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RMBridgeE MODGUIDE
RMBridgeE MODGUIDE
RM Bridge V8i
November 2013
This document is an integral part of the program package RM Bridge. Duplication and
dissemination is only allowed with explicit permission of Bentley Systems,
Incorporated.
Contents
1 General Information
1.1 Introduction
Every structural analysis is based on mathematical models. The quality of the answers
gained from such models depends strongly on the quality of the approximations and
generalizations that underlie each particular model.
Such approximations are necessary to describe geometric properties and the resistance
behavior of structures among others.
The Modeler of RmBridge (formerly geometric preprocessor GP) was invented in order
to achieve high accuracy in describing the geometry of bridges.
The RmBridge Modeler is a geometric pre-processor for the definition of structural
bridge systems. It supports the construction of road axes in both plan view and elevation
and generates structural information for bridges along such road axes. Powerful
interactive tools allow the definition of cross-sections for these bridges. The Modeler
transforms the individual axes together with the associated cross-sections into a
structural database and makes this information available for analysis in RmBridge.
Describing general concepts and the basic program functions is the aim of this ‘Modeler
User Guide’. Detailed input descriptions are given through online help texts by pressing
the <F1> -button. They are not repeated in this book.
The input follows some basic rules, which comply with most Windows applications.
The database of the Modeler is part of the RmBridge database. However, it consists of
files (gpdata*.gp9) which are separate from the actual analysis database (db-*.rm9) of
RmBridge. The Modeler database is stored in the RmBridge project directory in parallel
tot he analysis database. The file management is either done by respective functions in
the Modeler or by Windows applications such as the Windows Explorer.
General bridge modeling concepts are discussed in the “RmBridge Analysis User
Guide”.
and shows the current calculation model. The navigation window remains unchanged,
only the sub-functions of the Modeler are presented in addition to the RmBridge
analysis functions.
Any already defined axes are directly presented in the graphics window when the
Modeler is started. An empty window appears if no axes have yet been defined. The
respective icons for defining or modifying axes are arranged at the left edge of the
graphics window. The user can switch to the other functions of the Modeler, e.g. cross-
section definition or segment definition, by selecting the respective function in the
navigation tree.
On selecting the exit button ( -Icon) or any other RmBridge function outside the
modeler, the program leaves the Modeler level and returns to the RmBridge analysis
level (without automatic update of the RmBridge analysis model). The analysis model
update is performed by pressing the Remodel button replacing in the Modeler the
RmBridge Recalc button (see section 2.1 and chapter 8).
Input fields within such input windows provide the means to enter numbers or strings,
so-called radio buttons offer choices of alternative options and check-boxes (or option
fields) allow the activation or de-activation of program options which do not exclude
each other. Buttons are used to trigger actions such as <Ok> or <Calculate> while
icons or symbols call whole program sequences which usually require additional input
through input windows.
Existing objects are often represented in selective lists which are usually accessed by
clicking the arrow next to an input window (Figure 1), or by double clicking on the
corresponding line.
Arrow
Check box
Radio button
Input field
Selective
Button list Icon or Button
1.4 Definitions
1.4.2 Segments
Segments identify components of a bridge and group logical units together within a
bridge (e.g. bridge girders, piers, cross beams). Segments are partitioned by segment-
points. Segments are either related to an axis (master segments) or depend on the
geometry and position of specified segment-points in other segments (slave segments)
(Figure 2).
Piers
Axis
Slave
reference
line
Structural
points Axis
Slave
origin
Reference
Master segment (main girders) line for pier
Slave origin
Spring
Connection elements
points
Segment point
slave
Slave reference line
1.4.3 Cross-Sections
Cross-sections of segments are modeled with cross-section elements (Figure 4). These
three and four-sided elements are used in RmBridge to compute all relevant cross-
section properties.
Certain reference points within the cross-section such as reinforcement-points, stress
check points, connection points, temperature points or geometry points can be identified
during the cross-section input sequence in the Modeler.
