid for the individual girders. The
connection between the different longitudinal girders is modeled with cross-beams simulating the physical
connection between the girders, e.g., the top or bottom slab between the girders. These cross-beams simulate
approximately the shear and warping stiffness of the connection. With this modeling technique we get plane or
space girder grids as calculation models of the actual superstructure.
A major problem of this procedure is that the definition of a suitable representative calculation model is
laborious and requires a lot of engineering know-how and experience. In addition, the accuracy which can be
achieved is limited. Therefore, the strong wish has widely arisen to use a continuum mechanics approach, i.e.,
particularly finite element techniques, for solving this kind of problems.

Background Story
Hybrid Solution
1.3 Finite Element Method

The finite element (FE) method has been successfully used for several decades for solving continuum mechanics
problems in many engineering fields. The primary result besides the deformation state is the stress field in the
structure. However, in bridge engineering and many other fields of structural engineering, the stresses are not
sufficient for suitably assessing the bearing behavior and stability of the structure in accordance with the design
codes.
An integral approach is often required. I.e., stress peaks can be accepted as local phenomena, whereas internal
sectional forces being the integral of the stresses over the section govern the safety of the structure.
Complex post-processing functions are therefore required in traditional FE analyses in order to allow for doing
proof checks in accordance with the design codes. This includes sophisticated interpolation, extrapolation and
integration procedures.
Another big problem for applying general FEM programs in this context is that defining suitable FE models of
bridge superstructures is very complicated without preprocessors attuned to the special needs of bridge
engineering. Therefore the FEM approach in RM Bridge Advanced starts from a standard beam model which
engineers are used to create in reasonable manner, with few additions and modifications in the model creation
process.
1.4 Hybrid Solution

The above outlined constraints lead to the concept of a hierarchical hybrid solution allowing for using beam
elements and or FEM elements together in one model or at different stages of refinement in the design process.
Structural elements can either be modeled as beam elements or as set of Finite Elements called “Structural
Bodies”. Beam elements and bodies can be mixed in a structure in arbitrary manner.
This leads to special requirements to the type of elements to be used:
• It must be very easy to create sets of finite elements (structural bodies) from normal beam elements
• Finite elements must be fully compatible with beam elements, i.e., beams along edges of finite elements must
have the same displacement curve (3rd order bending curve).
• Beam elements have two nodes and six DOF’s per node, i.e., we need equivalent elements without mid-side
nodes and with rotational degrees of freedom of the corner nodes.

Concept for FEM Implementation in RM Bridge
2
Advanced
2.1 Approach
The approach applied in RM Bridge Advanced is a combination of the traditional beam analysis with the
possibility to consider cross-section deformations by using Finite Element techniques. This implementation has
the advantage that the user creates his model as beam model in the same manner as he has traditionally been
used to do. With few additional parameters the deformability of the cross section can be taken into account.
In the post-processing phase the program offers again the possibility for using an integral approach besides
considering the stress field and local effects. The stresses are integrated over the cross-sections and can be used
in the design code checks in the standard manner. Thus, using this FE approach in RM Bridge Advanced saves
the tedious work for defining a fictitious girder grid model for taking into account the deformability of the cross-
section.

Concept for FEM Implementation in RM Bridge Advanced
Basic Definitions in the Geometric Model
Figure 1: General overview
2.2 Basic Definitions in the Geometric Model

Geometry modeling in the RM Bridge Advanced Modeler is generally based on the concept of “Structural
Segments”. These are structural parts with arbitrary shape, but typically with a distinct longitudinal direction so
that they can be somehow regarded as a prismatic body with a longitudinal axis. They are generally created by
arranging 2d faces along an axis and connecting the corner points of subsequent 2D faces. Two different faces
have to be arranged at the same axis position if there is a sudden change of the boundary surface.
For bridge superstructures the faces are generally known as the “cross-sections” and they are aligned along the
bridge axis which is the connection line of the CG’s of the cross-section or some other reference line like the
roadway axis. Other Segments are for instance columns, where the cross-sections are aligned along a vertical
axis, or pier caps with the cross-sections aligned along a transversal axis.
The different segments are connected together in so-called “Connection points”, either rigidly or by elastic
spring elements allowing modeling hinges etc. The segments themselves can have variable cross-sections along
the axis, with either continuous variation or sudden cross-section changes. Cross-sections need not essentially

Concept for FEM Implementation in RM Bridge Advanced
Basic Definitions in the Geometric Model
be perpendicular to the axis, however, in the beam approach they are assumed perpendicular for the stiffness
calculation even if they are skew in reality.
The Segments are subdivided into “Structural Elements”. These are parts of the segments with the presumption
that faces (cross-sections) are topologically identical at begin and end of the element, i.e., each node of the start
cross-section mesh has a unique counterpart at the end cross-section. Geometric parameters are varying linearly
between the respective points of the left and right face (see Figure 2-2). That means that we essentially must
have a subdivision point of the segment at points where we have a sudden cross-section change. Further
subdivision is required for instance to achieve a reasonable approximation of a curved development or to have a
suitably fine mesh for result presentation.
Figure 2: Typical structural element
In traditional beam analysis these geometrically complex structural elements are very roughly approximated by
beams with constant cross-section values created by averaging the values of begin and end cross-sections, and
assuming these were normal to the element axis.
In Finite Element analysis the actual geometry is kept with skew cross-sections at begin and end of the element
and with geometrically linear connections between all nodes of the cross-section mesh at begin and end. I.e. for
all 2D elements of the cross-section the program will create respective Finite Elements extending from the start
cross-section to the end-cross-section (shell4 or volume elements). Therefore the demand for topologically
identical 2d FE meshes of the start and end cross-sections is essential.
These sets of Finite Elements connecting the end cross-sections of a structural element are called “FEM Bodies”
and stored under this term in the RM Bridge Database. I.e., in the Finite Element analysis the FEM Bodies are the
equivalent to the traditional beam elements. The beam elements are the so-called master elements and the FEM
bodies are directly related to these beam elements.

