ASEP CPD Lectures

BRIDGES
Effective Modeling and Seismic Analysis
Manila, Philippines
March, 2006

Asian Center for Engineering Computations and Software

Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
Effective Modeling of Bridges
and
Seismic Analysis

Presented By

Naveed Anwar, D. Eng.

ACECOMS, AIT
Structure, Member, Element
 Structure can considered as an assemblage of
“Physical Components” called Members
 Slabs, Beams, Columns, Footings, etc.
 Physical Members can be modeled by using one or
more “Conceptual Components” called Elements
 1D elements, 2D element, 3D elements
 Frame element, plate element, shell element, solid
element, etc.

ACECOMS, AIT
The Structural System

STRUCTURE
RESPONSES
EXCITATION
Displacements
Loads
Vibrations Strains
Stresses
Settlements pv
Stress Resultants
Thermal Changes

ACECOMS, AIT
The Need For Analysis
We need to determine the
Response of the Structure to
Analysis
Excitations

so that:

We can ensure that the structure Design

can sustain the excitation with an
acceptable level of response

ACECOMS, AIT
Finite Element Method and FEA
 Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
 “A discretized solution to a continuum problem using FEM”

 Finite Element Method (FEM)

 “A numerical procedure for solving (partial) differential
equations associated with field problems, with an accuracy
acceptable to engineers”

ACECOMS, AIT
Solid – Structure - Model

3D SOLIDS
Discretization

Simplification
(geometric)

3D-CONTINUM CONTINUOUS MODEL DISCRETE MODEL

MODEL OF STRUCTURE OF STRUCTURE

(Governed by partial (Governed by either

partial or total dif- (Governed by algebraic
differential equations) equations)
ferential equations)

ACECOMS, AIT
 From Classical to FEM
Classical Assumptions FEM

Equilibrium
Actual Structure Structural Model

 xx  yy  zz
x

y

z
 pvx  0
Stress-Strain Law
Kr  R
Compatibility “Algebraic
“Partial Differential
Equations”
Equations” _ _ _

 t
 dV   p u dV   p u ds
v
t
v
t
s
K = Stiffness
r = Response
(Principle of Virtual Work) R = Loads

ACECOMS, AIT
Simplified Structural System

Loads (F) Deformations (u)

Fv

u K (Stiffness)

Equilibrium Equation F=Ku

ACECOMS, AIT
The Total Structural System
STRUCTURE

EXCITATION RESPONSES

pv

• Static • Elastic • Linear

• Dynamic • Inelastic • Nonlinear

Eight types of equilibrium equations are possible!

ACECOMS, AIT
Comprehensive Equilibrium Equation

Mu(t )  Cu (t )  Ku(t )  F (t ) NL  F (t )

 Cover all Static, Dynamic, Elastic, Non Elastic,
Damped, Un-damped, Linear, Non-Linear cases and
their combinations
 Handles response for
 BasicDead and Live Loads
 Seismic, Wind, Vibration and Fire analysis

ACECOMS, AIT
Comprehensive Equilibrium Equation
Mass-Acceleration Stiffness-Displacement External Force

  Cu  Ku  FNL  F
Mu
Damping-Velocity
Nonlinearity

  Cu  Ku
Mu

The basic variable is displacement and its derivatives

ACECOMS, AIT
Static and Dynamic

  Cu  Ku  FNL  F
Mu
  Cu  Ku
Mu

Dynamic Part

Static Part

ACECOMS, AIT
Linear and Non-Linear

  Cu  Ku  FNL  F
Mu

  Cu  Ku
Mu
Linear Part
Non-Linear Part

ACECOMS, AIT
Seismic Analysis
Acceleration Records
Mu  Cu  Ku  Mug Time History Analysis

  Cu  Ku  FNL  F
Mu
Free Vibration Equivalent
Ku  FEQ Static Analysis
  Ku  0
Mu
Pushover
Ku  FNL  FEQ Analysis

Ku  FEQ Response Spectrum

Analysis
Response Spectrums
ACECOMS, AIT
Wind Analysis
Wind-Time Records
Mu  Cu  Ku  F (t ) Full Dynamic Analysis

  Cu  Ku  FNL  F
Mu
Free Vibration
Equivalent
  Ku  0 Ku  FW Static Analysis
Mu

Ku  FW Equivalent Static Nonlinear

Ku  FNL  F Analysis
Matched Analysis
ACECOMS, AIT
Vibration Analysis
Load-Time Function

Mu  Cu  Ku  F (t ) Full Dynamic Analysis

  Cu  Ku  FNL  F
Mu
Equivalent
Ku  F Static Analysis

Ku  FNL  F Equivalent Static Nonlinear

Analysis

ACECOMS, AIT
Types of Finite Elements

ACECOMS, AIT
Nodes and Finite Elements
 The Finite Elements are discretized representation of
the continuous structure
 Generally they correspond to the physical structural
components but sometimes dummy or idealized
elements my also be used
 Elements behavior is completely defined within its
boundaries and is not directly related to other
elements
 Nodes are imaginary points used describe arbitrary
quantities and serve to provide connectivity across
element boundaries

ACECOMS, AIT
The Basic Six DOF
 Three Translations along the
reference axis
 Dx, Dy, Dz
 Three Rotations about the reference
axis
 Rx, Ry, Rz

ACECOMS, AIT
The Seven Degrees of Freedom
ry
 The General Beam
uy
Element may have 7
y
degrees of freedom
 The seventh degree is
Warping u x rx

 Warping is out-of x
z
plane distortion of the uz Each section on a beam
beam cross-section rz member can have seven
Degrees Of Freedom
wz (DOF) with respect to its
local axis.

