RM Bridge

CONNECT Edition (Release v10.01)

Procedure Guide
Last Updated: February 02, 2016
 Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Pier Support Definition with RM Modeler ................................................................. 3
Chapter 2: Mutliple Bearing/Support Definition with RM Modeler .............................................5
Chapter 3: Multiple Bearing Support for Twin Girders with RM Modeler .................................... 7
Chapter 4: Bearing Support - Twin Girders + Twin Piers – with RM Modeler ............................... 9
Chapter 5: Cross Section with Variable Depth – Definition with RM Modeler ............................13
Chapter 6: Orthogonal Grillage Definition with RM Modeler .................................................... 15
Chapter 7: Composite Structure Definition with RM Modeler ................................................... 18
Chapter 8: Tendon Definition & Calculation in RM Bridge ......................................................... 20
Chapter 9: Creep & Shrinkage Calculation in RM Bridge ............................................................23
Chapter 10: Load Management Definiton in RM Bridge ............................................................ 25
Chapter 11: Stage Definiton & Calculation in RM Bridge ........................................................... 27
Chapter 12: Fiber Stress Check Calculation in RM Bridge ...........................................................29
Chapter 13: Nonlinear Temperature Gradient Calculation ........................................................ 31
Chapter 14: Defining a Live Load in RM Bridge ..........................................................................34
Chapter 15: Using ADDCON in a Simple Structure ..................................................................... 36
Chapter 16: Using ADDCON in a Stay Cable Bridge ....................................................................38
Chapter 17: Response Spectrum Calculation in RM Bridge ........................................................ 40
Chapter 18: Ultimate Moment Check in RM Bridge ...................................................................42
Chapter 19: Shear Check Calculation (AASHTO LRFD) ................................................................45
Chapter 20: Design of a Reinforced Concrete Beam .................................................................. 47

RM Bridge 2 Procedure Guide

 Pier Support Definition with RM Modeler
1
Node 111

Support Spring 1205

„CP0“
Node 1205

Support Spring 1200 (see Multiple Bearing FC)

- Choose a name
Insert Segment - Change typ to “Pier”
Add Column - Check/modify Reference Segment
- Check/modify Segment Point
- Choose the Connection Point (CP0)
prepared at the girder CS
Assign CS and
Repeat assigning a cross-section and
Numbering
numbering procedure for the column
Attention: The height “0.0” is the top of
the support/column (position of CP0)!
Cross-Section
Add Connection See Multiple Bearing Definition
(Spring 1205)
Reference Set

Choose the required Column segment,

change to the segment list and choose
Segment-List the segment point to be connected
(usually last segment point)

RM Bridge 3 Procedure Guide

Pier Support Definition with RM Modeler

Insert a new Spring Between 2 Nodes

Connection

Define the 1st

Connection Point
(Left Frame)

Define the 2nd

Connection Point
(Right Frame)
Element Number (1205 here)
Node 1: (1205 here), not eccentric
Node 2: (111 here), eccentric
Constants

RM Bridge 4 Procedure Guide

 Mutliple Bearing/Support Definition with RM
2
Modeler
AXIS 1

Node 101

The element begin and element end of the eccentric

Y springs are defined by the directions CP0  CP1
(Node 1100)
or vice versa and CP0  CP2 or vice versa
Z „CP0“ N.B. CP1 is the position of the bearing element 1101
CP2 is the position of the bearing element 1102
„CP1“ (Spring „CP2“ (Spring
element 1101) element 1102)
Spring element 1100
Node 0

Presumption: Axis, Cross Section for girder plus Segment numbering and assignment and Part numbering and
assignment already made

RM Bridge 5 Procedure Guide

Mutliple Bearing/Support Definition with RM Modeler

Add Connection Cross-Section

Points
Select Reference Set and insert a new one – called
Reference Set “Supports” – for example.

Choose a reference point icon, select the required

Define the intersection point, choose “Connection Point” from the
Connection list and assign a name say “CP0” (define the support
Points points CP0, CP1 and CP2).

Choose the axis segment, change to the segment list and

Segment-List select the segment point for the spring connection.
Definition of 3 “Station ‘0’ for example
springs in one
input window
Connection
Select Connection

Insert a new Choose “New Abutment” in the new input window

Abutment
De-activate input for the 2nd part

3 Frames to define 3 springs

3 x Constants Select the connection points and enter element and node
numbers (graphical check)
1. Frame: 1101, CP1
2. Frame: 1100, CP0
3. Frame: 1102, CP2

RM Bridge 6 Procedure Guide

 Multiple Bearing Support for Twin Girders with RM
3
Modeler
Part 1 Part 2
AXIS 1

101 201
1 1

The element start and end for the eccentric

springs are defined by the directions CP0  CP1
Y
or vice versa and CP0  CP2 or vice versa
Node 1100 N.B. CP1 is the position of the bearing element
Z
„CP0“ 1101
CP2 Is the position of the bearing element
„CP1“ (Spring „CP2“(Spring 1102
Element 1101) Element 1102)

Spring Element 1100

Supposition: Axis, Cross Section for girder plus Segment
Node 0 numbering and assignment and Part numbering and
assignment already made

