SYS CivilFEM

© 2004 ANSYS, Inc. ANSYS, Inc. Proprietary

 SYS CivilFEM
Main Features

• Concrete Creep and Shrinkage

• Bridge layout modeling (in plan and
elevation view)
• Utilities for generating common bridge
sections and layout design
• Geometric and finite element model
generation both with Beams (1D) and Solid
elements (3D)
• Loads Generation
• Overloads
• Moving loads (vehicle’s editor)
• Utility for Prestressed forces input
• User loads
• Automatic Loads combination
• Simulation of construction process
 SYS CivilFEM
Concrete Creep and Shrinkage

• Effects of Creep and Shrinkage relative to maturity of concrete

can be easily considered
• Allows to obtain the deformed shape as well as the forces,
moments and stresses in the model
 SYS CivilFEM
Bridge Layout Modeling

• This utility allows generating the geometry and finite

element model of the bridge from common engineering
blueprints. It works like a “layout program” allowing to
define the layout design in both plan and elevation views
• The procedure used for the bridge layout definition is the
following:
• Definition of the mileage points (MP’s) that represent the
structure axis
• Definition of plan and elevation layout

• All the parameters introduced to create the layout and the

obtained results can be later retrieved with a single
command (~CFGET)
 SYS CivilFEM
Bridges Layout in Plan View

• In plan view, the mileage points line is a succession of user-

defined stretches as:
• straight segments
• circular arcs
• clothoid arcs

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 SYS CivilFEM
Bridge Layout in Elevation View

• In elevation view, the mileage points line is a succession of

user-defined stretches as:
• straight segments
• parabolic arcs

Par
abolicfilet
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f

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 SYS CivilFEM
Bridge Cross Sections

• This module includes a library of typical bridge cross

sections, which are defined by the outline of the section:
– Slab cross sections
– Box cross sections
BTOP
TTOP
RS BM

DEPTH DEPTH
TBOT
TF BBOT
B

Rectangular section Trapezoidal section with flanges

BTOP BTOP
TTOP y
TTOP BM2
TS TM BM1 DEPTH a2
DEPTH
TBOT BBOT
PS
z
BBOT
t 22 t 21
Trapezoidal section Polygonal section with
p22 two bends p21 vCU vCUr
1 1
vU vUr
axis
hCU hCUr
BTOPL BTOPR
TTOPR hU hUr
BM2L BM2R
t 31 t 41
DEPTHL TML BM1L DEPTHR
BM1R TMR
TBOTL b1
TBOTR 1
BBOTL BBOTR PA s31 hL
hCL hCLr
Polygonal Asymmetric with two bends Note: The upper line (deck) is always
horizontal. The slope must be later vL vCL
defined with the section’s bank. 1
p12 vCLr
Bridge Section Types
t 11
p11
1
a1 a0 /2

Tri-cell box section definition

 SYS CivilFEM
Slab Concrete Sections

• It’s possible to define holes

• The sections can be symmetric or asymmetric
• Sections and the hole diameters might differ along the bridge
Box Sections with Variable Depth
SYS CivilFEM

• Any generic box section can be easily defined

• All the necessary input parameters can be introduced either
by menu or using the corresponding command (allows
performing a parametric design of cross sections, creating
macros, etc).
y

a2

z
t 22 t 21
p22 p21 vCU vCUr
1 1
vU vUr
hCU hCUr

hU hUr
t 31 t 41
b1
1

s31 hL
hCL hCLr

vL vCL
1
p12 vCLr
t 11
p11
1
a1 a0 /2

Tri-cell box section definition

 SYS CivilFEM
Assigning Attributes

• For the automatic generation of the geometrical and FE

model, the defined cross sections are assigned to the
mileage points (MP’s) forming the bridge layout
• The transition of sections between MP’s can be defined
using straight segments and splines

Trans = 0
Trans=1

Section's transition definition

 SYS CivilFEM
Assigning Attributes

• The cross sections may have the following attributes:

• Offsets
• Banks
• Skew
• Hollow or solid sections

MP,s line y

Zoffs

Yoffs P
z Bank (Rotation's center P)
 SYS CivilFEM
Model Generation
• Once the layout and cross sections are defined the
geometrical and FE model generation can be automatically
performed by the program
 SYS CivilFEM
Model Generation
• Just by specifying an element type, a Solid finite element
model or a Beam finite element model can be generated

Beam element model Solid element model

(eshape option)
 SYS CivilFEM
Model Generation

• Allows for a trial and error process using beam elements

(less CPU and engineer time).
• Automatic discretization of the beam element cross-
sections into points and tessellas (allows for analyzing the
section’s internal behavior using beam elements)
• More accurate design can be performed using SOLID
elements by only changing the element type and running
the analysis again.
 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard
Suspension Bridge Generator windows can generate 3D
models for:

• Concrete Suspension Bridges

(with a CivilFEM bridge section)

• Steel Suspension Bridges

(with a CivilFEM 3D steel truss pattern)