ACECOMS, AIT
Types of DOF in SAP2000
 Active
 the displacement is computed during the analysis
 Restrained
 the displacement is specified, and the corresponding reaction is
computed during the analysis
 Constrained
 the displacement is determined from the displacements at other
degrees of freedom
 Null
 the displacement does not affect the structure and is ignored by the
analysis
 Unavailable
 The displacement has been explicitly excluded from the analysis

ACECOMS, AIT
Basic Categories of Finite Elements
 1 D Elements (Beam type)
 Only one dimension is actually modeled as a line, other two
dimensions are represented by stiffness properties
 Can be used in 1D, 2D and 2D
 2 D Elements (Plate type)
 Only two dimensions are actually modeled as a surface, third
dimension is represented by stiffness properties
 Can be used in 2D and 3D Model
 3 D Elements (Brick type)
 All three dimensions are modeled as a solid
 Can be used in 3D Model

ACECOMS, AIT
Some Sample Finite Elements

Truss and Beam Elements (1D,2D,3D)

Plane Stress, Plane Strain, Axisymmetric, Plate and Shell Elements (2D,3D)

Brick Elements

ACECOMS, AIT
One Dimensional Elements

ACECOMS, AIT
Basic Properties of Joints
 All elements are connected to the structure at the joints
 The structure is supported at the joints using Restraints and/or Springs
 Rigid-body behavior and symmetry conditions can be specified using
Constraints that apply to the joints
 Concentrated loads may be applied at the joints
 Lumped masses and rotational inertia may be placed at the joints
 Loads and masses applied to the elements are transferred to the joints
 Joints are the primary locations in the structure at which the displacements
are known (the supports) or are to be determined

ACECOMS, AIT
DOF for 1D Elements
Dy Dy Dy

Rz Dz
Dx Dx

2D Truss 2D Beam 3D Truss

Ry
Dy Dy Dy
Rz
Dx Rz Rx Dz Dx Rx
Rz

2D Frame 2D Grid 3D Frame

ACECOMS, AIT
End Releases
 Easily model non-fixed
connections by general
“End-Release”
 Axial
 Shear
 Torsion
 Moment

ACECOMS, AIT
Rigid End Offsets
 Rigid End connections to
model large joints
 Automated end offset
evaluation and assignment

ACECOMS, AIT
The NL Link

ACECOMS, AIT
Non-Linear Links
 Special 2D elements to
capture the Non-Linear
behavior
 Various NL Links are used
in modeling including
 Multi-Linear Elastic
 Multi-Linear Plastic
 Damper
 Gap,Hook
 Rubber Isolators
 Friction Isolators

ACECOMS, AIT
The Plastic Hinge
 Used as Spring, Link, Panel
zone or inside Frame Elements
 Axial, flexural, shear and
torsional behavior
 Axial-load/ biaxial-moment
interaction
 Multilinear behavior including
softening
 Tabulated and Graphical
display of hinge status

ACECOMS, AIT
Plastic Hinges
 Hinge properties are used to
define nonlinear force-
displacement or moment-
rotation behavior that can be
assigned to discrete
locations along the length of
frame (line) elements

ACECOMS, AIT
Pushover Modeling (Properties)
Force - Deformation Relationship
C
Force

D E
A

Deformation

ACECOMS, AIT
Pushover Modeling (Beam Element)

Three Dimensional Beam Element

Span Loads Shear Hinge
Flexible connection

Plastic Hinge Rigid Zone

ACECOMS, AIT
Pushover Modeling (Column Element)

Three Dimensional Column Element

Shear Hinge

Plastic Hinge Rigid Zone

ACECOMS, AIT
Two and Three Dimensional Elements

ACECOMS, AIT
DOF for 2D Elements

Ry ?
Ry ?
Dy Dy
Dy

Rz Dz Dx Rx
Dx Rx
Rz

Plate Shell
Membrane

ACECOMS, AIT
Membrane Element
General
• Total DOF per Node = 3 (or 2)
• Total Displacements per Node R3
U2 U2
=2 Node 3 Node 4
U1
• Total Rotations per Node = 1 3 2
U1

(or 0)
• Membranes are modeled for flat 1

surfaces R3
U2
R3
U2
Node 1 Node 2
U1
Application U1

• For Modeling surface elements

carrying Membrane
in-plane loads

ACECOMS, AIT
Plate Element
 General
 Total DOF per Node = 3
 Total Displacements per Node U3 U3
R2 R2
=1 Node 3 Node 4

 Total Rotations per Node = 2 3

R1
2
R1

 Plates are for flat surfaces 1

 Application U3
R2
U3
R2
Node 1 Node 2
 For Modeling surface
R1 R1
elements carrying
out of plane loads
Plate

ACECOMS, AIT
Shell Element
General
• Total DOF per Node = 6 (or 5)
• Total Displacements per Node U3, R3 U3, R3

=3 U2, R2 U2, R2

• Total Rotations per Node = 3 Node 3 Node 4

U1, R1
U1, R1
• Used for curved surfaces 3 2
U3, R3
1
Application U2, R2 U2, R2
U3, R3
• For Modeling surface elements Node 1 Node 2
carrying general loads U1, R1 U1, R1