Segment points
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1
2 2
2 2 1 1
2 2 111 1
Part
2 2 numbers
1.4.4 Parts
Cross-sections can be split into parts. Each part consists of a number of cross-section
elements or, alternatively, a number of other parts (Figure 4, Figure 5). These parts can
be referenced to create a multiple series of structural elements within a single segment.
Parts can also be used to define composite action within a beam, consisting of two to
eight parts (Figure 6).
Segment points
= Nodes
Composite section
(cross-section C=A+ B)
Only flange
(cross-section B)
Only web
(cross-section A)
Modeler:
1 series of segment points
1 part
RmBridge:
1 series of structural nodes
1 series of structural elements
Modeler:
1 series of segment points
3 parts (A, B, C=A+B) B
RmBridge: C=A+B
1 series of structural nodes (composite)
3 series of structural elements
A
Modeler:
1 series of segment points
2 parts (A, B)
A B RmBridge:
2 series of structural nodes
2 series of structural elements
Modeler:
1 series of segment points
12 parts (A-K)
RmBridge:
4 series of structural nodes
12 series of structural elements
A D G J
B E H K
1.4.5 Variables
Certain geometric parameters may vary along an axis according to simple mathematical
rules (e.g. variations in cross-sections (Figure 7), distance of lanes from the main axis).
These rules, or functions, can be entered and referenced in the relevant input sequences.
t=f(station)
H=f(station)
Menu bar
Main 3D-View
3D-view toolbar
Detailed
3D-View
3D-view orientation
Status-bar
......... <text editor> Open and edit text files from the current project.
......... <Crt> Open and view plot files from the current project.
“Open list of axes”: Opens a list of the existing axes, which may be added, modified, or
deleted (see chapter 3 and 4).
“Open list of cross-sections”: Opens a list of existing cross-sections, which may be
added, modified, deleted, imported, or exported (see chapter 5). Global mesh
refinement can be selected here to refine all elements of one cross-section. The edges
of the elements are divided by the number of the input value. I.e. if you input ‘3’ for a
quadrangle you get 9 elements.
“Open list of segments”: Opens a list of the existing segments, which may be added,
modified, or deleted (see chapter 7).
“Insert after selected item”: Insert line after the selected object. This function is only
available for lists which are not sorted automatically.
“Copy selected item”: Copy the selected object to the end of the list.
2.7.1 Icons
“Full view”: Fit the entire project to the screen.
“Shift left”, “Shift right”: Move the current plot left / right.
“Enlarge”: Scale down the view, picture becomes larger (zoom in).
“Zoom”: The line represents the diagonal (to scale) of the required zoom rectangle.
“Up”, “Down”, “Left”, “Right”: Move the plot horizontally or vertically in the
direction of the drawn line.
“Previous”: Draw the previous screen.
“Hardcopy”: The actual screen is saved as bitmap (*.bmp) with the current screen
solution.
“Open 3D-view”: Opens the window for a three-dimensional view of the defined
structure.
“Show ground plan”: Pops up the plan view window. (see chapter 3, Plan View
Geometry).
“Show elevation window”: Opens the input window for the definition of the axis in
vertical view (see chapter 4, Vertical View Geometry).
“Show cross-section window”: Opens the input window for the definition of cross-
sections (see chapter 5, Cross-Section Definition).
“Open segment points of current segment”: Opens the input window for section points
(see chapter 7, Segment Definition).
“Opens list of formulas and tables”: Opens the input window for arithmetic formulas
and tables (see chapter 6, Formulas).
3.1 Introduction
First the axis has to be created in the axis list (see chapter 2.5).
“Show ground plan”: The geometry of an axis is defined by a series of axis elements.
In plan view these axis elements are straight lines, spiral curves, arcs, and cubic curves.