RM Bridge 7 Procedure Guide

Multiple Bearing Support for Twin Girders with RM Modeler

Add Connection Cross-Section

Points Select Reference Set and insert a new one – called
“Supports” – for example.
Reference Set
Choose a reference point icon, select the required
intersection point, choose “Connection Point” from list
and assign a name say “CP0” (define the connection
Define the
points CP0, CP1 and CP2).
Connection
Points
Choose the axis segment, change to the segment list and
select the segment point for the spring connection.
“Station ‘0’ for example
Segment-List
Definition of 3
Springs in 1
Input Window
Select connection
Connection
Choose “New Abutment” in the new input window

Insert a new Select 1st part

Abutment
Activate input for the 2nd part and select it

3 x Constants 3 Frames to define 3 springs

Select the connection points and enter element and node
numbers ( graphical check )
1. Frame: 1101, CP1
2. Frame: 1100, CP0
3. Frame: 1102, CP2

RM Bridge 8 Procedure Guide

 Bearing Support - Twin Girders + Twin Piers – with
4
RM Modeler

Part 1 Part 2 The element start and end for the

AXIS 1 eccentric springs are defined by the
101 directions CP1  101 or vice versa and
201
CP2  102 or vice versa
1 1
N.B. CP1 is the position of the bearing
element 1101
Y CP2 Is the position of the bearing
element 1102
Z
“CP1” (Spring “CP2” ((Spring Supposition:
Element 1103) Node 1103
Node 1113 Element 1113) Main Girder Axis and segment,
Cross Section for the girder plus
Element 1102 Element 1112
the cross section for the piers plus
Node 1102
Node 1112
the Segment numbering and
assignment and Part numbering and
Element 1101
Element 1111
assignment for the main girder axis
already made. (N.B. The Pier cross
section must be defined with the
Node 1101 Node 1111 intersection of the two main axes
Spring Spring (purple lines) in the centre of the
Element 1100
Node 0
Element 1110 section)
Node 0

RM Bridge 9 Procedure Guide

Bearing Support - Twin Girders + Twin Piers – with RM Modeler

Define CP1 & Cross-Section

Select the girder cross-section
CP2 the Main
Girder Select the main segment then select Reference Set and
Connection Reference Set insert a new one – called “Supports” – for example.
Points
Choose a ref. point icon, select the required intersection
point on the girder cross sect, choose “Connection Point”
Define the from list and assign a name say “CP1” (define the connn
Connection points CP1 and CP2 at the centre of each beam soffit).
Points
Select “Segment” and define the segments for all the piers
– say Segments 2 & 3 for the twin Piers at “Main Girder”
segment 1 segment point 1 and segments 3 & 4 for the twin
piers at “Main Girder” segment 1 segment point 6.
 N.B. The “Main Girder” segment 1 must have been
Define the Pier Segment completely defined before the new segments can be
Segments 2 & 3 properly specified.
 Select the ‘Type’ pull-down-menu arrow and choose
“Pier”
 Assign the connection point for this segment to the
“Main Girder” segment 1.
 Select the ‘Connection Point’ pull-down-menu
arrow and choose “CP2” for seg 3 (“CP1” for seg 2)

RM Bridge 10 Procedure Guide

Bearing Support - Twin Girders + Twin Piers – with RM Modeler

 Choose the segment from the segment list (segment 2)

 Select the segment icon
Segment Points
 Insert the segments points for the Pier at segment 2
N.B. “height 0” is at the top of the pier – the other segment
points have negative values – say Pier 1 connection to ground is
at height –10 and top is at height 0 in steps of 5 metres.

Assign Pier Select the ‘Edit’ icon and assign the pier cross section to the
cross section & segment points.
Parts
Choose ‘Parts’ and then the ‘Edit’ icon
Enter the material type, and the start element number and node
numbers

Element No Start Node End Node

1101 1 2
Repeat
Repeat the above procedure for all the piers located on the
respective segments.

Segment Define the connection between the pier segment and the “Main
Add Connection Girder” segment 1.
Connection
Points
Segment Select the ‘Pier Segment’ for the connection definition.
say segment 3

Choose ‘Segment list’ and then the place on the segment list
Segment-List
that the connection is to be made: “Segment point ‘3’ – node
1103 for example for the bearing connection

Connection
Select connection

Insert a new Choose “Insert” in the new input window

Connection

Left frame – Segment Point 3 Part 1

Check/modify the segment point and part to be connected. (Part
Spring between 1 point 3)
2 nodes Select “Spring between 2 nodes”

The connection to the node at the top of the pier is automatically

Define the 1 st assigned if the correct segment point is chosen – Part 1 Point 3
Reference Point in this example (see above).
(Left frame)
Right frame – Segment Point 1 Part 2
Check/modify the segment point and part to be connected.
 Select the ‘Connection Point’ pull-down-menu arrow and
Define the 2nd
choose “CP2” for segment 3 (“CP1” for segment 2)
Reference Point
(Right frame  Select the correct part – part 2

RM Bridge 11 Procedure Guide

Bearing Support - Twin Girders + Twin Piers – with RM Modeler

Select Constants to modify the spring stiffness , element

Select Constants numbers and eccentric connections.

Enter the Element number (1113 for the spring from Node
Number the 1113 of the Pier (Node 1) to Node 201 on the main girder -
Element (Node ‘2’)
Select ‘Conn. to node part’ for Node 1 & for Node 2.

Change Values Change default spring and support constants if necessary.