Input Requirements in the RM Bridge Advanced
3
Modeler
3.1 General
Finite element definitions are primarily done in the RM Bridge Advanced Modeler, which is the pre-processing
part for the definition of the structural geometry within RM Bridge Advanced. The respective data in the RM
Bridge Advanced analysis database are automatically created when the analysis model is created at the end of
the Modeler session. However, all FEM related data are also stored in any TCL export of the database, and can
there be directly accessed and modified.
In the Modeler, the user applies in principle the standard input process. I.e. the cross-sections are defined and
aligned along an axis. As accustomed, the cross-sections consist of finite cross-section elements which are used
for calculating the cross-section values (areas, moments of inertia, shear properties). However, requirements for
mesh refinement are very different for calculating the cross-section values than for reasonable use in a global
FEM analysis. Therefore RM Bridge Advanced allows for defining the mesh for FEM analysis independently to
the standard mesh for beam analysis, which is often automatically created in accordance with minimum
requirements for beam analysis.
The mesh which is used in the analysis needs to have a refinement that is able to represent the deformability of
the cross-section with reasonable accuracy. Therefore, the Finite Element mesh of the cross-sections has usually
to be separately defined, although the points of the primarily defined cross-section mesh may be used as
reference points for creating the FEM calculation mesh. Intelligent mapping techniques allow for transferring the
results of the FEM mesh to the actual beam cross-sections to allow for integration and proof checks using the
integral results.
3.2 Mesh Refinement
3.2.1 FE Mesh of the Cross-Section

It should be noted that the implemented types of Finite Elements use a hybrid approach with internal degrees of
freedom in addition to the standard nodal DOFs of the 4 nodes of the shell, plate, wall, or 8-noded volume

Input Requirements in the RM Bridge Advanced Modeler
Degrees of Freedom - Slave Nodes
elements respectively. Therefore, the quality of these elements is equivalent to the quality of beam elements (3rd
order bending curve) and the compatibility between beam elements and continuum elements is fully
guaranteed.
That means that for pure bending problems the required mesh need not be finer than required for beam
elements. However, shear behavior of Finite Elements must take into account warping phenomena, and in order
to get a correct overall behavior a reasonable refinement is required. This concerns for instance the aspect ratio
of the elements which should remain in a reasonable range (e.g., 1:5). I.e. a finer subdivision in longitudinal
direction is maybe required, if the element lengths in the cross-section become very small.
The required subdivision in lateral direction is mainly governed by the required accuracy of the deformation of
the cross-section itself, i.e. for instance the bending curve of the top slab or bottom slab of a hollow box section
the lateral direction or out-of-plane curvature of webs due to local application of anchor forces of post-tensioned
structures.
Figure 3: Typical FE mesh of a hollow box cross-section for beam analysis
Figure 4: Refined FE mesh of a hollow box cross-section for FE analysis

Degrees of Freedom - Slave Nodes
3.3 Degrees of Freedom - Slave Nodes

The second step after creating the cross-section geometry is defining the degrees of freedom for describing the
deformability of the cross-section. Assigning so-called Slave parts to the cross-section or cross-section parts
respectively does this. They are defined in the Modeler by selecting the part definition (the Part drop-down list
below the cross-section construction window) and creating new parts of the type Slave in the Part definition
window shown in the following figure. The actual definition is done by clicking the button Slaves, then the insert
button for new parts, and then with the cursor in the graphics window to the point (intersection of construction
lines) where the part should be located. For details see the Modeler User Guide of RM Bridge Advanced.
Figure 5: Definision of slave parts
These “Slave parts” are represented by just one reference point and are sets of degrees of freedom related to a
certain position in the cross-section (like structural nodes in normal beam analysis). These degrees of freedom
represent the equations in the equation system to be solved in the analysis.
In the analysis, all nodes of the finite elements will be automatically connected to the nearest “Slave part” with
using the standard transformation of eccentric connections. This is in line with the general practice in the RM
program, where the nodes do normally not coincide with the center line of the elements, but have an eccentric
position, mostly the center point of the top slab.
Note that rigid connections are created from the element nodes to the respective slave parts. I.e. if all nodes of an
element are connected to the same slave part the element will act as a solid part allowing rigid body movement,
but without differential deformation between the different nodes. This can be used to save degrees of freedom in
the equation system, but it produces in different cases internal constraints which can considerably adulterate
the results.
There are several problems arising due to these internal constraints:

Definition of Finite Elements
• Infinite rigidity can considerably overestimate the clamping stiffness of connected elements
• Longitudinal stiffness is overestimated due to constraint of lateral strain if the Poisson ratio of the material is
not zero.
• Temperature loading will give completely wrong results due to the constraint
Figure 6: Slave parts of a tyipcal T cross-section
Therefore we should generally create separate slave parts for every FE node, i.e. in case of Vol8 elements for
every node of the cross-section element and in case of Shell4 elements for the start and end face of the element.
The position of the slave part in space is irrelevant due to the fact that proper eccentricity transformation is
applied to every stiffness matrix of the individual elements. I.e. the general concept of RM Bridge Advanced that
nodes are commonly arranged at the surface of the bridge can also be applied for Finite Element models.
However, for numerical reasons eccentricities should not be too big, I.e. slave parts of web elements will usually
be defined at the center line of the respective web, and slave parts of the bottom slab of a hollow box at the
bottom surface or center line of the slab.
3.4 Definition of Finite Elements
3.4.1 Element Types

The following element types are available for FEM analysis:
Shell4 shell element with 4 nodes

Plate4 plate element with 4 nodes
Wall4 shear wall element with 4 nodes
Vol8 volume element with 8 nodes
In bridge deck analyses, where thin structural elements are predominant (e.g. slabs and webs of a hollow
section), a subdivision in thickness direction is normally not required. I.e., the assumptions of shell theory can be
used (no normal stress in thickness direction). Therefore, using the element type “Shell4” will be in most cases
appropriate. Volume elements are for instance suitable for modeling solid cross girders filling the whole hollow

Definition of Finite Elements
box. Plate and wall elements are special cases of shell elements. Wall elements can only transfer in-plane normal
and shear forces, and plate elements transfer only the bending part.
Generally using “Vol8” elements would be a straight forward approach where extruding the 2D cross-section
elements in longitudinal direction directly gives the Finite Element mesh to be used in the analysis. However,
mesh refinement of the —often automatically generated— cross-section mesh is usually not suitable to be used
as Finite Element mesh for global analysis. Also, Vol8 elements do currently not have rotational degrees of
freedom and are not fully compatible with beam elements. Their application for superstructures would also
yield a computational overhead because each node has degrees of freedom, but plane stress assumption could be
used for slender parts. A reasonable application possibility would for instance be a solid pier where point load
application below bearings should be investigated in detail.
3.4.2 Element Definitions for Bridge Superstructures

Shell4 is the standard element type to be used for modeling superstructures of bridges. These elements are
defined in the Modeler as the connection between 2 reference points of the cross-section mesh or boundary.
These 2 points of 2 subsequent cross-sections form the 4 nodes of the mid-surface of the respective shell
element. The thickness of the shell elements is usually created automatically by evaluating the cross-section
geometry perpendicular to the mid-surface. However, a direct definition by the user is possible.
The Modeler offers several possibilities for geometrically defining the shell element mesh in an effective manner.
They are described in detail in the respective training example. In order to achieve a reasonable refinement the
program also offers the possibility to automatically subdivide the geometrically defined shell elements.
Using Shell4 elements yields a modeling problem at points where differently oriented shell elements are
connected, e.g. the connection of the webs of a hollow box to the top or bottom slab. For correctly calculating the
cross-section properties of beam elements RM Bridge essentially requires a topologically consistent mesh of
cross-section elements. However, the nature of shell elements – with the thickness being a physical property
rather than a geometric entity – essentially leads to topologically non-consistent meshes with eccentric
connections of differently oriented plates.
Therefore in such cases the user must essentially deviating with the shell element mesh from the cross-section
mesh, i.e. – as can be seen in the below figures – Shell elements of the top slab shall extend to the center point of
the cross-section element above the web, where is no node of the cross-section mesh.