Shell

ACECOMS, AIT
Shell Elements in SAP2000

ACECOMS, AIT
DOF for 3D Elements
Dy

Dz Dx

Solid/ Brick

ACECOMS, AIT
Brick Element in SAP2000
 8-Node Brick
 Bricks can be
added by using Text
Generation in V7.
New version 8 will
have graphical
interface for Bricks

ACECOMS, AIT
Connecting Dissimilar Elements

ACECOMS, AIT
Connecting Dissimilar Elements
 When members with mesh of different size or
configuration need to be connected we may have to:
 Use special connecting elements
 Use special Constraints
 Use mesh grading and subdivision
 Use in-compatible elements (Zipper Elements in ETABS)
 Automatic “Node” detection and internal meshing by the
Software

ACECOMS, AIT
Connecting Different Types of Elements

Truss Frame Membrane Plate Shell Solid

Truss
OK OK Dz OK OK OK

Frame Rx, Ry, Rz, Rx ?

Rx, Ry, Rz OK Rx ? Rx, Ry, Rz
Dz Dx, Dy
Membrane
OK OK OK Dx, Dy OK OK

Plate
Rx, Rz OK Rx, Rz OK OK Rx, Rz

Shell Rx, Ry, Rz,

Rx, Ry, Rz OK Dx, Dz OK Rx, Rz
Dz
Solid OK OK Dz Dx, Dz OK OK

Orphan Degrees Of Freedom:

0 1 2 3 4
ACECOMS, AIT
Connecting Dissimilar Elements
 When elements with different degree of freedom at ends connect with
each other, special measures may need to be taken to provide proper
connectivity depending on Software Capability

Beams to Plates Beam to Brick Plates to Brick

ACECOMS, AIT
Meshing Slabs and Walls

“Constraint”

In general the mesh in the slab Some software automatically

should match with mesh in the establishes connectivity by using
wall to establish connection constraints or “Zipper” elements

ACECOMS, AIT
Some Examples of Edge Constraint

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling of Bridge Deck
Deck Modeling Options
Beam

Grid

+
Beam-Plate

Grid-Plate
Plate-Shell
ACECOMS, AIT
Simple Beam Model
 In beam model, the whole
bridge deck is represented
a single beam. All girders
are combined together to
form a single cross-section.

 This model is suitable for

“Longitudinal” analysis only

 This is the simplest model

for bridge analysis, and
when used properly can
give reasonable results

ACECOMS, AIT
Beam Model for a Bridge
 Results from Beam Model can be used directly for
the design of the deck section for moment, shear,
axial force and torsion.
 Suitable for Gravity, Traffic, Prestress and Lateral
Loads
 Beam Model can be used for 2D (In-Plane) as well
as full 3D Analysis

ACECOMS, AIT
Grid Model
 In the model the deck is
represented as a grillage
made from beam elements.
 Girders, Slab, Diaphragm
etc are all converted to
equivalent beams
 This is generally for out-of
plane analysis for gravity
and traffic loads

ACECOMS, AIT
Grid Model
 Most suitable for I beam or T beam deck with diaphragms
 Suitable for transverse distribution of traffic load
 Generally made for one or two spans for local analysis
 Slab can be represented by equivalent beam strips
 Can be in 2D or in 3D
 Can be combined with the full Beam Model

ACECOMS, AIT
Beam-Plate Model
 Beam Plate model is the
combination of beam and plate
elements in which girders and
diaphragms are modeled with the
beam element and the slab is
modeled with the plate element.

 The use of the plate element

improves the modeling of slab
behavior in comparison with Grid
Model

ACECOMS, AIT
Beam-Plate Model
 Special consideration are needed to account for
difference in the center line of the girders and the
plate (slab).

 The stiffness matrix of the girders and diaphragms

are modified with the sub-structure method.

 An offset connection needs to be specified between

beam and plates

ACECOMS, AIT
Beam-Plate Model

The problem of the offset Connection needs special handling

• Use of Rigid Offsets

• Special Elements in the program

ACECOMS, AIT
Thin Wall Model
 In Thin-wall section model, deck section is modeled
with the modified thin-wall element.

 Thin-wall element is 4-node quadrilateral element in

which the distortion in plane of thin-walled cross-
section is neglected.
 This thin walled element is modified to six-node
element (TW6) such that its geometry is a
quadrilateral element with four auxiliary nodes at
corner and two sectional nodes common to all
elements in the same plane
ACECOMS, AIT
Thin Wall Model
q2y
X2 X1 q2x
3

2
W2
Y2 4 X3
1 – 4 Auxiliary Nodes
5 – 6 Sectional Nodes
1
X V5
U5
6
5
Z Six Noded Thin–Wall Element 3
(TW6). Y X 4
qz5 V6 2
U6
1 W2
Z 6 V5
a6 U5
5
a5

Thin-Wall Model
Auxiliary Nodes
for Bridge
Sectional Nodes
Analysis

ACECOMS, AIT
Shell Model
 In plate-shell model, all
girders, diaphragms, slabs
etc. are modeled with the
plate elements

 This model suitable for

detailed analysis in
transverse as well as in
longitudinal direction

ACECOMS, AIT
Shell Model
 Can handle bridges of arbitrary cross-section and
geometry
 Specially suitable for deck slab analysis, highly skew
and curved bridges
 Needs a very large number of elements
 Applying moving loads may be difficult
 Difficult to apply Prestress load
 Difficult to interpret results for design