• Generic Suspension Bridges

(with a CivilFEM generic cross section)

• Mixed section, two types of section:

- Concrete slab over I-section steel beams
- Concrete slab over a steel box section
 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• By using this Wizard it is possible to easily

introduce the number of segments and the
corresponding data to generate the entire bridge
model for both 3D beams and solid elements.
 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• Concrete
 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• Both concrete and steel truss suspension bridge

models are automatically generated for any generic
configuration by introducing just a few parameters

• Steel
 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• Steel
 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• Any generic cross section defined from library and/or any

2D ANSYS and CivilFEM meshed drawing (capture utility)
can be used as a bridge cross section
• Optimization of the geometry and initial tensions of cables.
 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• Mixed Section (type 1)

Bridge section is composed of a concrete slab over
I-section steel beams:

bSlab/2
y bSlab
z fSR

tSlab
fSL

hBeam
tWeb

tFL

bB
nB
 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• Mixed Section (type 1)

 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• Mixed Section (type 1) Example

 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• Mixed Section (type 2)

Bridge section is composed of a concrete slab over
a steel box section:

bSlab/2
y bSlab
fSL z fSR

tSlab
alphaR
tboxL
alphaL

hBox
tboxR

tboxB
 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• Mixed Section (type 1)

 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• Mixed Section (type 2) Example

 SYS CivilFEM
Supported Bridges Wizard

Same parameters as for suspension bridges are used but only the
bridge deck is generated.
 SYS CivilFEM
Suspension Bridges Wizard

• Supported Bridge Examples

 SYS CivilFEM
Cable-Stayed Bridge Wizard

• Generation window
 SYS CivilFEM
Cable-Stayed Bridge Wizard

• Model generation
– Cable arrangements:
HARP TYPE FAN TYPE
(XT, ZT) (XT, ZT)
ZT1 ZT1

ZT2 ZT2

ZT3 ZT3

ZT... ZT...

XR1 XR2 XR... XR1 XR2 XR...

XL... XL2 XL1 ZB... XL... XL2 XL1 ZB...
z ZB2 z ZB2
ZB1 ZB1
(XB, ZB) x (XB, ZB)
x
 SYS CivilFEM
Cable Stayed Bridge Wizard

• Model generation
– Towers: Unlimited in number, variable cross
sections, vertical or inclined with different cable
arrangements
 SYS CivilFEM
Cable Stayed Bridge Wizard
 SYS CivilFEM
Cable Stayed Bridge Wizard

• Model Generation

Different boundary conditions and connection

between towers and deck
 SYS CivilFEM
Cable Stayed Bridge Wizard

• Nonlinear Construction Process Analysis:

Y Y
X X
Z Z
Y
X
Z

MN

Y
X
Z

MX
 SYS CivilFEM
Cable Stayed Bridge Wizard

• Nonlinear Construction Process Analysis:

 SYS CivilFEM
Cable Stayed Bridge Wizard

• Nonlinear Construction Process Analysis:

– Cable force optimization: Deflection
 SYS CivilFEM
Cable Stayed Bridge Wizard

• Nonlinear Construction Process Analysis:

– Cable force optimization: Bending Moment
 SYS CivilFEM
Arch Bridge Wizard

• Arch Bridge Generator (Beam Model)

 SYS CivilFEM
Arch Bridge Wizard

• According to the position of bridge deck relative to

the arch, there are different cases:
 SYS CivilFEM
Arch Bridge Wizard

• Beam Model
 SYS CivilFEM
Arch Bridge Wizard
 SYS CivilFEM
Arch Bridge Wizard

• Shell Model
 SYS CivilFEM
Bridge Components

• ANSYS and CivilFEM allows a detailed analysis of

piers, cross bracings, diaphragms, etc.
 SYS CivilFEM
Special Features

• Any of the bridge parameters (layout, sections, dimensions,

etc.) can be easily parameterized by the user, allowing very
fast sensitivity analysis, making use of some advanced
features:
• Log files
• the program stores in a file all the orders executed by
the program during a job. This file can be edited by
the user at any time and the model can be executed
again by just reading it
• Macros (APDL)

• Customization: users are able to create their own windows,

commands, etc, customizing the program as much as
possible to their own needs
 SYS CivilFEM
Loads Generation

• CivilFEM automatically generates the

loads corresponding to the various
load hypotheses over a 2D or 3D
structure, such as:
• Moving loads (traffic loads)
• Surface loads (Overloads)
• Prestressing tendons
• Any kind of “user defined” loads
• “Smart” load combination of all the
load steps generated during the
analysis
Loads Generation (Traffic Loads)
SYS CivilFEM

• With the vehicle editor it is possible to create, import from library,

modify, copy, delete and list vehicles

Vehicle library: just choose the

vehicle and the corresponding
properties are automatically
defined

Property window
Loads Generation (Traffic Loads)
SYS CivilFEM

• Allows considering the breaking or starting load (horizontal) for

each vehicle wheel
• One or more vehicles can be used at the same time
Loads Generation (Traffic Loads)
SYS CivilFEM