Integral Results
Figure 7: Connection detail between web and top flange
3.5 Integral Results

Integral results are database objects representing groups of finite elements of a body to be used for stress
integration. The Modeler automatically creates standard integral results for all bodies. These standard integral
results contain all elements of the body at the start point and end point of the father element. I.e. those standard
integral results represent the equivalent to the standard beam results and can directly be used in different proof
checking routines. These standard integrals are later (in the RM-sets for result-presentation definition)
referenced with number zero (0).
Additional integral results can be specified by the user for more detailed result presentation and assessment. We
can have 2 types of integral results:
a. Area integrals where stresses are integrated over a set of cross-section elements, and
b. Line integrals giving per meter values of the respective forces.
The definition of the integral results is done by selecting the respective tools in the cross-section construction
window toolbar: or .
In the displayed window, you can define general parameters of the integral (e.g., number or name). Define the
elements or element edges where stresses shall be integrated are defined by clicking them. Right-click to end the
selection.

Creation of the Analysis Model
3.6 Creation of the Analysis Model

You must instruct the program to use finite element modeling (rather than the standard beam model) for all
elements in a segment or, in mixed applications, for those which should be modeled with FEM.
1. Select Modeler > Segments in the navigation tree.

The segments table opens.
2. On the Parts tab, either:
select a part name and click the Edit part tool
or
right-click the part name and select Edit part from the pop-up menu
The Edit part # dialog opens.
3. Set the FEM option for the part.
4. Click OK.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for each element to be modeled with FEM.
6. Click Recalculate/M in the Modeler window.
The Modeler Project Recalculation dialog opens.
7. Set the Create Analysis model option.
Set any necessary analysis model options.
8. Click Run.
3.7 Performing the Analysis

The analysis is finally simply performed by pressing the Recalculate button after the Modeler level has been left
and the RM Bridge Advanced analysis level has become active.
With respect to the options in the Recalc pad the FEM analysis has several restrictions:
• FEM calculations are always geometrically linear (i.e., options defining nonlinear behavior are ignored). This
concerns the options
• PDelta effects: ignored
• Stay cable nonlinear: ignored
• Large displacement: ignored
• Stiffness calculations of Finite Elements always use linear material behavior.
• Nonlinear material properties: ignored
• Concerning non-linearity, only the option non-linear springs is considered
• Shear deformation cannot be ignored for FEM elements, i.e. option
• Ignore shear deformation is ignored
• FEM results are only defined at begin and end of the structural elements; any element subdivision with NDIV
is ignored.

Performing the Analysis
• NDIV (element subdivision): ignored

FEM Definitions in RM Bridge Advanced Analysis
4
4.1 General
The finite element definitions defined in the Modeler create so-called “FEM Bodies” as objects in the RM Bridge
Advanced database when the Modeler session is terminated with creating the RM Bridge Advanced analysis
model. These bodies are groups of FEM elements related to a common father element (the respective reference
beam element). For proper reference, the Modeler creates body names identical to the names of the respective
father elements.
The bodies contain the following parameter sets which can be viewed and edited in the GUI under Structure >
Bodies:
Model data:
• Integral results
• FEM Elements
• FEM eccentricities
• FEM thickness
• FEM thickness vector
• FEM integral
Result data:
• FEM load case results
• Integral load case results
Although the physical data created in the Modeler can theoretically be edited and modified in the analysis GUI
under Structure > Bodies, it is strongly recommended to use this functionality only for viewing the details for
better result interpretation and to do any modifications always in the Modeler.
Note that Body data are not logged in Struct.lst like the other model data. They can only be viewed in the GUI.
4.2 Parameter Sets of the Table of Bodies

Parameter Sets of the Table of Bodies
4.2.1 Integral Results

Integral results are database objects representing groups of finite elements of a body to be used for stress
integration. Overall integrals over all elements of the cross-section are automatically created in the Modeler.
These results are also assigned to the father elements and stored in the database as beam results. They can later
be viewed and processed (e.g. design code check routines) like normal beam results.
However, they can also be viewed in the GUI under Structure > Bodies. In the table of Bodies these overall
integrals have the reference number 0 (zero), and they can be referenced with this number in RM-Sets for
graphical presentation of integral results. In the table of integral load case results of a body, the position in
longitudinal direction is indicated by adding the value 100 (for begin of the structural element) or 200 (for the
end of the structural element), i.e. the reference code in the table is:
• Integral 100 Integral over cross-section at begin of the father element
• Integral 200 Integral over the cross-section at end of the father element
In addition to these standard integral results the user may define up to 32 further integral results per cross-
section as described in 3.5. These may be area integrals over some of the cross-section elements (e.g., a web of a
hollow box section), or line integrals defining per meter forces at certain points in the structure (e.g., plate forces
in the slab of a hollow box section).
These result quantities are numbered objects with numbers 1 to 32 at cross-section level. Related to the FEM
Bodies we have again 2 respective sets of references, 101 to 132 for integral results 1 to 32 at element begin and
201 to 232 for integral results 1 to 32 at element end.

Parameter Sets of the Table of Bodies
Figure 8: Table of bodies with data of integral results
The previous figure shows the screen displaying body data with respective integral results. The upper table lists
all bodies with basic data (reference beam element (father element), material, activation status and descriptive
text). The lower table contains the defined integral results of the body currently selected in the upper table. It
contains in column 2 the related reference element, in column 3 the related node and in column 4 information on
the local directions of the result vector.
The next 3 columns specify the position of the result point in form of global eccentricity components from the
related node to the respective point. The last 3 columns define the direction vector system of local axes in form
of 3 angles like the local coordinate system of beam elements.
4.2.2 FEM Elements

The table of FEM elements contains all the Finite Elements of the body. The element numbers are local numbers
starting with 1. A global element number is not defined; body number and element number together specify a
certain finite element in the system.
In the 2nd column the element type is displayed. The further columns N1 to N9 contain the numbers of the nodes
where the corners of the elements are connected to. These node numbers are global node numbers as specified
in the slave part definition.