ACECOMS, AIT
Shell Model of Box Girder Bridge

ACECOMS, AIT
Shell Model of Box Girder Bridge

ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling of Sub-Structure
Sub-Structure
 The Structural Members and Systems below the
Bearings or the Main Deck or the Main Framing
 Actual division depends on bridge type
 May include:
 Lateral Framing System
 Piers
 Foundations

ACECOMS, AIT
Sub-Structure
 The Structural Members and Systems below the
Bearings or the Main Deck or the Main Framing
 Actual division depends on bridge type
 May include:
 Lateral Framing System
 Piers
 Foundations

ACECOMS, AIT
Beam Model of Bridge Pier

ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling of Supports
• Actual Supports
– Isolated Footings
– Combined Footings
– Rafts
– Pile Cap
– Special Supports
– Pile Piers
– Caissons

ACECOMS, AIT
Using Springs to Model Footings

Footing
Beam Plate Brick
Restraint Yes Yes Yes
Soil

Spring Yes Yes Yes

Brick No Yes Yes
ACECOMS, AIT
 Computing Spring Stiffness
• A = Spacing of Springs
in X
• B = Spacing of Springs
in Y
• Ks = Modulus of sub- B
grade reaction (t/cu m B
etc.)
• K = Spring constant A A
(t/m etc)
K= ks*A*B

ACECOMS, AIT
What is Modulus of Sub-grade Reaction
Load required to produce unit settlement in a unit area

Ks = P/(L*W*H)
P
Units = T/m3
How to Obtain 1m
• Plate Load Test 1m
• Theory of Soil Mechanics
• Bearing Capacity 1m
• Related g, N, qc etc

ACECOMS, AIT
Analyzing Laterally Loaded Pile
P
M Pile cap
M
H H H 1
1
hf Water level Ls hf

Fixed soil level 3

2 N+1

2
5
4
Soil strata in layers
7 hs
6
D
hs

Beam or truss
element (Si)
Beam
N
elements (P
i
)

Actual Pile Soil Represented by

Frame Model
Embedded in Soil Lateral Springs ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling of Joints and Bearings
Joint Modeling

P X

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling of Diaphragm
0.5m

2m

Use Plate Special

Elements Modeling 3~2.5m
Needed

May be modeled as Beam

or as Plate elements

Sectional Elevation at Pier

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling of Cross-Beam
2.0m Thick Cross-beam

1.5m

Use Brick
Elements 2.5m

Sectional Elevation at Pier

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling of Joints and Bearings
 In finite element models, by default all element
connected to a node share the Nodal Degree of
Freedom (DOF)
 This is suitable for fully connected structural
members
 At Joints, full connection may not be available or
desired
 We can either “release” or “constrain” the DOF to
change this default behavior and to model joints

ACECOMS, AIT
Bearing and Expansion Joints
 Effectively Modeling of Support conditions at
bearing and expansion joints requires careful
consideration of the continuity of each translation
and rotational components of displacement.
 Joints may behave linearly or non linearly
 Linear Joints
 Roller,
Pin
 Elastomeric Pads
 Nonlinear Joints
 Expansion Joint, Gap
 Restraining Block, Gap or Hook

ACECOMS, AIT
Bearing and Expansion Joints
 Degrees-of-freedom representing discontinuous
components must be disconnected

 Stiffness/ flexibility of bearing pads and other

connections should be modeled

ACECOMS, AIT
Bearing and Expansion Joints
 Method –1: Using Constraints
 Use more than one node at the same location to connects
individual elements which automatically disconnects all
degrees-of-freedom between the elements

 Constraining together the connected degrees-of-freedom

using equal or local constraints

ACECOMS, AIT
Bearing and Expansion Joints
 Method-2: Using Releases
 Attachingseveral elements to a common joint which
automatically connects all degrees-of-freedom between the
elements

 Using Frame element end release to free the unconnected

degrees-of-freedom

ACECOMS, AIT
Bearings and Expansion Joints
 Method-3: Using Springs
 Specially useful for modeling of Elastomeric bearings,
semi-rigid connections, elastic connections and passive
resistance of soil within the elastic range

 The elements are connected to each other by spring

elements or equivalent spring elements in appropriate DOF

ACECOMS, AIT
Bearing Example - 1

Z
X

How to Model this?

ACECOMS, AIT
In-Span Expansion Joint
Moment release
2 5 6 4 3 2 5 4 3

Moment &
Axial Force
Joints 5,6: 1 release 1
Same Coordinates
Equal Y-Translation
Equal Z-Translation
Equal X-Rotation

Method(1)- Use of Separate Method(2)-Use of Common Joints

Joints at Common Location and Elements End Releases

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling Elastomeric Bearing
L  100 d
Elastomeric Bearing Spring to represent
Shear Modulus G Bearing Stiffness G #3
F 2 3 6
#1
d = 0.1
#3

5 #4

V1 ? V2 ? #2

#2 # 1,2 Normal Elements

# 3 Rigid bar,
1 4
# 4 Soft bar or Spring
to represent Bearing
Stiffness G

a) The Basic Structure to be Modeled b) Using Shear Spring with Stiffness G c) Model Using Equivalent Truss Model