Confirm with OK twice.
N.B. The default orientation for the spring is: The local X-
direction vertical: Vertical support – Cx=1e8kN/m

Define eccentric Insert a new Close the connection window & select point 1 in the
Connection segment list.
connection for
spring 1110 to Choose connection and then choose “Insert” to define the
ground Connection connection for the spring element 1110. (Spring element to
ground)

Segment Point 1 Part 1

Spring -0 Check/modify the segment point and part to be connected
Select ‘Spring –0’ for the ground connection.

Select Constants to modify spring stiffness , element

Constants numbers and eccentric connections.

Put in the Element number (1110) for the spring connection

to ground for the pier at segment 3.
De-select: Conn.. to “node for part” for node 2 and enter
‘1111’ for the end node number for node 2
Number the
Element Repeat the above procedure for the LH Bearing Element
(number 1103) and the ground connection (number1100) on
segment 2
 Spring between 2 nodes
 Connn pnt CP1 and Part ‘1’ segment point 1– RH
window
 Element 1103
Repeat procedure  Spring -0
 Element 1100
 De-select “Conn. To…for node 2 enter ‘1101’

RM Bridge 12 Procedure Guide

 Cross Section with Variable Depth – Definition with
5
RM Modeler

Basic – cross-section Variable cross-section depth

HQS

HQS (variable) 5,0 m

Value = 4,0 m
3,0 m 3,0 m
Segment length
0,0 m 30,0 m 50,0 m 70,0 m 100,0 m

Input the Insert cross 1 Select the ‘Cross section’ arrow and the insert
Basic Cross symbol. Accept the default name (cross1).
Section
Cross Section Define the Cross-Section

Select ‘Variable’ and create with ‘Insert’ a new

Variable (HQS) with the Value ’4,0 m’ and Type
Insert Var 1 ’Length’.

Create a parallel construction line in dependence

Construction Line on this Variable (HQS).
Define all the other construction lines which are
necessary to defining a complete cross section.

Element(s) Define all the elements in the complete cross

section.

Select ‘Formula’ and create with ‘Insert’ a new

Create Table ’Table’ (Radio Buttons) with the Type ’Length’
Definition of a and name ’HQS_Tab’.
Function Define a new Table item in the lower Table.
(Formula, Table) Interpolation linear (see User Guide), Variable
Insert Table A: Segment length and Variable B: Cross
Section depth. Do ’Insert after’ until the required
function is defined. With INFO Button the create
function can be shown.
Select the necessary ‘Segment’.

RM Bridge 13 Procedure Guide

Cross Section with Variable Depth – Definition with RM Modeler

N.B. CS had to assign to the segment!

Connecting Select Segment
Select ’Variables’ (radio buttons).
Variable and Click the ’modify’ function in the lower list and
Function assign the existing Variable an Expression
(function) for example HQS_Tab(sg).
(Attention: from point , to point, step)

Variables N.B. (sg) assign the function global and (sl)

assign the function local (see user guide).

RM Bridge 14 Procedure Guide

 Orthogonal Grillage Definition with RM Modeler
6
Insert Axis 1 Select the ‘Axis’ arrow and the insert
Input the axis symbol
geometry

Insert seg1 Select the ‘Segment’ arrow and the

insert symbol Accept the default name

Insert cross1 Select the ‘Cross sec’ arrow and the

insert symbol Accept the default name

Horizontal axis Insert axis starting point for

starting point Horizontal alignment. Select Po .
Accept the default values
Straight Line Select the straight line symbol & input
140 (metres)

Insert elevation of axis

Select Vertical
Axis icon

Vertical axis Insert axis starting point for Vertical

starting point alignment: Select Po . Accept the
default values

Insert a straight Select the straight line symbol & Input

line 140 (metres) and close the axis
definition when finished

RM Bridge 15 Procedure Guide

Orthogonal Grillage Definition with RM Modeler

Input the Cross Section Define the Cross-Section

Cross Section
geometry
Construction Define all the construction lines
lines necessary for defining the complete
cross section (all the beams)
Element(s) Define all the elements in the
complete cross-section (all the beams)

Part(s) Define as many parts as there are

beams in the cross section (3 in this
example) by clicking on the
intersecting CL’s over the centre of
the beams to define the reference point

Modify Part(s) Assign cross-section elements to parts

– the number will be changed to the
number shown in the ‘Part window’

Reference Set Insert points of the type “Connection”

Define connection Enter Connection point in the CS,

points where the cross-member shall be
connected to the main girder.

Give names to Names of the points e.g. ‘Sup1’;

the points ‘Sup2’ & ‘Sup3’

Segments Insert from 0 to 140 step 4

Modify Assign cross-sections

Assign element numbers and material

Numbering to the parts, starting from above in the
list

RM Bridge 16 Procedure Guide

Orthogonal Grillage Definition with RM Modeler

Creation of a cross-girder between 2 parts

Segments
(longitudinal girders). Input of element
numbers and specification of parts and
connection points as wells as cross-sections
Cross girder and material of the cross-girder. The data of
the defined cross-girder are stored as TCL
file (2 Tcl-files in this example)

Define supports Select the 1st Station, where a support shall

be defined (Station 0)

Insert New Select spring-0

connection Insert element 1101, select sup1 for
connection point and ‘Part1’ for part. Insert
required stiffness terms.
Spring constants Repeat for ‘Part2’ – Sup2 El 1102
Repeat for ‘Part3’ – Sup3 El 1103

Select next support point (e.g. Station 11) and

Define a further repeat the above described steps.
support Note: Do not change the angel Alpha1 to 90°
– the program does it automatically!