Spirals connect axis elements with different curvatures. The shape of the spiral is
defined by input parameters. An axis must be activated (see 2.5) before any axis
elements can be entered. Axis elements can be defined via input windows accessed
through the ‘Toolbar for horizontal axis definition’ (Figure 8). Axis elements are
always added at the end of the existing sequence. As soon as an axis element is fully
defined it is also plotted on the graphic screen. Once entered, the geometric properties
of axis elements can only be modified in the axis list, which can be reached by the
toggle button (“Switch to list view”). However, individual elements can be deleted
sequentially starting from the end of the sequence using the “delete last axis element”-
icon and new elements may be defined. This is done by choosing the icon “Delete last
axis element” (see chapter 3.2).
“Append cubic curve to axis”: A cubic element is connected to the previous axis
element. The input can be done either by radius with start and end radius or curvature
with start and end curvature. The curve continues tangentially to the endpoint of the
last axis element.
“Delete last axis element”: The undo icon deletes the last axis element in the active axis
after this action is confirmed one more time. This action can be repeated to delete
further axis segments.
3.3 3D Points
In addition to the axis definition the Modeler allows for defining and managing arbitrary
points in space. These points are named objects with the coordinates in space as
properties. They can be used in various situations as reference objects (e.g. as start point
of “Segments”).
The 3D point management also offers interfaces to other programs with a point database
(e.g. road planning software or geodesy programs). They allow taking over points from
point lists of other programs or storing such point lists for being used in other programs.
Note that the sequence of the coordinate values is X, Z, Y in the RmBridge coordinate
system, corresponding to the common sequence in geodesy applications, where X and Y
are the coordinate in ground plan and Z indicates the altitude.
4.1 Introduction
First the axis has to be created in the axis list (see chapter 2.5).
“Show elevation window”: The axis elements to describe the geometry of an axis in
elevated view available in the Modeler are straight lines, arcs and parabolas. These axis
elements can be entered in two ways: sequentially, or as a tangent polygon to be
rounded with parabolas in a further step. Horizontal co-ordinates and distances in these
input procedures are always measured along the axis (station). The station range of the
axis definition in elevated view may differ from that in plan view. A mouse-click on
the corresponding icon in the ‘Modeling functions’ toolbar (see chapter 2.8, Modeling
Functions and Figure 8) activates the input window for the axis in elevation as shown
in Figure 9.
Please note that an axis must be activated in the “Axis management window” and that
every axis must be defined in all three dimensions, i.e. in plan and elevated view.
Zoom functions
5 Cross-Section Definition
5.1 Introduction
The geometry of cross-sections is defined by connecting intersection points of
construction lines (CL). Construction lines are entered using the tools in the CL-toolbar
at the top left hand side of the Cross-section input window (Figure 12). Each
construction line (CL) is constructed in relation to at least one other construction line or
to one of the two default construction lines ‘CL1’ and ‘CL2’, the two axes of the cross-
section. The intersection point of ‘CL1’ and ‘CL2’ marks the point where the axis
intersects the cross-section plane.
Each cross-section is partitioned into cross-section elements. A cross-section element is
a two-dimensional three or four-sided area enclosed by parts of CL's. All relevant cross-
sectional properties are computed from this cross-section element mesh, the direction of
input has no influence on the result. Adjacent cross-section elements must share corner
nodes to ensure correct connectivity in the cross-section element mesh (Figure 10), even
across part boundaries.
The sides of the cross-section elements must not intersect.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2
2 2
wrong correct
2 2
CL2
CL1
CL-toolbar
Cross-section
lock
Elongation or shortening
of construction lines
Zoom functions
Status and prompt line
Reference
Layers sets list Part list Variable list
“Delete unused construction lines”: Deletes all polygons and CL’s, which are not
referenced by cross-section elements, parts or reference points.
“Elongation or shortening at begin”: Trims the positive side of the active CL at x/y = 0.
Use this function again to un-do the trim function. This function also changes the
default for new CL’s, note the status line.
“Elongation or shortening at end”: Trims the negative side of the active CL at x/y = 0.
Use this function again to un-do the trim function. This function also changes the
default for new CL’s, note the status line.