Results of FEM Analysis
4.2.3 FEM Eccentricities

The table of eccentricities contains the eccentricity vectors from the element corners N1, N2, N3,… to the
connected nodes (positive from the corner to the node in global coordinate direction). Three lines are given for
each element, defining the global X, Y and Z components of the eccentricity vector.
4.2.4 FEM Thickness

The thickness definition is related to the element types Shell, Plate, and Wall and represents the calculative
thickness of the respective elements. If the actual thickness vector is not normal to the plane of the shell element,
the thickness of the shell elements is defined by the distance between the 2 nodes of the respective face of the
cross-section element, projected to a normal to the shell plane. This ensures that stresses and moments are
always related to the correct thickness measured normal to the shell plane.
4.2.5 FEM Thickness Vector

The thickness vector is a unit vector describing the direction of the actual thickness vector of the respective
element. It is defined for element types Shell, Plate, and Wall. It has no meaning for elements of type Vol. If the
thickness vector is not normal to the element plane of the shell, wall or plate element, the actual skew length of
this vector is nowhere available in the printouts of the program, as the output thickness value is always the
relevant value normal to the element plane.
4.2.6 FEM Integral

The FEM integral contains the information, which FEM integrals are defined for the different elements of the
body. The information is aligned to the different nodes of the elements. For shell elements, nodes N1 and N4 are
at begin of the father element and Nodes N2 and N3 at the end of the father element. I.e., the standard integrals
100 and 200 are always assigned to the nodes N1 and N4, or N2 and N3 respectively.
Additional integral results appear in the columns of the nodes which are affected by the respective integral
result.
4.3 Results of FEM Analysis

Results of FEM analyses can be presented in the 3D graphics window, viewed in the GUI or graphically presented
with using RM-Sets.
The Structure > Bodies menu may not only be used for displaying physical data of the Finite Element model,
but also for viewing results in the respective tables. The two functions FEM load case results and Integral load

case results can be used for viewing the primary results on Finite Element level on the one hand, or the
specified Integral results on the other hand.
4.3.1 FEM Load Case Results

The table of load case results contains the forces and moments as well as stresses and displacements in the
corner points as primary results for all finite elements of the current body. The presented results refer to the
load case specified in the results options menu presented in the bottom left window on the screen.
Displacements The displacements of the FEM nodes are given as values in global coordinate directions
(rotations around global axis directions).
FEM Forces The forces represent the internal force vector used in the analysis to establish equilibrium
with the external forces. However, for better interpretation they are transformed into a
local coordinate system. Nevertheless they are of minor significance.
Coordinate The constitutive rule for building this local coordinate system for presentation of forces and
Directions stresses is the following:
• Local X axis is the longitudinal axis of the element, i.e., direction from the center point
between N1 and N4 to the center point between N2 and N3.
• Local Y axis is normal to the x axis in the plane of the shell element
• Local Z axis is normal to the plane defined by x and y
This definition is in many cases different to the beam definitions which are often expected
also relevant for the FEM results. E.g. in case of plates in the horizontal XZ plane the local Y
axis will be in in the horizontal plane and moments due to bending in a vertical plane, which
are denoted Mz in beam analysis, will became My in the Finite Element system. However, in
vertical webs My of the beam analysis will also be My in FEM analysis.
Due to the fact that the here presented values represent the equilibrium forces with
external forces, these do not represent the full internal force state with 9 components, but
only the 6 components related to the standard beam notation. The shear terms in lateral
direction are missing.
Shell theory notation assumes x, y in shell plane and z perpendicular
RM Notation Shell Theory Description
Nx Nxx Normal force in x-direction
Qy Nyy Normal force in y-direction
Mz Nxy Shear force in plane of shell element
Mx Mxx Bending moment around x-direction
My Myy Bending moment around y-direction
-- Mxy Torsional moment (in element plane) (not output)
Qz Vxz Shear force in x-z plane

-- Vyz Shear force in y-z plane (not output)
The sign of the output force values is not related to tensile fiber regulations but will have
different sign at the 2 nodes of an element edge.
Stresses Stresses are given in the same coordinate system than forces. The presented stresses are in
line with the common notation in theory of elasticity (sigx, sigy, sigz are the normal stresses
x, y, z directions, and tauxy, tauyz and tauzx are the shear stresses in the respective planes).
The stresses have also the proper sign (positive = tensile, negative = compression).
However, be aware that the denotations “Top” and “Bottom” are dependent on the sequence
of nodes in cross-section element definition in the Modeler.
4.3.2 Integral Load Case Results

The table of integral load case results contains the internal forces for the integration regions as specified in the
table of integral results.
Note that different local coordinate systems are used for area integrals and for line integrals.
4.3.2.1 Area Integrals

The definition of area integrals is equivalent to the beam regulation. For the standard integrals over all elements
of a cross-section, the local coordinate system is the same than that of the father beam element. Any user-
defined Beta-angle of the father element is also considered.
RM Notation Integrals Description
Nx ∫∫σx dydz Normal force in x-direction
Qy ∫∫τxy dydz Shear force in xy plane
Qz ∫∫τxz dydz Shear force in xz plane
Mx ∫∫z× τxy dydz +∫∫y× τxz dydz Torsion moment
My ∫∫z×σx dydz Bending moment around y-direction
Mz ∫∫y×σx dydz Bending moment around z-direction
For area integrals over a part of the cross-section (a sub-set of the cross-section elements), the part is treated
like a separate beam, i.e. the center of gravity of the respective element set is calculated at begin and end of the
structural element and the connection of these 2 points gives the x axis of this fictitious beam. Any user defined
Beta-angle is taken over from the father element.
The values output in the listing relate directly to beam results of the respective (fictitious) beam elements and
need not be further explained.