Recalculation Select the option “Recalculation” in the

(Required!) Remodel menu.

Remodel Select the option “Create model” in the

RmBridge Remodel menu.
Note: The Modeler creates only structure
data; loads and schedule data are defined
directly in the RmBridge GUI.

RM Bridge 17 Procedure Guide

 Composite Structure Definition with RM Modeler
7
(Supposition: Bridge axis, Segment already defined)

Input the Cross Section

cross- section Insert a new Cross-Section in the
Cross-Section list and open it.
geometry
Parallel Input all the construction lines
Construction necessary for defining the complete
Line cross section (all the beams)

Element(s) Define all the elements in the

Node Part 3 Node Part 2
complete cross section (all the beams)
Node Part 1
Select the ‘Parts’ pull-down-menu arrow and
1 1 1 Create Parts insert 2 additional parts (2+3). The node for the
new part must be selected immediately after
PART 1 2 PART 3 clicking the insert button.
PART 2
Composite Click on Part3 and then COMPOSITE to define
the Composite section: Choose Part 1 and Part 2
and confirm with OK

Select the element part number in the cross

Assign elements
section for modification – the number will change
to part(s)
to the number shown in the ‘Part window’.
Element numbers must be the same as their ‘Part
numbers’
Assign the Segment
Insert segment points e.g. from 0 to 140 Step 4
Element
Numbers
Modify Assign cross sections to all the points

Starting at the top of the list: Assign beam

Numbering element numbers and material numbers to the
parts automatically
N.B. Elements numbers can be directly defined
by selecting the parts radio button and then the
Define Supports edit icon.

RM Bridge 18 Procedure Guide

Composite Structure Definition with RM Modeler

Remodel Select the option “Recalculation” in

Recalculation the Remodel menu.

Select
Select the
the option
option “Create
“Create model”
model” in
in
RmBridge
the
the Remodel
Remodel menu.
menu.

RM Bridge 19 Procedure Guide

 Tendon Definition & Calculation in RM Bridge
8
Define the Structure
tendon profiles
& assign to
elements Tendon Insert all the tendon constants (top)

Assign the tendon(s) to the elements

Assignment in the structure (bottom)

Define tendon Structure

geometry

Tendon

Assign the tendon geometry control

Geometry point relative to a node or an element
number. N.B. For the profile to be
viewed, it must either be a “Standard
Profile” or have been made defined in
GP2004

RM Bridge 20 Procedure Guide

Tendon Definition & Calculation in RM Bridge

Define the Construction

prestressing Schedule
load set & load
case Load definition

Load Set Insert a new load set called

prestressing

Pre/Post
tensioning

Tendons Define the tendons to be stressed in

this load set

Schedule

Load definition

Load case Definition of a load case and

assignment of the load sets

Definition of the Schedule

Stress actions

Stages
Definition of:
-Multiplication factor for max. Tendon
force (SIGMAX 8z.B. 1,05)
Tendon actions Tendon
Stress label (e.g. BA1)

Definition of the wedge slip

PREL

RM Bridge 21 Procedure Guide

Tendon Definition & Calculation in RM Bridge

Calculation of Schedule
pre-stressing

Stages

Schedule Actions

Calculation
actions

Stress Definition of the tendons to be

stressed

Calc Calculation of the pre-stressing load

case

Grout Definition of the ducts to be grouted

RM Bridge 22 Procedure Guide

 Creep & Shrinkage Calculation in RM Bridge
9
Presumption: Bridge axis, girder cross-section, & permanent loading cases already defined

Import the FILE Import the creep & shrinkage variables

variables into the RmBridge-Project-Database
(e.g. CEB78.rm or CEB90.rm……..)

Reload Default
Properties
Select the Variable checkbox and choose
Variable the group containing the relevant creep &
shrinkage variables (e.g. CEB90).

Mark / Copy Mark all variables and copy them to the

RmBridge project database.

Select the PROPERTIES

additional
material Select the Info button & then the time
definitions Material / Info dependent functions for creep & shrinkage
(see below)

PH(t) EPS(t) Click on the pull-down menu arrow s for the

EMOD(t) creep coefficient, the shrinkage coefficient
& the E-Modulus and select C78sh, C90sh
etc……..as appropriate for each.
N.B.: Sig-Zy, Conc and Z-Typ must be
defined for all model codes except CEB78.
Confirm with OK

RM Bridge 23 Procedure Guide

Creep & Shrinkage Calculation in RM Bridge

STRUCTURE

Element
Input the Age of the Concrete, the
Define Time, shrinkage time, the Relative Humidity and
Age, Time the Temperature for the elements using the
Temperature MODIFY BUTTON, confirm with OK and
close the window

Loading Case SCHEDULE

Load definition

Load case Define a new blank loading case

(e.g.: 601 for Creep & Shrinkage in
construction stage 1), containing no
load set .
– (it is not necessary to define a load
set for creep & shrinkage)