“Change side”: Switches a parallel or an angle to the other side of the reference CL. A
CL must be activated for this function.
“Change object color”: The color of the constructions lines may be changed directly by
pressing the icon.
(a) (b)
New CL New CL
Distance Distance
(variable field) parallel to axis
Reference CL (variable field) Reference CL
New CL Distance
(variable field)
(c)
Reference point
(intersection point Reference CL
of two CLs)
Relative angle
New CL New CL (variable field)
(d) (e)
Absolute angle
(variable field)
Reference CL
Figure 13 - CL definition
5.5 Layers
All the different drawing elements can be defined on different layers to obtain clearly
arranged cross-sections. Up to ten layers are possible.
The layers window can be opened by clicking on the arrow beside “Layers” at the
bottom left of the window. The active layer may be chosen (only one at a time
possible). An unlimited amount of visible ones can be displayed at once.
5.7.1 Icons
“Linear 4-point element”: Generates a linear cross-section element. Click on three
intersection points of CL’s to define the first three points of a cross-section element. By
clicking on the first intersection point once again a three-node element will be created
(Figure 14b). Click on a fourth intersection point of two CL’s to define the fourth node
of a four-node cross-section element (Figure 14a). By clicking on the right mouse
button or the <Esc> -button the input is terminated.
“Linear 8-point element”: Generates a cross-section element, which allows for curved
edges. These elements need the definition of three or four corner points and one point
for each curved side. To create a three-sided cross-section element (Figure 14d) six
intersection points have to be clicked. Click on the first intersection point once again
the three-sided cross-section element is defined. Continue with the definition of point
number seven and eight for a four-node element (Figure 14c).
Copy functions see chapter 5.7.3.
“Rounding an element edge”: This function turns a linear cross-section element side
into a quadrangular cross-section element side. A rounding radius can be specified that
determines the curvature of the side. A positive radius signifies outward bulging of the
cross-section element (Figure 14e) and a negative radius signifies inward bulging
(Figure 14f).
“Assign element to active part”: Re-assigns a cross-section element to the active part
number.
“Shear lag property”: Toggles the shear state of a cross-section element. Cross-section
elements can be switched to a state where they only carry shear loads (no bending!) and
back to a state where they carry both, shear and bending. This function controls the
definition of effective widths (shear lag).
“Assign shear factors”: Shear factors for Qy, Qz, and Mx may be entered.
“Create stiffener at element edge”: This function allows creating bracings at existing
cross-section elements easily. Follow the prompts and modify the dimensions of the
bracing in the opened input window “New element Stiffener” (Figure 15). Note: It is
not yet possible to combine stiffener with local or individual mesh refinement.
+R
(e)
(a) (c)
(d) -R
(f)
(b)
Thickness 2
Thickness 1 Thickness 3
Depth
Angle 1 Angle 2
Width
Figure 15 - Bracing elements
1 1 1 2
“Copy elements by mirroring”: With this function one or more elements can be mirrored
relative to a specified axis. The mirror axis is a chosen construction line.
1 1 1 1
1 1
Mirror axis
Note that after copying, rotating and mirroring elements, the position of the axis
(intersection point of construction line 1 and 2) has the desired position in your defined
overall cross-section.
“Copy elements by rotation”: With this function elements may be copied and rotated about a
defined angle (). This angle has to be input in the “Variable field” as constant or as variable.
Choose the centre-point (intersection point at two construction lines). By clicking on a source
element it will be copied and rotated about the specified angle. This procedure may be repeated
infinitely.
Copied element
1
1
1
Source element
“Copy elements by translation”: With this function elements can copied and moved along a
chosen base line. The required distance in the base line direction has to be input in the
“Variable field”. This can be a constant or a variable, which has been defined before.
5.8.1 Principles
They were created especially to construct truss girders, though this instrument can be
handy in many other cases e.g. cross beams, diaphragms, braces, or to create cables of
suspension bridges.