• Two different types of vehicles: Rigid (truck) or flexible

(train, adaptable to the path)
• User friendly path definition: road surface and road axis
are automatically detected by the program
Assem blyh
t ebr
d
i gesnodesandelement
s,
wher
etheloadsar eapplied Vehicle
Thetangencyoccur sinthepoint
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t

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ayector
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igidvehicle)

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Loads Generation (Surface Loads)
SYS CivilFEM

• Definition of an overload grid over the deck

• Automatic load generation and combinations of all possible
load case scenarios

Assembly with the bridges nodes

and elements over which the
surface load will be applied
Overload
grid

s1

dm

d2
Lines
d1 component
KP,s

Definition of surface loads

Loads Generation SYS CivilFEM
(Prestressing Cables)

• Definition of points along the cable’s path (automatic adjustment of

the points using splines)
• Introduce the tensile force at specific locations in the tendon’s path
• Automatic transfer of the cable action to the structure:
• the program calculates an equivalent system of forces at each
node of the element that equilibrate the system
P
T1 O

P'
1 P' Rz
N
1
MR
z

P2 fz
MR K
Pk PN
x
T2
P1 c.d.g.
2
Pk+1 R
MR y
Pk+2 y
R fy
K
x
fx
K

Transmision of the cable actions to the model

3D spline generation
 SYS CivilFEM
Loads Generation - Notes

• In addition to the automatic loads generation

explained here, any other “user-defined” load can be
applied to the structure such as wind loads, snow,
seismic (automatic definition of spectrum according
to codes) and so on.
• The automatic load generation feature, although is
inside the bridges module, can be applied to any
other type of structure simply by defining the surface
over which the loads are to be applied.
 SYS CivilFEM
Dynamic Analysis

• A transient analysis can be automatically performed.

Possibility of introducing the velocity while defining
the moving loads
 SYS CivilFEM
Load Combination - Example

• Where must be located the two engines to obtain the

maximum stresses at point P?
• What is the maximum bending moment at section A-A ?
• What are the concomitant values?

A ---- A
P
 SYS CivilFEM
Load Combination

• In the bridge analysis process, a great number of

load steps are generated, which later on have to be
combined looking for the worst case scenario.
CivilFEM includes functionalities that can
automatically handle all the possible load cases
• Obtains the envelop that considers the worst case
scenario for each structural point by specifying a
target
• Concomitance at both global and element levels
• Variable load coefficients can be defined
• Combining the moving loads (traffic loads)
• The program automatically combines them as an
“incompatible” load (detects that the vehicle can
only occupy one position at the same time)
 SYS CivilFEM
Load Combination

• Combining the surface loads (overloads)

• The program automatically combines them as a
“compatible” load (detects that these loads can be
located at any possible position over the surface)

OBJECTIVE:
To obtain the
envelop of
maximum vertical
displacements at
all nodes
 SYS CivilFEM
Load Combination

• Combining the prestressing cable loads

• The program automatically combine them as an
“addition” load (adds all the loads and apply them
at the same time)

• Combining “user-defined” loads

• The same procedure is applied simply by defining
the combination rule to be used (compatible,
incompatible, addition, selection, etc) to find the
combined results
 SYS CivilFEM
Checking & Design

• Serviceability Limit State

• Check of cracking according to codes
 SYS CivilFEM
Checking & Design

• Ultimate Limit State

• Check and design of the bridge reinforcement
according to codes, taking into account all the
loads applied to the structure.
Simulation of Construction Process
SYS CivilFEM

• The bridges module allows to simulate different types of

construction process

Normal Procedure
Simulation of Construction Process
SYS CivilFEM

• Cantilever construction

Sections
Not builded zone

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

3 3
2
2 2
1 1
1
Not live support

Live cable
H
Bridge section axis

Steps
Y
Z

X
Y
Pile section axis Bridge plant
Live pile support

Pile Section: AreaU, I ,I , AreaB, I ,I ,H

yyU zzU yyB zzB

Puente construido mediante dovelas yuxtapuestas: Situación después del step #3

Simulation of Construction Process
SYS CivilFEM

• Push launching
4 3 2 1

En la etapa inicial nacen cuatro secciones

y solo una de ellas está "empujada" (la una)

4 3 2 1

En la segunda etapa se empuja una nueva sección (la 2), la sección 1 ha llegado
a un apoyo intermedio que al final de la construcción ocupará la 4

5 4 3 2 1

En la tercera etapa nace la sección 5, pero

no se empuja ninguna nueva

6 5 4 3 2 1

En la cuarta etapa el puente está completo, pero tan solo se empujan

dos secciones..

6 5 4 3 2 1

En la última etapa el puente está completo.

Las secciones 4 y 1 alcanzan sus apoyos definitivos.

Proceso constructivo de un puente empujado

 SYS CivilFEM
Bridge Postprocessing

• ANSYS and CivilFEM performs a wide range of

postprocessing calculations: load combinations,
display any results, check and design, etc.