Note that in case of skew cross-section arrangement the stresses are always integrated over the projection area
of the cross-section elements onto the normal plane to the x axis, but stresses are taken from the actual point on
the skew section. This definition allows for a direct comparison with beam elements. However, if we have a
distinct variation of stresses in longitudinal direction, this might not accurately represent the true integral state
in a section normal to the x-axis.
4.3.2.2 Line Integrals

For line integrals the program creates a different local coordinate system. The local x axis is arranged in lateral
direction, i.e. for predominantly vertical integration directions (thickness of a slab) in the local z direction of the
corresponding beam element. For predominantly horizontal integration directions the local x axis will be rotated
into the plane of the respective elements.
Coordinate The constitutive rule for building this local coordinate system for presentation of forces and
Directions stresses is the following:
• Local X axis is the longitudinal axis of the element, i.e., direction from the center point
between N1 and N4 to the center point between N2 and N3.
• Local Y axis is normal to the x axis in the plane of the shell element
• Local Z axis is normal to the plane defined by x and y
As the total state of internal shell forces has again 8 values (6 stress integrals, 3 moments =
integrals of normal stress times eccentricity, reduced by the sig-z integral which is zero per
default), there is again a mapping in the presented values with the 6 most important presented
and the 2 minor important terms not presented.
Shell theory notation assumes x, y in shell plane and z perpendicular
Nx ∫σx dz Normal force in x-direction
Qy ∫σy dz Normal force in y-direction
Qz ∫τxy dz Shear force in plane of shell element
Mx ∫z×σx dz Bending moment around x-direction
My ∫z×σy dz Bending moment around y-direction
Mz ∫z×τxy dz Torsional moment (in element plane) (not output)
-- ∫τyz dz Shear force out of plane of shell element
-- ∫τzx dz Shear force out of plane of shell element
-- ∫σz dz = 0 (shell assumption)
The sign of the output forces is related to the normal tensile fiber regulation; with the standard definition that
the tensile fiber is at begin of the integration line. You must therefore take care that he always define the integral
result vector in a reasonable manner.

Load Definition
4.4 Load Definition
4.4.1 General
Due to the hybrid concept a consistent load definition is a big challenge. The basic philosophy is that we can
easily switch between the originally defined beam (spine) model and the refined finite element model. I.e. it is
essential, that loading defined in relation to beam elements is appropriately distributed on the Finite Element
model.
All load types, as for years in common use in the context of beam models, have been reworked and extended to
allow proper handling on the FEM model as well as on the original beam model. Due to the different deformation
behavior of the 2 models we will in fact expect slightly different results when distributing beam related loading
over the cross section, but in any case the overall equilibrium is kept.
For the time being only the existing load types are extended. New load types allowing for more sophisticated
load application on the FEM elements will be created in accordance with requirement from practical
applications. Modifications in the GUI and Tcl for load definition have been kept to a minimum and limited to
extensions, which allow for reasonably interpreting also definitions made with previous program versions.
4.4.2 Concentrated Loads
4.4.2.1 F – Single node load

Loads are related to the specified node. No redistribution to several FEM (slave) nodes is done. In case of FEM
application the user must take care, that the loading is related to the relevant FEM node.
• Beam: the load is eccentrically applied on the master node
• FEM: the load is directly applied on the specified node
Note: Assembly definition: Load is considered just on nodes which are defined objects of the assembly, not on
start and end nodes of elements in the assembly.
4.4.2.2 FEXZ – Single node load with eccentricity

Loads are related to the specified node. No redistribution to several FEM (slave) nodes is done. In case of FEM
application the user must take care, that the loading is related to the relevant FEM node.

Load Definition
• Beam: the load is eccentrically applied on the master node (adding user defined eccentricity and eccentricity
of the FEM node).
• FEM: the load is directly applied on the specified node with defined eccentricity
Note: Assembly definition: Load is considered just on nodes which are defined objects of the assembly, not on
start and end nodes of elements in the assembly.
4.4.2.3 FSG, FSL – Single element load (Force)

Load definition is related to the beam elements (Bodies). The position of the load is defined by x/l and
eccentricities ey and ez. The load direction can be defined in terms of global directions (FSG) or in terms of local
directions of the beam element (Body) (FSL).
• Beam: loads distributed to start and end nodes and moments calculated with user defined eccentricities.
• FEM: load applied on the nearest FEM element and distributed to its corner nodes (with generating rigid end
moments). Additional moments calculated in accordance with eccentricity to those corner nodes.
4.4.2.4 FSGM, FSLM – Single element load (Force+Moment)

Load definition is related to the beam elements (Bodies). A special load application point is not defined and
cannot be consistently evaluated from load values. Therefore we assume that the load is uniformly distributed
over the whole cross-section. I.e. the load is handled like a self-weight load limited to a small strip of the element.
User-defined moments: the program calculates additional forces in the different FEM nodes which in sum give
the user defined moment.
1. Beam: the load is directly applied at the respective position on the beam element. It must be considered, that
in case of x/l = 0.0 or 1.0 the load will not be effective on the respective element end (other than for nodal
loads).
2. FEM: the load is uniformly applied on the whole cross-section. The application of the moments on the
individual elements is done in accordance with above described 2nd approach.
4.4.2.5 FSY – Weight of elements as nodal load

This load type is related to segmental construction where new segments are connected to an end of a previously
completed part of the superstructure. We assume that the new segments are directly fully connected to the
cross-section plane of the element where applied. Therefore the loading is in principle handled in the same
manner than FSGM and FSLM as described above.
The user defines the COG of the new segments and the program calculates the respective bending and torsion
moments accordingly. These are applied in the same manner than user defined moments in FSGM and FSLM.
• Beam: the load is directly applied on the user defined node.
• FEM: the load is uniformly applied on the whole cross-section. Due to the fact that the user defines a node
and not the element end, the program detects the respective element end to be loaded. The application of the

Load Definition
moments on the individual elements is done in the same manner than that of user defined moments in FSGM
or FSGL.
4.4.2.6 FSEGB, FSEGE – Segment load (free cantilever)

The load types FSEGB and FSEGE have been provided to improve the wet concrete load definition facility.
FSEGB and FSEGE allow for applying the wet concrete load of new elements as a pair of vertical loads acting at
the anchorage points of the traveler. These load types generate the traveler loads P1 and P2 acting on the
hardened elements.
The load is always acting in global Y direction; therefore there is no need in beam analysis to define the y-
eccentricity. Also, in practice the anchorage loads are normally distributed to 2 loads left and right of the
element axis (P1L = P1R = P1/2, P2L = P2R = P2/2). Therefore, for FEM analysis we make an additional
assumption that the loads are applied on top of the cross-section. We need the definition of the distances
between P1L and P1R, respectively P2L and P2R. The loads P1L, P1R, P2L, P2R are then applied instead of P1
and P2 in the relevant points.
• Beam: loads distributed to start and end nodes and moments calculated with user defined eccentricities.
• FEM: In the FEM approach we proceed like for single element loads, i.e. the loads P1L, P1R, P2L and P2R are
applied at the nearest element and distributed to the corner nodes of this element.
Note: Application of FSEGB and FSEGE loads on a FE system is currently not yet supported.
4.4.3 Uniform Loads
4.4.3.1 QG, QL, QEXG, QEXL – Uniform concentric or eccentric element load
Uniform load in the COG is applied as line load or area load, in axis direction distributed over the whole element
length, in transverse direction distributed over the user defined length. The center of the load is the point in the
cross-section defined by the eccentricities ey, ez. In case of concentric load QG, QL the center will always be the
COG of the cross-section. In the general case the user defined vector Dy, Dz and a parallel to the element axis
form the load application area. The vector Dy, Dz is arranged concentrically, i.e. half on the left or bottom side,
half on the right or top side.
Several radio buttons govern the exact meaning of the defined loading:
Real length the load intensity is related to the real element length
Projection the load intensity is related to the projection of the element to a plane perpendicular to the
load direction.
Note: The projection button is only relevant for the distribution length in axis direction. In
transverse direction any distribution width is always defined by the length of the vector
Dy, Dz (or the cross-section width or depth respectively).