Stages
Select Stage
Calculation
Action

Schedule Actions Select Action

Calculation Select Calculation Action

Action

Creep Select CREEP

Inp2: Number of Time Steps (e.g:.1)
Out1: Loading case Number (e.g.: 601)
Out2: List-File
Delta-T (Day): length of Creeping Time
since last creep
calculation

RM Bridge 24 Procedure Guide

 Load Management Definiton in RM Bridge
10
Presumption: Structural System, Load Sets, & Load Cases already defined

LoadInfo I II Description
G1 100 1000 Self-weight “Load Management” is used for the
automatic accumulation and
G2 200 1000 Additional permanent load
superposition processes of certain files
G3 300 1000 Additional permanent load
during the construction schedule
PT 500 1000 Prestressing
analysis.
C&S 600 1000 Creep & Shrinkage

RM Bridge 25 Procedure Guide

Load Management Definiton in RM Bridge

Define the Load Construction

Management Schedule

Loads

LManage

Select insert
 Enter a new Load Info name (e.g.:G1;
G2; G3).
Load Info  Enter the loading case numbers for the
accumulated loading results e.g. ‘G1’
type loading results should be stored in
LC 100 & in LC1000
 Repeat for PT, C&S...
N.B. Superposition files can also be chosen
for the loading result accumulation.
LCase
Change to Load case definition

Select the loading cases to be assigned

Modify to the ‘Load Info’ groups and insert
the appropriate LoadInfo name (e.g.
G1). Repeat for other loading cases

Stage / Action
The loading case numbers assigned for
accumulated results in load management must
be initialised (in the Construction Schedule)
before use:
Initialize Initialise all the relevant Load Cases &
Envelopes using LcInit, Supinit. (e.g.: 100,
500, 600, 1000 and the Superposition files)

RM Bridge 26 Procedure Guide

 Stage Definiton & Calculation in RM Bridge
11
Presumption: Whole Structural System already defined

Stage 1 Stage 2

Stage 3

RM Bridge 27 Procedure Guide

Stage Definiton & Calculation in RM Bridge

Define the Schedule

Load Cases

Load definition

Load Set Define the relevant Load sets for the

construction stages (e.g.: 101 for Self-
weight in the first CS, 102 Self-weight
second CS etc…..) and the relevant
Load Case Loading cases (e.g.: 101 for Self-
weight in the first CS, 102 Self-weight
second CS etc…..)
Stages
Define the
Construction Insert all the Construction Stages (3
Stages construction stages needed in this example
Insert – stage 1 to 3)
N.B. “Construction stages” can be used for
things other than actual construction stages
– i.e. for a clearer calculation procedure
(e.g. traffic calculation in a separate stage
etc…..)

Activation Activate the relevant elements and

springs in each stage (e.g.: in Stage 1
all the elements that are constructed in
stage 1 etc.)

Add all the actions required in the

Schedule Actions different stages (e.g.: Calculation
action of loading case 101 in Stage 1
etc…..)

RM Bridge 28 Procedure Guide

 Fiber Stress Check Calculation in RM Bridge
12
Presumption: Bridge axis & girder cross-section already defined

Cross-Section Select the Girder cross section and

1. Modeler: open it. “Unlock” the cross section if
Specify the necessary.
Stress Points
Reference Point Insert a new reference point group of
type stress

Point Insert Choose a point „Insert“ symbol to specify

the Stress Points (SPtop & SPbot say)

Select the ‘Reference Point Group’ pull-down

Specify Stress menu arrow to change the type to Stress Point.
Points Specify the position of the Stress points in the
cross section – at top and bottom respectively
Remodel
Select option recalculation in the
Recalculation
Remodel pad

Remodel Select the option create model

Create Model establish the RmBridge calculation
model to export the data to RM2004
Select Schedule/Stages
Construction Fibre stress results for both combination
Schedule / Stages files and load cases can be plotted and/or
printed to a file.

RM Bridge 29 Procedure Guide

Fiber Stress Check Calculation in RM Bridge

2. RmBridge: Fibre Stress output listing

Call for Fibre Action FibLc FibLc and FibSup prepare an output listing of
Stress calculation in or FibSup the fibre stress results and annotate overstressed
results.
the Schedule
Inp1: Load case or Combination File
Inp2: Factor F1, F2 – User Defined Stress limits
(defined as a proportion of the limits defined
in Properties\Material
Out1: -blank
Out2:
Fibre File name
Stress Plotfor printout
Results\PlSys Select Results\PlSys to specify the fibre stress
plots:
Basic definition
Select Results\PlSys\Macro\Load case plot,
stresses or Superposition plot, stresses to get a
basic Fibre Stress Plot
The Plot file prepared by the ‘Macro’ can be
easily edited to display additional results –
refer “Results” in the User Guide.

Select Recalc to get output listing – Results can

Recalc
be plotted immediately after the relevant load
case / sup file calculation.