First nodes are being defined in 3D space along the axis (see Figure 20). The first two
dimensions for the nodes are defined as a cross-section. The third dimension is added by
using segments.
Any of the nodes can be connected by link segments. A link segment may only lead
from one node to another node.
Note: The position of the link segment can be different to the position of the
beam itself.
Further definition for link segments see chapter 7.8, Link Segment.
5.9.1 Icons
“Reference point at an intersection point”: Intersection points of CL’s can be identified
as reference points in this function.
“Reference point relative to an elements node”: Allows the definition of reference
points in relation to cross-section element nodes. The two offset distances to the node
in X and Y direction (DX, DX) and the types must be specified.
“Reference point relative to element edges”: Two orthogonal distances from two
element edges (DX, DX) give the position of reference points generated by this
function.
“Reference point relative to the center of gravity or the assigned part”: The selected
reference point is always located in the center of gravity of every cross-section along
the axis, even if the cross-section is varying. The center of gravity in X or Y direction
may be selected.
“Reference point with absolute coordinates”: Points can be entered with their co-
ordinates and their types.
2 3
3
2
Groups of Pre-view of a
different cross- selected cross-
section types section
Cross-sections
in the selected Applys the
group selected cross-
section
Groups of
different cross
section types
Edit functions
(Insert/modify/
Delete) Pre-view of a
selected cross
section
ASCII-„Import-button“
resp. „Export-button“
Cross sections
in the selected
group
“Export cross-section to catalogue”: This function offers the possibility to insert a user
defined cross-section from the Modeler to the cross-section catalogue. This application
is offered in the cross-section input window (Figure 26). A cross-section, to be added
to the catalogue, can be assigned either to an existing group or to a new one. In the
input field “description” cross-section specific details can be input. With <Apply> the
cross-section is added to the selected group. In the window at the top right the pre-view
of the selected cross-section is shown (Figure 26).
“Import cross-section from AutoCAD file”: DXF/DWG formats can be imported to a
defined insertion position to the RmBridge Modeler.
Different
groups of View of the
existing cross- created cross-
section types section
Shows the
existing cross-
sections of the
selected group
Description of
the created Applys a new
cross-section cross section
6 Formulas
6.1 Introduction
Certain geometric parameters may vary along an axis in accordance with certain
(mathematical) rules (e.g. variations in the flange depth, distance between two main
girders). These rules, or functions, must be taken into account at three different stages
during the input in the Modeler (Figure 27). Firstly, the variable parts of a cross-section
must be identified as such (see chapter 5.3, Variables and Cross-Section Input).
Secondly, the actual rules must be entered. This is the purpose of the functions
explained in this chapter. And thirdly, the cross-section parameter must be related to
the appropriate mathematical expression, so that the exact position of the variable parts
can be computed as functions of the station along a segment.
constant
fh(s)
fh(s)
constant
fh(s=a)
constant
fh(s=b)
constant
Station values “sg” (global station), “sl” (local station), “sp” (segment
point number).
Constants “pi” and “e”.
Basic trigonometric functions “cos()”, “sin()”, “tan()”, “acos()”, “asin()”,
“atan()”. Please note that all angles are given in radians!
Basic exponential and logarithmic functions “sqr()”, “ln()”, “log()”,
“exp()” with (exp(2.5) = e2.5).
Logic functions “abs()”, “min()”, “max”, “hright()”, “hleft()”, “dirac()”,
“diract()”.
abs(a) gives the absolute value of the argument.
min(a,b) gives the smaller value of two arguments.
max(a,b) gives the greater value of two arguments.
hright(a,b) =1 if a>b, else =0
hleft(a,b) =1 if a<b, else =0
dirac(a,b,eps) =1 if b-eps<a<b+eps, else =0 (Figure 28a).
diract(a,b,eps1, eps2) = triangular interpolation (Figure 28b).
dirac() diract()
eps eps1 eps2
1 (a) 1 (b)
0 0
b a b a
(a) (b)
b b
constant a linear a
(c) (d)
b b
parabolic 0 a parabolic 1 a
(e)
b
parabolic 2 a
Mathematical
expressions and
table lists
Table
Point edit
values
functions
Table Load/Save
Table functions
display
7 Segment Definition
7.1 Introduction
Segment information is built from data generated by the functions described in
previous chapters. The geometry of segments in longitudinal direction depends on the
reference line (or axis for master segments) and in orthogonal directions on the shape
of the cross-section. All geometry definitions may be given in terms of formulas.