Load Definition
Nodal load the load is a line load distributed to the begin and end of the element (body) without taking
into account rigid end moments (the option is only applicable to beam elements in a
reasonable manner)
Load per unit the load is a line load acting along the element axis or a parallel line. In FEM analysis the
length program searches for the nearest FEM element and applies the load on this element.
Load mult. by CS the load is an area load with Dz = cross-section width (Dy=0). The intensity value is related
width to this width and in longitudinal direction to the element length or projection respectively.
Load mult. by CS the load is an area load with Dy = cross-section depth (Dz=0). The intensity value is related
depth to this depth and in longitudinal direction to the element length or projection respectively.
Note: In case of un-symmetric cross-section dimensions the transverse distribution will

nevertheless be symmetric to the COG, i.e. the actual load application area will be partly
outside of the cross-section
User area the load is an area load with transverse distribution over the user defined vector Dy, Dz.
The intensity value is related to this vector length and —in longitudinal direction— to the
element length or projection respectively.
• Beam: loads (if defined as area loads integrated over the transverse distribution length) distributed to start
and end nodes and moments calculated with user defined eccentricities (no fixed end moments calculated
when “Nodal load” is selected).
• FEM: Loads applied as area loads or line loads on the nearest FEM elements. The FE mesh is normal
projected to the load application plane and load distribution is done on this fictitious mesh on the load
application plane. Loads outside the defined area or in gaps between not directly connected elements are
applied to the nearest nodes of this fictitious mesh.
Note: The load application plane should be defined nearby the actually loaded FEM elements and with a small
angle difference in order to avoid relocation effects due to projecting the FEM mesh normal to the load
application plane.
4.4.3.2 G, GL, GM, GPA, GPA0, GPAM, GPI, GPI0, GPIM – Self weight
Dealing with self-weight in the hybrid context is relatively trivial. In beam analysis the weight of the beams is
applied on the beam axis, in case of FEM the weight of the FEM elements is applied on the FEM nodes.
and end nodes and moments calculated with user defined eccentricities (no fixed end moments calculated
when “Nodal load” is selected).
application plane. Loads outside the defined area or in gaps between not directly connected elements are
applied to the nearest nodes of this fictitious mesh.

Load Definition
4.4.4 Partial Uniform Loads
4.4.4.1 QTG, QTL, QTY… – Concentric or eccentric partial uniform element load
Partial concentric uniform element loads are in principle handled in the same manner than uniform element
loads, except that in longitudinal direction the load is limited to a part of the element (body). The boundaries of
the load area are defined by the distance from element begin and the length of the loaded area. These values are
either defined as ratios to the element length or as absolute length values. If the boundary definitions are such,
that a part or the whole of the load length lies outside the element, this load part is omitted! (This is different to
the distribution in transverse direction, where loads outside the cross-section are applied at the nearest node).
and end nodes of the element and fixed end moments calculated (no fixed end moments calculated when
“Nodal load” is selected).
application plane. Any loads, which are in longitudinal direction outside this fictitious mesh, are omitted.
Loads laterally outside the defined area or in gaps between not directly connected elements are applied to
the nearest nodes of this fictitious mesh.
4.4.5 Trapezoidal, Triangular, and Variable Loads
4.4.5.1 TG, TL – Trapezoidal loads

This load type is handled in the same manner than uniform concentric element load, except, that the load
intensities are linearly varying from element begin to element end.
4.4.5.2 QMG, QML – Linearly distributed moment loads

This load type is handled in the same manner than the moment components of uniform concentric element load,
except, that the intensities are linearly varying from element begin to element end.
4.4.5.3 PTXG, PTXL, PTYG, PTYL, PTZG, PTZL – Partial trapezoidal loads
These load types are handled in the same manner than trapezoidal load, except that the intensities are linearly
varying over a part of the element length.

Load Definition
4.4.5.4 DREIG – Triangular loads

This load type is handled in the same manner than uniform concentric element load, except that the load
intensities are linearly varying from zero at element begin to the specified value at the center point (x/l = 0.5)
and then to zero at the element end.
4.4.5.5 QVARNG, QVARNL Variable load along element

Not applicable to FEM structures.
4.4.6 Masses
4.4.6.1 NDMAS – Concentrated mass with moments of inertia

The point mass is related to the specified node. No redistribution to several FEM (slave) nodes is done. In case of
FEM application the user must take care, that the loading is related to the relevant FEM node. The moments of
inertia are principal values related to the global axis directions. NDMASI must be used in case of principal axes in
other than global directions.
• Beam: the mass is eccentrically applied on the master node
• FEM: the mass is directly applied on the specified node
Note: Assembly definition: The mass is considered just on nodes which are defined objects of the assembly, not
on start and end nodes of elements in the assembly.
4.4.6.2 NDMASE – Concentrated node mass with eccentricity

Like in NDMAS the loads are related to the specified node. No redistribution to several FEM (slave) nodes is
done. In case of FEM application the user must take care, that the loading is related to the relevant FEM node.
• Beam: the mass is eccentrically applied on the master node (user defined eccentricity and eccentricity of the
slave node are added).
• FEM: the mass is directly applied on the specified node with defined eccentricity

Load Definition
4.4.6.3 NDMASI – Full tensor of moments of inertia

The inertia tensor is related to the specified node. No redistribution to several FEM (slave) nodes is done. In case
of FEM application the user must take care, that the loading is related to the relevant FEM node.
The tensor definition allows for defining mass moments of inertia with axes other than in global directions.
NDMASI may be used if the principal moments of inertia and the respective principal axes are known.
• Beam: the tensor is applied on the master node (in addition to any inertia terms coming from eccentric
masses)
• FEM: the tensor is directly applied on the specified node
4.4.6.4 NDMASA – Diagonal tensor and angles