Modeling Elastomeric Bearing using Truss Element with Modified Properties

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling Elastomeric Bearings
 Using full Elastic Springs in SAP2000
 Specify appropriate stiffness along all DOF directly

 Using Nonlinear Link Elements in SAP2000

 For modeling the nonlinear characteristics of the
Elastomeric bearing

ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling of Abutments
P

ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
Role of Abutments
 For Gravity Loads
 Retain the soil on road way side
 Support the vertical component of girder reaction
 Accommodate bearing movement due to temperature
change and elastic shortenings
 Provide restrain for lateral reaction due to longitudinal
loads
 Additional Role for Seismic Loads
 Impart and resist longitudinal loads due to mass-
acceleration

ACECOMS, AIT
Abutment Behavior
 Behavior depends on the type of abutment and
intended purpose
 In general, the overall behavior
 Subjected to active soil pressure causing over-turning
towards the span
 Imparts passive pressure to the soil due to longitudinal
forces and movements
 Vertical load transferred to the soil either through retaining
wall or through the transom and pile system

ACECOMS, AIT
Abutments
 Open Abutments: (Sill Type)
 Monolithic: Built together with deck slab
 Seat type: Directly resting on Soil
 Spill through: Beam resting on piles/ columns

 Closed Abutments
 Cantilever: Cantilever retaining wall
 Restrained: Connected retaining wall
 Rigid Frame: Rigidly part of main frame
 Semi Gravity:A form of cantilever type

 Special Abutments
 Cellular types: Consists of cells or boxes
ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling Issues
 How can the active and passive soil pressure be modeled
simultaneously
 How can the soil “stiffness” be included when subjected to
passive loading
 How can the soil separation be included when deck moves
away from the abutment
 How can the behavior of restraining blocks for seismic
movement be included
 How can the elastomeric bearings be included
 How can the damping effect be considered
 What about soil dynamic, non-linear and liquefaction effects

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling Options
 A – Consider as support node
 B - Consider and as a linear spring
 C - Consider as a node and a linear link
 D – Consider as a node and a non-linear link
 E – Consider as a node, non-linear link and a
damper
 F – Model as a combination of plate elements, links,
dampers and springs
 G – Model as a combination of plate elements, links,
dampers and solid elements
ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling Options
 A- As Frame Nodal Support
 Consider either as pin or a roller
 If both are considered as roller, then all longitudinal loads
should be resisted by the piers
 If roller-pin combination is considered then amount of
longitudinal load transferred to pin-end will depend on the
stiffness of piers, length of deck, joint between the pier and
the deck
 May be appropriate for preliminary analysis, especially
when using frame model
 None of the stiffness, movement effects can be considered

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling Options
 B – As Frame Spring Support
 The sprint support can be use to represent the combined
stiffness of the bearing, the abutment and the passive
resistance of the soil
 The spring stiffness can be computed based on the shear
modulus of the bearings, lateral modulus of sub-grade
reaction of soil and the contact area
 C – As Frame Support Node and Linear Link
 The linear link can be used instead of spring support to
represent the combined (lumped) stiffness of all elements
involved

ACECOMS, AIT
 Hinge Support

Roller Support

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling Options
 D – As Frame Support Node and a Non-linear link
 The non-linear link can model the linear stiffness as spring, as well as
capture non-linear behavior, such as soil separation, expansion joint,
restraining block, soil liquefaction etc.
 E – As Frame Support Node, Non-linear Link and Damper
 Can model all of the behavior in D, in addition the combined effect of
modal and material damping
 This option is most comprehensive and can be used efficiently in frame
models
 Option C, D, E require manual determination of stiffness,
nonlinear and damping properties for springs, links and
dampers

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling Options
 F – As Plate Elements, Links, Dampers and Springs
 The abutment wall is modeled with plate elements
 The soil is represented as springs
 The connection with the deck is modeled by links and dampers

 G As Plate Elements, Links, Dampers and Solids

 The abutment wall is modeled with plate elements
 The soil is modeled by solid elements
 The connection with the deck is modeled by links and dampers
 The connection between soil and wall may be further modeled by non-
linear links

ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
ACECOMS, AIT
Practical Modeling Considerations
 Using the right software that supports the modeling
option being selected
 The skill in using the software properly
 Obtaining, determining or computing the properties
and parameters required for the model being
considered
 For sophisticated models, such as D-G, the ability to
carry out parametric and sensitivity analysis to
ensure proper use of properties and program options

ACECOMS, AIT
Pile Caps and Mats
 Pile caps can be modeled using the strut and tie
approach or solid modeling

 Mats can be modeled using plates/shell or solid

elements

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling Soil as Springs

Footing as Plate Footing as Brick

ACECOMS, AIT
Modeling Soil as Brick

Footing as Brick Footing as Plate

ACECOMS, AIT
Raft as Plate, Soil as Brick
 Vertical Deflection
Patterns

ACECOMS, AIT
Advanced Modeling Features
Advance Modeling Features
 Replicate
 Extrude
 Auto Mesh
 Parametric Structures
 Mesh Clipping

ACECOMS, AIT
Replication n

1
dy
 Along an Interval
dx
 Defined by dx, dy, dz and
n P2

n
 Along a Line P1
n-1
 Or a Line defined by user
1
with n intervals

ACECOMS, AIT
Extrusions
 Sweep selected objects through space to create new objects
of higher dimension.
 The process of extrusion increases the dimensional space of
an existing object by one.
 Line objects are of one dimension that can be generated from
a dimensionless point object.
 Two-dimensional area or plate/shell can be generated from a
one-dimensional line object.
 This feature is especially suited to creating solid elements
form plate/shells, plate/shell elements from beams and
beams/columns from point/nodes.