Segment points govern the degree of structural discretization within segments. The
structural system for RmBridge, which will be generated from the Modeler data, will
have a structural node at each segment point and structural elements between the
respective consecutive nodes.
Please note that a segment and an axis must be activated in the “Segment management
window” and the “Axis management window”.
Segment
point list
“Show graph”: The existing FE cross-sections of the active segment can be displayed
by using this button (including formula evaluation).
“Connection”: Defines connections between segments or
<Connection> between a segment and a rigid support point (see chapter 7.2.1,
Connections).
“New “sg”-table”: This function is used to define tables with
the functions “sg”, “sl” and “sp” (station dependent functions),
which will be assigned to the segment points. The function “sg”
<New “sg”-table> returns the global station at the segment point. The function “sl”
returns the local station at the segment point. Local means that
the station at the 1st segment point is 0.0 and the station of all
following points are related to the first one. The function “sp”
returns the number of the segment point.
“Points by reference segment”: Segment points related to points
of a reference segment can be defined. To each reference point,
a point in the current segment will be searched, where their
<Points by Ref.-Segment> distance line is positioned normal to the axis of the current
segment. Optionally, two different tables may be built and
stored in files that consists of the distances between the points
and the angles between the cross-sections at the points,
respectively.
“Segment point details”: Switch between variable view
(variable definition) and parts view (material, numbering and
group definition).
Schema of the
connections
2nd connection-point
Connection-part of (segment, part)
the segment-point
New Spring-0
With this function a spring element between an existing connection point (reference
point) of a cross-section and the “earth” (node 0) can be defined. Springs of this type
can be connected to a structural node of any segment point. The element number, the
spring constants and the direction of the spring have to be specified using the button
<Constants> in the input window shown in Figure 34.
Select a
defined Select a segment-
connection- point for the
point connection
Define the
constants of Selection if nodes
the springs should be defined
by parts or by free
node number
New Spring
This function opens a window where springs between two connection points in the
cross-section can be defined. At least one node of a spring element has to be connected
to a structural node. The other node can be situated at a connection point anywhere
within the cross-section. The element number, the spring constants and the direction of
the spring have to be specified using the button <Constants> in this input window.
Select a segment
for the spring
connection
Select the
connection-
points
Define the
constants
New Abutment
The RmBridge Modeler provides the possibility of a quick and easy abutment definition
(standard abutment with 2 bearings).
number where the spring-0 should be connected to. For conventional input see chapter
0.0.0.
K K
YG YG
ZG ZG
xL yL
xL
zL 1=90°
yL 1=90°
2=0° zL 2=0°
=0° I =90° I
XG XG
Figure 37 - Orientation of spring elements, for the final RM “Left Hand System”
Figure 37 shows the generated axis system for superstructure axes in global x (β = 0)
and z (β=90°) directions. To achieve a consistent logical model of the support spring,
the axis, the cross-sections of girder elements, the segment numbering and assignment,
and the part numbering and assignment must have been defined before.
Note that any angle β directly defined by the user will be added to the default
angle derived from the superstructure axis direction, i.e. angles entered by the
user represent the angle between the superstructure axis direction and the main
principal inertia plane of the pier or bearing modeled by the spring.
segment point. By using the <Constants> -button the stiffness of the spring element
can be modified. It must be carefully checked if any rotational stiffness term (CM Y,
CMY, CMZ) must be entered in order to avoid torsion freedom of the connected
superstructure.
