The SAP2000 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 of deck types not available through the bridge modeler must be done with direct methods. The advanced SAP2000 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 to extend the cross section. For complex bridge profiles, SAP2000/Bridge allows users to create bridge geometry using dummy bridge deck sections, then replace the dummy sections with a selection from the section designer.
Area model
- Use frame elements to develop the bridge-deck cross section.
- Create area elements by using the 'Edit' > 'Extrude' > 'Extrude Lines to Areas' option to extrude frame elements along bridge layout lines. 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.
- 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.
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The SAP2000 bridge modeler allows to model bridges with typical superstructure deck sections (such as flat slab, concrete box girder, steel girders with 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
- Develop the bridge cross section using Section Designer.
- Model the bridge superstructure using frame elements with the previously developed section designer section. For complex bridge profiles, you may even use SAP2000/Bridge to create the bridge geometry, using dummy bridge deck section. When the bridge geometry is created, you can replace the dummy section by the desired section designer section.
Area Models
- Develop the bridge deck cross-section using frame elements.
- Extrude the frame elements to area elements along the layout line of the bridge using "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.
Solid Models
- Develop the bridge deck cross-section using shell elements.
- Extrude the shell elements to solid elements along the layout line of the bridge using "Edit > Extrude > Extrude Areas to Solids" menu command.