ACECOMS, AIT
Extrusion
 Convert lower level object to higher level
 Point to Line
 Line to Area
 Curve to Surface
 Area To Solid
 Surface to Volume

 Linear
 Global
 Along Path
 Radial
 Global
 About Axis

ACECOMS, AIT
Other Examples of Extrusions

ACECOMS, AIT
Other Examples of Extrusions

ACECOMS, AIT
Manual Mesh Generation
 Defining Individual Nodes and Elements
 Using Graphical Modeling Tools to Draw Elements
 Using Numerical Generation
 Using Mathematical Generation
 Using Copy and Replication
 Using Subdivision and Meshing
 Using Geometric Extrusions
 Using Parametric Generation

ACECOMS, AIT
Automated Meshing
 Object Based model would require that the Object is
converted to Elements Automatically

 Automated meshing bridges the gap between

Modeling Objects and Finite Elements

 Automated meshing also helps in Automated Load

Calculation and Application

ACECOMS, AIT
Automatic Meshing
 Draw or define overall structure geometry in terms of
Physical Objects
 The program uses specified rules to convert Objects
to valid Finite Element Mesh
 Analysis is carried out using Elements and results
presented in terns of Objects
 Meshing does not change the number of objects in
the model

ACECOMS, AIT
Automatic Meshing
 Automatic Meshing of Line Objects
 Where other Line Objects attach to or cross them
 Locations where Point Objects lie on them.
 Locations where Area objects cross them

 Automatic Meshing of Area Objects

 AutoMeshing of area objects is much more complex than
Line Objects
 Area objects are meshed using several criteria and is often
software dependent

ACECOMS, AIT
Parametric Generation of Structures
Parametric Structures
 Add objects or structures from template files or
parametrically defined entities
 Easy to construct models
 Saves Time
 Capable of generating complex structural models

ACECOMS, AIT
Generation of Buildings

ACECOMS, AIT
Generation of Shell Structures

ACECOMS, AIT
Generation of Solid Models

ACECOMS, AIT
Bridge Generation Wizard

ACECOMS, AIT
Generation of Bridges
 Defining Bridge Layout Line Data
 Defining Bridge Deck Section
 Bridge Abutment Data
 Column Support Data
 Bridge Bent Data
 Bridge Diaphragm Data
 Bridge Expansion Joint Data
 Bridge Object Data
 Bridge Lane Data
 Vehicle Data and Loading

ACECOMS, AIT
Defining Bridge Layout Line Data

Horizontal Alignment

ACECOMS, AIT
Defining Bridge Deck Section

ACECOMS, AIT
Earthquake Loads and
Load Factors

AASHTO Specification
Applicability
 These provisions shall apply to bridges of
conventional slab, beam girder, box girder, and truss
superstructure with span not exceeding 500FT (150
m).
 Seismic effect of box culverts and buried structures
need not be considered, except where they cross
active piles.
 The potential for soil liquefaction and slope
movements shall be considered.

ACECOMS, AIT
Principals

Principals used to develop the specifications:

 Small to moderate earthquakes should be resisted
within elastic range.
 Realistic seismic ground motion intensities and forces
should be used in the design.
 Large earthquakes should not cause collapse to all
parts of the bridge.

ACECOMS, AIT
 Applicability of Specifications
Article 3.10.1

Preliminary Planning and Design

DETERMINE: -Acceleration Coefficient

-Seismic Performance Zone

Yes Seismic Zone 1?

DETERMINE:
Bridge importance category, and Site Coefficient
Article 3.10.2-3.10.5

Determine Response Modification Factors

Article 3.10.7

Single Span Yes

No

Seismic Zone 1 Seismic Zone 2 Seismic Zone 3, 4

Perform Bridge Perform Bridge

Analysis Analysis
Article 4.7.4.3 Article 4.7.4.3
Determine Design Determine Design
Forces Determine Design Determine Design Forces
Article 3.10.9.2 Forces Forces Article 3.10.9.1
Article 3.10.9.3 Article 3.10.9.4

Determine Design Determine Design Determine Design Determine Design

Displacements Displacements Displacements Displacements
Article 4.7.4.4 Article 4.7.4.4 Article 4.7.4.4 Article 4.7.4.4

Design Bridge Components

Resize Is Bridge Seismic Design

No Yes
Components Adequate? Complete ACECOMS, AIT
Seismic Zone 1 Applicability

Preliminary design and planning

Determine “A”

Determine design forces

Determine design displacements

Design Bridge Components

Resize No Is bridge Yes Seismic design

components adequate complete

ACECOMS, AIT
Seismic Zone 2, 3, and 4
Applicability

Preliminary design and planning

Determine “A” and Zone

Determine importance category and site coeff.

Determine R-Factor

Yes
Single Span

No

Perform bridge analysis Determine forces

Determine design forces & displacements Determine displacements

Design Bridge Components

Resize No Is bridge Yes Seismic design

components adequate complete

ACECOMS, AIT
Acceleration Coefficient “A”
 The maps used to define acceleration coefficient are based
on a uniform risk model of seismic hazard.
 The coefficient “A” shall be determined from contour maps.
 The maps are based on a uniform risk model of seismic
hazard.
 There is 10% probability of exceedance of the coefficient
during 50 years period.