Be careful when defining the stiffness because of the local co-ordinate system
(Xlocal, Ylocal, Zlocal) differing from the global system (see 7.2.2).
The structural length of spring elements is zero per definition with a length of zero. An
appropriate eccentric connection from the connection point “CP0” to the structural node
is generated automatically in the Modeler.
AXIS
1
Structural node 101
Yglobal Xlocal
CMX
Xglobal
“CP0” CMZ
Spring-element 1101
CP0“
Spring “0”
CMY
Zglobal Zlocal
Ylocal
Also the position of the element and the connection points belonging to them (“CP0”,
“CP1”) are requested in this input window (Figure 39).
The connection from the pier to the “earth” will be defined as a support spring (“New
spring-0”) (see chapter 0.0.0).
“CP0“ “CP1“
node 1105 Length of zero
Co-ordinate -system Co-ordinate -system
seg2 (slave-segment) structure (global) spring (local)
Yglobal Xlocal
CMX
Xglobal
CMZ
Support-spring 1100
CMY
(spring – “0”) Zglobal Zlocal
Ylocal
AXIS 1
spring 101
Yglobal Xlocal
Details about the material as well as the cross-section of the cross member can be
defined in the pop-up window after pressing <Additional Parameters> .
7.2.3..2 Use of the function _hdp (half distance between two segment points)
The width of cross-sections (b1, b2) depends on the adjacent element lengths before and
after segment points of the main-girder (b1=L1/2, b2=L2/2) (see also chapter 0.0.0).
Instead of assigning tables with the corresponding width of the cross section, there is
also the possibility to assign the function _hdp(-1) and _hdp(1). When using these
functions, the program automatically calculates the width of the cross-sections from the
adjacent half girder element length for generating the appropriate cross-sections. The
expression _hdp(-1) delivers the half element length “before the segment point” and
_hdp(1) the adjacent half element length “after the segment point”. This expression can
be combined also with formulas and other expressions.
Note, that for arranging the cross-sections at the correct position, the
eccentricity check boxes (Y, Z) have to be clicked in the input field of the cross-
member definition.
Note that in the Modeler GUI cross-sections are generally presented as views
against the axis direction. In order to define the eccentric position of cross-
member elements properly, they must usually be oriented from the right main
girder to the left main girder, e.g. from axis 2 axis 1 as shown in Figure 43 -
General view of a double T-beam).
Position of the cross-section of the cross-member without consideration of the
eccentricities:
symbol “Modify” on the left side of the variable lists, the input window for the
assignment of expressions opens. By clicking on the desired line and pressing the key
<Ctrl> simultaneously (the marked line is highlighted with red color) a new “value” or
“table” can be assigned in the input field “expression” directly or selectively by clicking
on the arrow-button. To copy variables from begin to the end of the segment or vice
versa (left table to the right), select the desired lines of the table and copy the desired
expressions from the one table to the other by hitting the <All> or the < > key.
Note that if you change tables or formulas, you have to reassign these tables or
formulas to the specified variables.
After that, you choose ‘ Parts’ and hit the ‘Edit’ icon on the left side of the segment
list window.
Here you apply a group, a material and a numbering of the link segment beams (They
are named ‘B’ plus the chosen number).
This is the final step in a Modeler session. Geometric data generated in the Modeler is
exported into the RmBridge database in accordance with some basic rules. This is done
in the <Remodel> input pad as shown in Figure 50.
If the option Create Model is selected, the data of the analysis model are created and
stored in the RmBridge analysis database. Additional options govern, whether the
existing RmBridge analysis database shall be initialized before inserting the Modeler
data, or whether the new data only replace those data of the analysis database, which
have been defined in the Modeler database.
Other additional options can be set in the <Options> menu. They allow for the data of
different object categories (cross-sections, segments, etc) to be excluded or included in
the transfer process.
This <Options> menu also governs the storage of backup files for saving the current
status of the Modeler database. These backup files are TCL files in ASCII format.
Different export possibilities are available.