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The SAP2000 bridge modeler allows to model bridges with typical superstructure deck sections (such as provides design templates for conventional deck-section types, including flat slab, concrete box girder, and steel girders girder with a cast-in-place deck, etc.). In the case you need to model bridges with deck sections not available in the bridge modeler, you would need to develop the bridge model using traditional modeling methods. You may still be able to take advantage of some advanced SAP2000 modeling features to simplify the modeling. Several such features are described below.

Spine Models

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. 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:

Spine model

• Use the section designer to develop the bridge cross section.
• Model the bridge superstructure using frame elements with the previously developed section designer to extend the cross section. For complex bridge profiles, you may even use SAP2000/Bridge CSiBridge allows users to create the bridge geometry , using dummy bridge deck section. When the bridge geometry is created, you can sections, then replace the dummy sections with a section by from the desired section designer section.

Area

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model

• Use frame elements to develop the bridge-deck cross - section using frame elements.
• Extrude the frame elements to area Create area elements by extruding frame elements along the bridge layout line of the bridge using "lines with the Edit > Extrude > Extrude Lines to Areas " menu command. Please note that you can specify advanced path for the extrusion using custom coordinates, or one of the predefined curves.option. Users may specify an advanced extrusion path using custom coordinates or a predefined curve.

Solid model

• Use shell elements to develop the bridge deck cross section.
• Extrude the shell elements into solid elements by extruding the cross section along bridge layout lines using the Edit > Extrude > Extrude Areas to Solids option.

Obtaining bridge superstructure forces and stresses

When a bridge is modeled directly, 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.

See also

• Mixed models