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h1. FAQ

h2. How does the program obtain bridge forces and stresses diagrams?

The program uses [section cuts|Section cut] defined by groups to obtain bridge forces and stresses diagrams. These section cuts are automatically formed as part of the bridge model using the parametric definition and can be reviewed via "Display > Show Tables > MODEL DEFINITION > Bridge Data > Bridge Object Data > Table: Bridge Section Cuts 01 - General and Table: Bridge Section Cuts 02 Groups".

The coordinate system for each bridge section cut can be found in the table "Bridge Section Cuts 01 – General", fields "DirCos??":

* The local 1 axis of the bridge section cut is along the layout line,
* The local 2 axis of the bridge section cut is normal (but downward) to the deck surface (considering super-elevation),
* The local 3 axis of the bridge section cut is, local 1 axis   cross   local 2 axis.

Any manually added objects are not added to the section cuts. The force/moment diagrams will be correct for the final structure at all sections that have not been modified. Manually added members, such as diaphragms, may carry load and take it away from objects that are part of a section cut, thus reducing the section cut force. They can only affect section cuts to which they are connected.

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_See [Locations for reporting bridge superstructure and girder forces DRAFT] for additional details._

Related emails:

* {email:date=922/2011|from=ac|to=ok|subject=Bridge section cuts|comment=Bridge section cuts|id=7636760}
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h2. If the bridge object is manually modified, are the the bridge object forces and stresses still correct?

*Extended Question:* If I delete certain elements of a bridge deck section, are the results of bridge object response display still valid? If I divide certain elements, does the results of bridge object response display still valid?

*Answer:* The bridge forces and stresses diagrams accessible on the "Bridge Object Response Display" form are based on  section cuts that utilize only the objects created by the bridge modeler. Any manually added/removed/modified entities would not be correctly accounted for in the section cuts. Therefore, manually deleting or dividing bridge superstructure frame, shell or solid objects will, in general, result in incorrect forces and stresses being reported on the "Bridge Object Response Display" form.