ACECOMS, AIT
Acceleration Coefficient “A”
Special studies shall be performed if:
 The site is located close to an active fault.
 Long-duration earthquakes are expected.
 Importance of the bridge is such that a longer
exposure period should be considered.

ACECOMS, AIT
Acceleration Coefficient “A”

Acceleration Coefficients for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico; expressed in percentage

ACECOMS, AIT
Importance Categories
Bridges are classified as:
 Critical bridges
 Essential Bridges
 Other bridge

ACECOMS, AIT
Seismic Performance Zones
Acceleration Coefficient “A” Seismic Zone
A ≤ 0.09 1
0.09 < A ≤ 0.19 2
0.19 < A ≤ 0.29 3
0.29 < A 4
Site coefficient “S”
Site Coefficient Soil Profile Type shall be based upon
soil profile types

I II III IV

S 1.0 1.2 1.5 2.0

ACECOMS, AIT
Soil Profile Types

 Type I: Rock of any description, and stiff soil with a

depth lesser than 200 FT (60 m).
 Type II: Stiff cohesive or deep cohesionless soils with
a depth exceeding 200 FT (60 m).
 Type III: 30 FT (9 m) or more of soft to medium-stiff
clays and sands.
 Type IV: Soft clays or silts greater than 40 FT (12 m) in
depth.

ACECOMS, AIT
Elastic Seismic Response Coeff.

1.2 AS
Csm  2 / 3  2.5 A (3.10.6.1  1)
Tm

where:
Tm = Period of vibration of mth mode (SEC)
A = Acceleration coefficient Seismic Response
S = Site coefficient Coefficients for Various Soil
Profiles, Normalized with
respect to “A”

ACECOMS, AIT
Elastic Seismic Response Coeff.

1.2 AS
Csm  2 / 3  2.5 A (3.10.6.1  1)
Tm

where:
Tm = Period of vibration of mth mode (SEC)
A = Acceleration coefficient
S = Site coefficient

ACECOMS, AIT
Response Modification Factor “R”

 It is uneconomical to design a bridge to resist large

earthquake elastically.
 Columns are assumed to deform inelastically when
seismic forced exceed their design level.
 This is established by dividing elastically computed
force effect by R-factor.

ACECOMS, AIT
R Factor for Substructures
Importance Category
Substructure
Critical Essential Other
Wall-type piers-larger dimension 1.5 1.5 2.0

RC pile bents
• Vertical piles only 1.5 2.0 3.0
• With batter piles 1.5 1.5 2.0

Single columns 1.5 2.0 3.0

Steel or composite steel and concrete pile bents

• Vertical pile only
•With batter piles 1.5 3.5 5.0
1.5 2.0 3.0

Multiple column bents 1.5 3.5 5.0

ACECOMS, AIT
R Factor for Connections
All Importance
Connection Categories

Superstructure to abutment 0.8

Expansion joints within a span of the superstructure

0.8

Columns, piers, or pile bents to cap beam or superstructure

1.0

Columns or piers to foundations 1.0

ACECOMS, AIT
Combination of Force Effects
 100% of the absolute value of force effect in one
direction + 30% of the effect in second perpendicular
direction.
 100% of the absolute value of force effect in second
perpendicular direction + 30% of the effect in the first
direction

ACECOMS, AIT
Calculation of Design Forces

ACECOMS, AIT
Min Requirements for Zone I
 If A < 0.025 and soil profile types I or II; Min
Horizontal Design Force = 0.1*Vertical reaction due
to DL and LL assumed during earthquake.
 For all other sites;
Min Horizontal Design Force = 0.2*Vertical reaction
due to DL and LL assumed during earthquake.

ACECOMS, AIT
Zone 2
 For foundations, other than pile bents and retaining
walls;
Seismic design forces = Elastic seismic forces/(R/2)
 For all other components including pile bents and
retaining walls;
Seismic design forces = Elastic seismic forces/R

ACECOMS, AIT
Zone 3 and 4
 For all other components including pile bents and retaining
walls;
Seismic design forces = Elastic seismic forces/R
 For foundations the R-Factor shall be taken as 1.0.
 Inelastic hinges shall be ascertained to form before any other
failure due to overstress or instability in the structure and/or in
the foundation.

ACECOMS, AIT
Single Span Bridges
 Seismic analysis is not required, regardless of
seismic zone.
 Connections shall be designed for minimum
requirements.
 Minimum seat width requirements shall be satisfied.

ACECOMS, AIT
Multispan Bridges
For multispan bridges, minimum analysis requirements are given below

Multispan Bridges
Seismic Single-Span
Zone Bridges Other Bridges Essential Bridges Critical Bridges

Regular Irregular Regular Irregular Regular Irregular

1 No seismic * * * * * *

2 SM/UL SM SM/UL MM MM MM
Analysis
3 required SM/UL MM MM MM MM TH

* =4 no seismic analysis requiredSM/UL MM MM MM TH TH

UL = uniform load elastic method
SM = single-mode elastic method
MM = multimode elastic method
TH = time history method

ACECOMS, AIT
Regular Bridge Requirements
 Regularity is a function of number of spans and the
distribution of weight and stiffness.
 Any bridge which doesn’t satisfy the regulation below is
considered irregular.
Parameter Value

Number of Spans 2 3 4 5 6

Maximum subtended angle for a curved bridge 90° 90° 90° 90° 90°

Maximum span length ratio from span to span 3 2 2 1.5 1.5

Maximum bent/pier stiffness ratio from span to span, _____ 4 4 3 2

excluding abutments

ACECOMS, AIT
Curved Bridges
Curved bridges may be analyzed as straight if:
 The bridge is regular except that for a two-span
bridge max. span length ratio from span to span shall
not exceed 2.
 The subtended angle in plan is not greater than 90
degrees.
 The span lengths of equivalent straight bridge are
equal to the arc length of curved bridge.

