Page Comparison

\\

{on-this-page}

\\

The [bridge modeler|Bridge Modeler] provides design templates for conventional deck-section types, including flat slab, concrete box girder, and steel girder with a cast-in-place deck. *Modeling decks not available through the bridge modeler* must be done with direct methods. The advanced modeling features available for direct bridge-deck modeling include the following:

h2. Spine model

* Use the [section designer|Section Designer] to develop the bridge cross section.
* Model the bridge superstructure using frame elements to extend the cross section. For complex bridge profiles, [CSiBridge|csibridge:home] allows users to create bridge geometry using dummy bridge deck sections, then replace the dummy sections with a selectionsection from the section designer.

h2. Area model

* Use frame elements to develop the bridge-deck cross section.
* Create area elements by extruding frame elements along bridge layout lines with the Edit > Extrude > Extrude Lines to Areas option. Users may specify an advanced extrusion path using custom coordinates or a predefined [curve|Curved frame objects].

h2. Solid model

* Use [shell elements|kb:Shell] to develop the bridge deck cross section.
* Extend the shell elements into solid elements by extruding the cross section along bridge layout lines using the Edit > Extrude > Extrude Areas to Solids option.

h2. Obtaining bridge superstructure forces and stresses

When a bridge is modeled directly, [bridge object force and stress diagrams|Bridge object force and stress diagrams] are no longer created automatically. In this case, users should define multiple section cuts along the bridge superstructure to obtain bridge force and stress diagrams. This is known as post-processing section-cut results.

{hidden-content}
*Related incident:*
* {incident:no=25217|comment=Steel box deck section with single box.}

*Related emails:*
* {email:from=ok|to=jh|date=12/22/2011|subject=modeling solid box concrete bridge desk section|comment=|id=8094400}
* {email:from=ok|to=rl|date=1/24/2012|subject=modeling bridge with u-shaped cross-section|comment=|id=8095354}
{hidden-content}

h2. See also

* [kb:Mixed models]