The inertia tensor is related to the specified node. No redistribution to several FEM (slave) nodes is done. In case
of FEM application the user must take care, that the loading is related to the relevant FEM node.
Alternative definition of an arbitrary tensor of mass moments of inertia: The specified angles define a local
coordinate system (constitutive rule like for beam elements). The transformation into global directions is
performed in the program and the resulting full tensor applied like in NDMASI.
• Beam: the tensor is applied on the master node (in addition to any inertia terms coming from eccentric
masses)
• FEM: the tensor is directly applied on the specified node
4.4.6.5 ELMAS – Element uniform mass with moments of inertia

ELMAS is a mass defined as acting in the center of gravity of the beam element (body). It is handled like self-
weight, i.e., we assume that the mass is distributed over the whole cross-section.
All element related mass matrices are first created as local mass matrix related to the local coordinate system of
the beam element and then transformed to the nodes with standard eccentricity transformation and direction
transformation ({M} = {TeT}*{TT}*{ML}*{T}*{Te}).
• Beam: the mass is applied along the element axis and distributed half-half to the element end points. The
torsional mass moment of inertia is distributed in the same way.
• FEM: the mass is distributed to the whole cross-section like self-weight with fictitious specific weight γm =
m/A (m = mass*g per unit length, A = cross-section area). The user defined torsional mass moment of inertia
is ignored due to the fact, that the distributed mass implicitly defines the respective mass moment of inertia.
A warning is issued when the calculated mass moment of inertia differs from the user defined value by more
than 20%.

Load Definition
4.4.6.6 ELMASE – Element uniform mass with eccentricity

ELMASE is handled like eccentric uniform element load (QEXG, QEXL). It can be a line mass distributed over the
element length or an area mass distributed over a user defined area. In this case the user defined eccentricity
defines the COG of the area mass. The transverse distribution is defined by the distribution width as specified by
the user with the vector Dy, Dz.
• Beam: line masses (if defined as area values integrated over the transverse distribution length) are
distributed to start and end points of the element. The torsional mass moment of inertia is automatically
calculated using the eccentricity ey, ez and – if the mass is defined as area mass – additionally the mass
moment of inertia around the center point.
• FEM: Masses are applied as area masses on the nearest FEM elements. The FE mesh is normal projected to
the plane of the distributed mass. They are distributed on this fictitious mesh on this plane. These point
masses are considered as eccentric point point masses on the respective point of the actual FEM mesh, i.e.,
moments of inertia around the in-plane axes of the shell element are calculated with using the eccentricity of
the respective mass point. Moments of inertia around the thickness vector are disappearing as relevant
eccentricities are zero.
4.4.7 Stressing
4.4.7.1 TEND0 – Tendon stressing

Tendons are defined with their real geometry (position in the cross-section). The load type just refers to
stressing previously defined tendons, i.e. there is no difference between Beam and FEM approach with respect to
user specification.
• Beam: Tend0 calculates the primary forces with assuming plane strain conditions over the cross-section.
• FEM: In the FEM approach the program searches for actual position of the tendons in the FEM mesh. Tendon
forces are distributed to the nearest nodes. Solving the equation system on element level gives the primary
state. However, the primary state is not directly used in the calculation, but the tendon forces themselves.
The primary forces are used in results presentation.
4.4.7.2 FCAB, FCABB, FCABE – Tendon stressing

Load types FCAB; FCABB, FCABE are related to cable elements, therefore not relevant in FEM procedures.
However, they may be connected to points on beam elements. In FEM calculation start and end nodes will be
assumed to be connected to the nearest FEM node rather than to the master node.

Load Definition
4.4.8 Initial Stress/Strain (Temperature)
4.4.8.1 T – Temperature loading

Standard temperature loading with constant distribution or linear gradient over the cross-section works straight
forward. The temperature field in the cross-section is mapped to the Finite Element mesh and temperatures at
the different FEM nodes are applied as initial strain in a standard manner element per element. For shell
elements the temperature gradient over the element thickness is calculated by evaluating temperatures at top
and bottom surfaces and applying them as linear gradient.
4.4.8.2 Nonlinear temperature gradient

The old approach with the Action Tempvar has been eliminated and replaced by the possibility to define an
arbitrary temperature field on cross-section level. This temperature field is defined as attribute set related to a
reference set defining the temperature in arbitrary points of the cross-section. These points form a mesh
defining the complete temperature field in the cross-section.
This arbitrary user defined temperature field is the mapped to the Finite Element mesh in the same manner than
a linear temperature field as defined with load type T.
4.4.8.3 FX0, LX0 – Cable shortening

These load types are related to cable elements, therefore not relevant in FEM procedures. However, cables may
be connected to points on beam elements. In FEM calculation, start and end nodes will be assumed to be
connected to the nearest FEM node rather than to the master node.
4.4.8.4 TB, TS, TB0, TS0 – Strain states (Force equivalent)

These load types have no relevance for user input. They are related to Nonlinear temperature calculations and
automatically created by the action TempVar.
4.4.8.5 TSTR0 – Primary stress in stress point

This load type is related to Nonlinear temperature calculations and automatically created by the obsolete action
TempVar.

Graphic Presentation of Results
4.4.9 Actions on Element Ends
4.4.9.1 DGB, DLB, DGE, DLE – Element End displacements

4.4.9.2 DSPLA, DSPLE – Element End displacements without statical effect

4.4.9.3 DEMO – Element Removal

4.4.9.4 DISCOR – Cable end displacement correction

4.4.9.5 CSCORB – Construction stage kink correction

4.4.9.6 FSHP, FSHPB, FSHPE – Fabrication shape (general, begin, end)

4.4.10 Wind Loads
4.4.10.1 WINDM, WINDG, DRAGML, DRAGM, LIFTM, PITCHM

4.4.11 Normal Forces

These load types are related to pdelta-calculation of beam elements and not relevant for FEM analysis.