ACECOMS, AIT
Methods of Analysis
 Single-mode method of analysis
 Single-mode spectral method
 Uniform load method

 Multimode spectral method

 Time history methods

ACECOMS, AIT
Single-Mode Spectral Method
Following steps maybe Vs

used for both Transverse Vs(x)

& longitudinal earthquake X

motions.
P0
 Calculate the elastic
displacement Vs(x) due to Plan View, Transverse Loading

a assumed uniform Vs(x)

P0
loading P0 as shown in X
figure:

Elevation View, Longitudinal Loading

ACECOMS, AIT
Single-Mode Spectral Method
 Calculate factors a, b, g as below, where
P0 = a uniform load arbitrarily set equal to 1.0 (K/FT, or N/mm)
Vs(x) = deformation corresponding to P0 (FT, or mm)
W(x) = nominal, unfactored dead load of the bridge superstructure and tributary
substructure (K/FT, or N/mm)
Units for a, b, g are (mm2), (N.mm), and (N.mm2)

a   Vs ( x)dx (C 4.7.4.3.2b  1)

b   W ( x)Vs ( x)dx (C 4.7.4.3.2b  2)

g   W ( x)Vs 2 ( x)dx (C 4.7.4.3.2b  3)

ACECOMS, AIT
Single-Mode Spectral Method
 Calculate the period of the bridge, where
g = acceleration of gravity (FT/SEC2, or m/s2)

2 g
Tm  (C 4.7.4.3.2b  4)
31.623 P0 ga

ACECOMS, AIT
Single-Mode Spectral Method
 Using Tm and equation 3.10.6.1-1, calculate Csm
 Calculate the equivalent static earthquake loading P0(x) as below, where
P0(x) = intensity of the equivalent static seismic loading applied to
represent the primary mode of vibration
 Apply loading P0(x) to the structure, and determine the resultant member
force effects.

bCsm
P0 (x)  W(x)Vs ( x) (C 4.7.4.5.2b  5)
g
ACECOMS, AIT
Uniform Load Method
This method provides good accuracy and is
known to overestimate the transverse shear at
abutment by up to 100%. Following steps maybe
used for both Transverse & longitudinal
earthquake motions.
 Calculate the static displacement Vs(x) due to
an assumed uniform load p0 which maybe
arbitrarily set as 1.0.

ACECOMS, AIT
Uniform Load Method
 Calculate the bridge lateral stiffness, K, and total weight, W, from the
following expressions, where
L = total length of bridge (FT, or mm)
Vs,MAX = maximum value of Vs(x) (FT, or mm)

p0 L
K (C 4.7.4.3.2c  1)
Vs ,MAX
W   W ( x)dx (C 4.7.4.3.2c  2)
ACECOMS, AIT
Uniform Load Method
 Calculate the period of the bridge, where
g = acceleration of gravity (FT/SEC2, or m/s2)

W
Tm  2 (C 4.7.4.3.2c  3)
gK

ACECOMS, AIT
Uniform Load Method
 Calculate the equivalent static earthquake loading pe using
following expression.
 Calculate the displacements and member forces for use in
design either by applying pe or by scaling the results of the
first step above by ratio pe/p0.

CsmW
pe  (C 4.7.4.3.2c  4)
L

ACECOMS, AIT
Multimode Spectral Method
 For bridges in which coupling occurs in more than
one of three coordinate directions within each mode
of vibration.
 As a minimum a linear dynamic analysis using a 3-D
model shall be used.
 The number of modes included should be at least
three times the number of spans.

ACECOMS, AIT
Time-History Method
 The sensitivity of the solution to the size of the time
step used for the analysis shall be determined.
 A sensitivity study should be carried out to
investigate the effect of variations in assumed
material hysteretic properties.
 Five spectrum-compatible time histories shall be
used if site specific histories are not available.

ACECOMS, AIT
Min Displacement Requirements
Bridge seat widths shall accommodate greater of max displacement
calculated or a percentage of the empirical seat width N.

N  (200  0.0017 L  0.0067 H )(1  0.000125S 2 ) (4.7.4.4  1)

where
N = min support length normal to centerline of bearing (mm)
L = Length of the bridge deck to the adjacent expansion joint or the end of the deck
(mm)
H = for abutment, average height of columns supporting the bridge deck to the next
expansion joint (mm)
for column and/or piers, column or pier height (mm); 0.0 for single span bridges
S = Skew of support measured from line normal to span (DEG)

ACECOMS, AIT
Percentage N by Zone
Zone Acceleration Soil Type Percent
Coefficient “A” N

1 < 0.025 I or II ≥ 50

1 < 0.025 III or IV 100

1 > 0.025 All 100

2 All Applicable All 100

3 All Applicable All 150

4 All Applicable All 150

ACECOMS, AIT