RM Bridge 30 Procedure Guide

 Nonlinear Temperature Gradient Calculation
13
Presumption: bridge axis & girder cross-section already defined
Temperature difference Temperature difference

MINUS PLUS °C
0.10 T1 T1

T2 T2
0.20
0.45d
Deck T3 T3
depth 1.0 or d-0.20

d T4
T5

T4
T6
0.45d Node 101
0.20 T5
T7
0.20
0.10
T8 T6

RM Bridge 31 Procedure Guide

Nonlinear Temperature Gradient Calculation

Specify the additional Cross-Section Select the relevant cross section and open it
Temperature Points
in the Modeler Construction lines must be inserted in the
Additional Lines cross section at each of the temperature
change points – T1 to T8 here (some
variable depth construction lines are
required here)

Insert two new reference point groups

Reference Point with the name TEMP-MINUS and
TEMP-PLUS ( type temperature

Select the appropriate construction line

intersection point to define the temperature
Point Insert
points (T1-T6) in the cross-section, name the
points appropriately and enter the specified
temperature difference.
N.B. The temperature points must be
defined in consecutive order and must not
be defined in a random order or the
program will misinterpret the data.

Create Table If the deck has a variable depth, it is

necessary to create an additional table
defining the location of the temperature
points that vary with the deck depth .
- refer User Guide

Remodel The revised Modeler data must be “Re-

calculated and the respective RmBridge
model created before completing the
temperature input in RmBridge.

RM Bridge 32 Procedure Guide

Nonlinear Temperature Gradient Calculation

Specify the Schedule Change to the RmBridge Schedule menu

additional input
in RmBridge
Load Definition Prepare a blank Load set, note the set
Load set number and describe it as T-MAX

Load definition Define a Load case containing the

Load case T-MAX load set

Stages
Schedule actions

Insert a calculation action “TempVar”:

Calc. Action Inp1: Group-name (TEMP-MAX, named
Temp-Var in the Modeler)
Out1: Load-set number defined above for
T-MAX

Calc Insert a calculation action “CALC”:

Inp1: Load case number defined for
T-MAX

Repeat Repeat the above procedure for T-MIN.

The program prepares and stores the full

load-set input data for T-MAX and T-
MIN from the above data
Recalc Part 2

RM Bridge 33 Procedure Guide

 Defining a Live Load in RM Bridge
14
Input the Lanes Schedule Enter a lane number

Load Definition

Input the elements and the lane

Traffic Lanes eccentricity
i.e. input Lane 1 and Lane 2 with
eccentricity (e=+/-1.5m) using
MACRO2

Input the Load Schedule

Train

Load Definition

Load Trains Define the loading simulating the load

train . (Refer User guide)
i.e. input the load train 1

RM Bridge 34 Procedure Guide

Defining a Live Load in RM Bridge

Calculate Schedule
Loading

Stages

Schedule actions

Envelope action Initialise all the superposition files that

Supinit will be used.
i.e. live.sup, livele.sup, liveri.sup

Calculation i.e. Define the influence lines for lanes

Action 1 and 2

Inp1 Inp2 Out1 Out2

Infl
LIQV 1
LIF 1

Calculation Define loading input files & output

Action files for the lane results: i.e.:

LiveL

Envelope Combine the lanes with the

Action appropriate combination code
(Supadd, Supand, Supor)

SupAnd

RM Bridge 35 Procedure Guide

 Using ADDCON in a Simple Structure
15
Presumption: Whole Structural System already defined

LC1 :UDL=15kN/m The Structure:

A 2 X 20 metres span continuous beam
Node 11 with a uniform loading of 15kN/m.
11 The Problem:
20 m 20 m Find the amount of settlement required at
Node 1 Node 21 Element 1200 such that the moments at
Element 1200
node 11 due to the sum of LC1
(15kN/m) plus settlement load case is
exactly 500kNm.
Unit settlement = 0.001m The Solution:
Apply a ‘Unit Settlement Loading of
0.001m (LC2)’ and use AddCon to factor
this unit settlement such that in
combination with LC1 the required
result is achieved.

RM Bridge 36 Procedure Guide

Using ADDCON in a Simple Structure

Define the Construction

Load Cases for Schedule
the Constraint
Criteria Load Definition

Load Set Define the two load sets and the two
load cases (e.g.: LC1 is a UDL of
10kN/m from Elem 1 to Elem 20 and
LC2 is a Settlement of 0.001m at the
Load Case beginning of element 1200.)

Choose AddCon and insert the ‘Additional

AddCon
Constraint’ (Top table)
Define the
Constraint Insert the load cases applicable to the
Criteria Constraint criteria. (Bottom Table)
Loads Loading case 1 as FIXED – LCFIX with the
factor as 1.0
Loading Case 2 as VARIABLE – LCVAR
with the factor as ‘VAR’
Insert the Constraint Criteria under
Elements ‘Elements’ (Mz = –500kNm at node 11):

Element 10 ‘End’
DOF Mz
Stages
Val-max = val-min = -500
Select stage to define the iterative
Start the calculation
Iterative Schedule Actions
Select ‘Schedule Actions’
Calculation
Insert ‘Restart’ in the Action list of the
Restart Schedule

RM Bridge 37 Procedure Guide

 Using ADDCON in a Stay Cable Bridge
16
Presumption: Whole Structural System already defined