Superposition of Load Case Results
4.5 Graphic Presentation of Results
4.5.1 Stress Distribution

Stresses on surfaces can be presented in the result view mode of the GUI as colored areas where the actual color
represents the stress intensity.
4.5.2 RM-Sets
Integral results, which can be presented in the respective table in Structure Bodies, can also be presented as
diagrams in RmSets. The values, which are not output in the GUI, can also not presented by RmSet.
The RM-Sets for presentation of FEM results need entries in the two sub-functions:
• Elements and Nodes and
• Load cases or Envelopes
The sub-function Elements and Nodes defines which bodies and which integral results should be presented. In
the first line the user defines that Bodies shall be presented rather than Elements or Nodes. The bodies can be
specified by group definition or as a series defined with from, to, step. With check boxes the user can specify
whether values at element begin or element end or both shall be presented.
In the 2nd block the user defines the integral results to be presented. They can also be referenced by group
definition or by specifying a series. The radio buttons “Sort longitudinal” and “Sort transversal” define, whether
the sequence of the results point shall be first over the bodies and then over the integral results, or first over
integral results and then over the bodies.
The different sub-diagrams (longitudinal diagrams of different integral results or transversal diagrams of
different bodies) are arranged in the plot one after the other if the check-box “Stack results” is not checked. If it
is checked, the program draws the different sub-diagrams one above the other, and you will get a small diagram
with different curves for the different entities.
The sub-function Load cases defines the load case or load cases to be presented. The user selects the schedule,
the load case name and the result component to be presented. The integral results are always stored a secondary
results. The radio buttons should therefore always be set to Total, Normal and Local. The local/global switch has
no meaning in this context: integral results are never transformed back into the global coordinate system.
4.6 Superposition of Load Case Results

Primary FEM load case results are not superimposed in superposition files, but integral results are
superimposed in envelopes together with the standard results of beam and spring elements. Line integrals
representing per-meter-values of internal forces are in this context treated like other internal forces.

Superposition of Load Case Results
In other words, all superposition files created in the analysis run contain also the specified integral results.
However, these integral results cannot be viewed in the results window but only presented with RmSets.
Presentation is the same than for load cases, just the relevant envelope must be specified instead of the load
case.

Index
A G GPA0 28
GPAM 28
actions on element ends 33, 34 geometric model
GPI 28
analysis basic definitions 8
GPI0 28
finite element definitions 18 girder grid approximation 5
GPIM 28
results 21
See also finite element analysis LX0 33
analysis model H PTXG 29
create using finite elements hybrid solution 6 PTXL 29
16 PTYG 29
PTYL 29
approximation I PTZG 29
girder grid 5 initial strain 32, 33
PTZL 29
initial stress 32, 33
QEXG 27
C integral 21
QEXL 27
concentrated loads 25–27 QG 27
cross-section L QL 27
finite element mesh 10 load QMG 29
partial uniform 28, 29 QML 29
D load cases QTG 29
degrees of freedom 11 results 22 QTL 29
dof load definitions QTY 29
, See degrees of freedom overview 25 T 33
load types TB 33
DREIG 29 TB0 33
E F 25 TEND0 32
eccentricities 21 FCAB 32 TG 29
element types FCABB 32 TL 29
Plate4 13 FCABE 32 TS 33
Shell4 13 FEXZ 25 TS0 33
Vol8 13 FSEGB 27 TSTR0 33
Wall4 13 FSEGE 27 See also mass types
elements 20 FSG 26 loads
FSGM 26 concentrated 25–27
F FSL 26 initial strain 32, 33
FSLM 26 initial stress 32, 33
finite element analysis
FSY 26 stressing 32
performing 16
FX0 33 temperature 32, 33
restrictions 16
G 28 trapezoidal 29, 30
results 21
GL 28 triangular 29, 30
finite element mesh
GM 28 uniform 27, 28
cross-section 10
GPA 28 variable 29, 30
finite element method 5

wind 34 R tendon stressing 32
See also masses term 14, 15, 18, 23, 24
restrictions
thickness 21
finite element anlaysis 16
M results
thickness vector 21
mass types traditional approach 5
load cases 22
ELMAS 31 trapezoidal loads 29, 30
RM-sets 35
ELMASE 32 triangular loads 29, 30
stress distribution 35
NDMAS 30 superposition 35
NDMASA 31 RM Modeler U
NDMASE 30 input requirements 10 uniform loads 27, 28
NDMASI 30 RM-sets 35
masses 30–32
V
S variable loads 29, 30
N Shell4 13 Vol8 13
normal forces 34 stress distribution 35
stressing
W
P tendon 32
Wall4 13
superposition 35
p-delta 34 wind loads 34
partial uniform loads 28, 29
Plate4 13 T
temperature 32, 33

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RM Bridge Advanced

CONNECT Edition (Release v10.01)

FEM Application Guide

RM Bridge Advanced 2 FEM Application Guide

RM Bridge Advanced 3 FEM Application Guide

RM Bridge Advanced 4 FEM Application Guide

1.2 Girder Grid Approximation

RM Bridge Advanced 5 FEM Application Guide

1.3 Finite Element Method

1.4 Hybrid Solution

RM Bridge Advanced 6 FEM Application Guide

RM Bridge Advanced 7 FEM Application Guide

Figure 1: General overview

2.2 Basic Definitions in the Geometric Model

RM Bridge Advanced 8 FEM Application Guide

Figure 2: Typical structural element

RM Bridge Advanced 9 FEM Application Guide

3.2 Mesh Refinement

3.2.1 FE Mesh of the Cross-Section

RM Bridge Advanced 10 FEM Application Guide

Figure 3: Typical FE mesh of a hollow box cross-section for beam analysis

Figure 4: Refined FE mesh of a hollow box cross-section for FE analysis

RM Bridge Advanced 11 FEM Application Guide

3.3 Degrees of Freedom - Slave Nodes

Figure 5: Definision of slave parts

RM Bridge Advanced 12 FEM Application Guide

Figure 6: Slave parts of a tyipcal T cross-section

3.4 Definition of Finite Elements

3.4.1 Element Types

Shell4 shell element with 4 nodes

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3.4.2 Element Definitions for Bridge Superstructures

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Figure 7: Connection detail between web and top flange

3.5 Integral Results

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3.6 Creation of the Analysis Model

1. Select Modeler > Segments in the navigation tree.

3.7 Performing the Analysis

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• NDIV (element subdivision): ignored

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4.2 Parameter Sets of the Table of Bodies

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4.2.1 Integral Results

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Figure 8: Table of bodies with data of integral results

4.2.2 FEM Elements

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4.2.3 FEM Eccentricities

4.2.4 FEM Thickness

4.2.5 FEM Thickness Vector

4.2.6 FEM Integral

4.3 Results of FEM Analysis

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4.3.1 FEM Load Case Results

RM Notation Shell Theory Description

Nx Nxx Normal force in x-direction

Qy Nyy Normal force in y-direction

Mz Nxy Shear force in plane of shell element

Mx Mxx Bending moment around x-direction

My Myy Bending moment around y-direction

-- Mxy Torsional moment (in element plane) (not output)