LC1 : UDL=105kN/m
The Structure:
A 2 X 20 m span continuous beam.
Cable El 2001 31 Top of pylon 10 m above girder.
Cable El 2004 The Loading
 Uniform loading on the girder
Cable El 2002 including self weight of
Cable El 2003
105kN/m.
Node 1 11 Node 21  Unit Cable Stressing to 1000kN
 Unit Settlement at top of elements
5 8 14 17 100 and 300 of 0.1m
Spring El. 100 Spring El. 300 The Problem:
20 m 20 m
Find the appropriate cable stressing
Element 1200 forces and support movements to ensure
that the girder moments at the cable
supports and the pylon from the
Spring El 200 combination of these loading cases with
the uniform loading on the girder
(LC1) is exactly -500kNm.
A Solution:
 Stress cables 2002 and 2003 in
one loading case
 Apply other ‘Unit Loading Cases
( stressing cables 2001 & 2004
and settlement at 100 and 300) as
separate loading cases.
 Use AddCon to factor the unit
loading cases such that in
combination with the uniform
loading, the required result is
achieved (-500 kNm in the 5
places)
5 Unit Load Cases
5 constraints (moments in 5 positions)

RM Bridge 38 Procedure Guide

Using ADDCON in a Stay Cable Bridge

Define the Load Schedule

Cases for the
Constraint
Criteria Load Definition

Load Set

Load Case

Choose AddCon and insert the ‘Additional

AddCon Constraint’ (Top table)
Define the
Constraint Insert the loading cases applicable to the
Constraint criteria. (Bottom Table)
Criteria Loading case 1 as FIXED – LCFIX with the
Loads
factor as 1.0
Load Cases 2 - 6 as VARIABLE – LCVAR
with the factor as ‘VAR’

Insert the Constraint Criteria under ‘Elements’ (Mz

Elements = –500kNm):

Elements 5 to 17 in steps of 3 at element begin

DOF Mz
Val-max = val-min = -500

Stage Select stage to define the iterative

Start the calculation
Iterative
Calculation
Action Select ‘Action’

Insert ‘Re-start’ in the Action column

Restart
of the Construction Schedule using:

 Constraint No: 1
 Tolerance 1e-5

RM Bridge 39 Procedure Guide

 Response Spectrum Calculation in RM Bridge
17
Presumption: Structural System already defined

Specify the Properties

Response Insert the Response Spectrum using both
Spectrum ‘Formula and Table’ to define the values.
Variable N.B. The program expects OMEGA for the
abscissa (horizontal ordinate) and must be told –
via ‘Formula’ what is given in terms of
OMEGA.
Schedule The type of vertical ordinate is defined in the
Schedule/Load Definition/Earthquake

Specify the
Load Definition
Loading and
Masses
Specify the Earthquake masses and the
Load Set mass of the structural System (e.g.:
Self-weight…) and sum it up to one
loading case (e.g.:LC100)
Load Case
Enter the seismic loading input:
Number of seismic event (e.g.: 1)
Earthquake Load Modal-File: (e.g.: eig1001.mod)
(upper window) Rule: (ABS, SRSS, DSC, or CQC)
Duration: Seconds (e.g.: 10)

Earthquake Load Specify the Response Spectrum:

(lower window) Type of Resp.Spec. graph: d,v or a
Load vector components defining the
direction of the displacement, velocity
or acceleration (e.g.: Vec-Vx = 1)
Damping Factor: logarithmic
Stages /
decrement (e.g.: 0.05 = 5%)
Schedule Actions

RM Bridge 40 Procedure Guide

Response Spectrum Calculation in RM Bridge

Insert the Calculation Action EIGEN:

Specify the Calculation Inp1: Number of natural modes
Action Eigen Inp2: Reference LC (e.g.: LC100)
Additional
Out1: (e.g.: eig1001.mod)
Actions Out2: (e.g.: eigen.lst)
Envelope Action Initialize all new *.sup files:
SupInit Out1: (e.g.: seismic-x.sup)

Insert the Calculation Action RESPS:

Calculation
Inp1: Number of Seismic Load
Action RespS
(e.g.:1)
Out1: (e.g.: seismic-x.sup)
Recalc

RM Bridge 41 Procedure Guide

 Ultimate Moment Check in RM Bridge
18
Presumption: Bridge axis & girder cross-section already defined

Cross-Section Select the relevant cross section and open it.

Modeler: “Unlock” the cross section if necessary.
Specify additional
reinforcement Insert new reference point group(s) to identify
Reference Point the additional reinforcement
i.e REINFtop & REINFbot etc

Point Insert Choose a point „Insert“ symbol to

specify the reinforcement positions

Specify position of additional reinforcement

Specify
in cross section (top, bottom, left, right) –
Reinforcement
reinforcement area is allocated in RmBridge

Remodel Select “Recalculation” before creating

Recalculation RmBridge model.

Remodel Select “Create Model” to create the

Create Model RmBridge calculation model.

RM Bridge 42 Procedure Guide

Ultimate Moment Check in RM Bridge

Properties
RmBridge: Material
Specify the
material Select Prestressing Steel
Prestr.steel
Stress/Strain
curves
Info Select Info

Ultimate load Select the ultimate load check pull-

check down menu arrow

EPS1-8 Select the EPS1-8 pull-down menu

arrow

EPS1-8 Input the Stress/Strain values for the material

SIG1-8 N.B. n-1n and n-1n

Repeat the above input procedure for

Repeat defining the material properties for the
concrete and the reinforcement

Structure/ Select Structure/Elements/Checks

Insert the
Elements/Checks to define the area of reinforcement to be
Group allocated to the reinforcement Group(s)
Reinforcement
Area(s) Note: If one group name was used (in the
Modeler) for several separate points or
polygons, the defined area will be equally
divided between these points or polygonal
lines
Select ‘Edit’ to modify the reinforcement
Edit
area for the elements for the relevant
reinforcement groups

RM Bridge 43 Procedure Guide

Ultimate Moment Check in RM Bridge

Insert “UltLc” or Schedule/Stages/ Select Schedule\Stages\Schedule Actions

Schedule Actions to call for the Ultimate Moment check to be
“UltSup” action in made.
the Schedule
Select Insert and go to the place in the
Insert
Construction Schedule where the Ultimate
Moment Check is to be made

Envelope Action Select Envelope Action

Select SupInit to initialize a new

SupInit superposition file for the results from the
Ultimate Moment of Resistance
calculations (say UltMz1.sup)

Calculation Select Calculation Action

action

UltLc or UltSup Select UltLc or UltSup to call for the

ultimate moment calculation.

Inp1: i.e.Comb1.sup (The combination

file containing the applied ultimate
loading)
Inp2: UltMz (type of ultimate check)
Out1: UltMz1.sup (Output file data,
available for further operations).

RM Bridge 44 Procedure Guide

 Shear Check Calculation (AASHTO LRFD)
19
Presumption: Bridge axis & girder cross-section already defined

Borderlines
Specify the
Search area for web-width
Perimeter and the
Borderlines Perimeter

Cross-Section Select the Girder cross section and

open it. “Unlock” the cross section if
necessary.

Reference Point Insert a new reference point group to

identify the Perimeter und the
Borderlines (say SHEAR)

Point Insert Choose a point „Insert“ symbol to specify

the Perimeter and the Borderlines.

To define the Perimeter in the cross section you

SHEAR Specify Perimeter have to choose ‘Perimeter Point’ and to define
and Borderline the web you need ‘Borderline Start’ and
‘Borderline End’.
Remodel
Select recalculation before creating
Recalculation
the RmBridge calculation model

Remodel Select “create model” for creating the

Create model RmBridge calculation model

Schedule / Select Construction Schedule/Stage

Stages
Call for ShearLc
Fibre Stress output listing
or ShearSup in Inp1: Loading case or Combination File and if
the Schedule Check Action Prestressing is used the Loading case with
ShearLc or the total Primary state (*.sup, 500).
ShearSup Inp2: Additional Group1, add Grp2 –Used
Groups to calculate the shear check
Out1: -Name of the superposition file where the
min/max results will be stored (*.sup).
Out2: File name for list file (*.lst).

RM Bridge 45 Procedure Guide

Shear Check Calculation (AASHTO LRFD)

Recalc
Select Recalc.
Output List
The Output List shows us the necessary
Parameters for the shear check and the required
Open List reinforcement.
Av..vertical reinforcement (Q, Mx, Q + Mx)
Al..longitudinal reinforcement (Q, Mx, Q + Mx).

RM Bridge 46 Procedure Guide

 Design of a Reinforced Concrete Beam
20
Presumption: Bridge axis & girder cross-section already defined

Modeler: Cross-section Select the Girder cross section and open

Specify the it. “Unlock” the cross section if necessary.
reinforcement Insert new reference point groups to
Reference identify the reinforcement– Rei_top,
Point Rei_below,..etc. (you need groups as far as
necessary for a CS).
To define the reinforcement in the CS you
Point have to choose ’Point’, ’Line To’ or ’Curve
Insert To’.

Recalculation Select “Recalculation” before creating

RmBridge calculation model

Remodel Select “Create model” to create the

Create model RmBridge calculation model

RmBridge: Structure /
Select Elements / Checks
Define reinforcement in Structure/Elements
Call in the Schedule Elements/Checks (Fix or Var (variable)). A1 is always Fix and
for the UltLc or the user can use it for the min. reinforcement.
UltSup action with A2 is the required reinforcement with is
option Rein calculated by the program (Var!).

Schedule / Stages Select Schedule / Stages

With ’ReinIni’ it is possible to initialize the
reinforcement store A2 (empty).

Input for the dimensioning

Check Action – Inp1: Load case or Combination File (e.g.: *.sup
UltLc or UltSup or lc1000)
Inp2: blank
Out1: blank
Out2: File name for the List file (*.lst).

RM Bridge 47 Procedure Guide

Design of a Reinforced Concrete Beam

Recalc Select Recalc

Output List and Plot

Open list The Output List shows us the required
and reinforcement (A1 and A2).
create plot It is possible to create a ASCII Plotfile witch
shows as the reinforcement on a plot.

RM Bridge 48 Procedure Guide

 Index
A load management 25 response spectra 40
AASHTO LRFD
shear checks 45 M S
ADDCON multipe bearings 5 shear checks
simple structure 36 multiple bearings 7 AASHTO LRFD 45
stay cable bridge 38 spring supports 5
stage definitions 27
N
B nonlinear temperature
bearing supports 9 gradients 31 T
temperature gradients 31
C O tendon definitions 20
twin girders 7, 9
composite structures 18 orthogonal grillage 15
twin piers 9
creep & shrinkage calculations
23
P U
pier supports 3
F ulitmate moment 42
fiber stress checks 29
R V
reinforced concrete beam
L design 47
variable depth cross sections 13
live loads 34

RM Bridge 49 Procedure Guide