gp e getting started din

RM Bridge Professional Engineering Software for Bridges of all Types

RM Bridge V8i

October 2008

TRAINING GETTING STARTED – GP – DIN

RM Bridge General

Training Getting Started – GP – DIN I

© Bentley Systems Austria

Contents

1 General ......................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 The Example (Tutorial) ....................................................................................... 1-2

1.2 The Structural System.......................................................................................... 1-2

1.2.1 Support Constraints ......................................................................................... 1-3

1.2.2 Cross-Section ................................................................................................... 1-3

2 Program Start ............................................................................................................... 2-1

3 Creating a New Project Directory................................................................................ 3-1

4 Construction of Axis .................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1 Create an Axis...................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Constructing an Axis in Plan ............................................................................... 4-2

4.3 Constructing an Axis in Elevation ....................................................................... 4-5

4.4 Modify ................................................................................................................. 4-7

5 Construction of Cross-Section ..................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Definitions ........................................................................................................... 5-4

5.1.1 Construction Lines ........................................................................................... 5-4

5.1.2 Reference Points .............................................................................................. 5-4

5.1.3 Cross-Section ................................................................................................... 5-4

5.1.4 Parts ................................................................................................................. 5-4

5.1.5 Reference Sets ................................................................................................. 5-4

5.1.6 Layer Management .......................................................................................... 5-4

5.2 Definition of Construction Lines ......................................................................... 5-5

5.3 Cross-Section Elements ....................................................................................... 5-8

5.4 Definition of Reference-Sets ............................................................................. 5-10

5.4.1 Connection Points .......................................................................................... 5-10

5.4.2 Stress Points ................................................................................................... 5-12

5.4.3 Reinforcement Groups ................................................................................... 5-15

6 Segment Definition ...................................................................................................... 6-1

6.1 Definition of the Structural System ..................................................................... 6-2

6.2 Definition of Segment Points .............................................................................. 6-2

6.3 Cross-Section Assignment ................................................................................... 6-3

6.4 Assignment of Element Numbers ........................................................................ 6-4

7 Definition of Supports ................................................................................................. 7-1

RM Bridge General

Training Getting Started – GP – DIN II


7.1 Geometrical position of bearing: ......................................................................... 7-1

7.2 Definition of Support ........................................................................................... 7-2

8 3D - View .................................................................................................................... 8-1

9 Export to RM ............................................................................................................... 9-1

9.1 Export to RM ....................................................................................................... 9-1

9.2 Closing the GP Session. ...................................................................................... 9-2

RM Bridge General

Training Getting Started – GP – DIN 1-1


1 General

The following small example will show all necessary GP and RM definitions for a small

bridge structure. All input steps are described in detail and we invite you to follow the pro-

cedure as follows to get a feeling for the program use.

Definition:

1. Axes

Geometrical definition of the road/rail axes.

2. Cross-section

Geometrical definition of the cross-section

3. Segment

Several logical units of the structure are represented as “segments”. In this example

the main girder for instance is one segment, a pier would be another segment on its

own.

4. Structural System (Export to RM)

The structural system with all necessary information (bearings, stress flow, …) is

prepared for the subsequent run of the structural analysis in RM.

The 3-dimensional bridge axis is defined in plan and elevation.

The change along the axis is called Station.

The Segments are subdivided using Segment points.

The cross-sections are assigned to the Segments via the Segment points.

The spacing between the Segment points will be Elements, the Segment points will be

Nodes in the structural system for RM.

The structural system is therefore defined by the axis, the cross-section and the segment.

RM Bridge General



1.1 The Example (Tutorial)

A two span T-beam structure (see Fig. 1) will be analysed in the following:

Fig. 1: T-Beam with 2*30m span wise

1.2 The Structural System

A1 A3 30m

10x3m

A2

10x3m

30m

Fig. 2: Structural System

Axis in plan:

Part 1: straight line: Station: 0-60 m

Axis in elevation:

Part 1.: straight line: Station: 0-60 m

The numbering:

Node numbers (span wise): 101-111-121

Element numbers (span wise): 101-110,111-120

Support (spring) elements: 1100, 1200, 1300

RM Bridge General



1.2.1 Support Constraints

A 1 A 2

X

Z

101-110

A 3

111-120

1100 1200 1300

Fig. 3: Defined Support Constraints

1.2.2 Cross-Section

8.00 m

3.50 m 3.40 m

0.10 m

1.00 m

2.0

0 m

1.6

5 m

0.2

5 m

0.1

0 m

Fig. 4: T-Beam Cross-section

RM Bridge Program Start



2 Program Start

After installation of the software two icons will be available on the desktop:

GP can be started by double clicking the icon or under the Windows-„Start“–Menu (usually

in the lower left corner of the screen).

RM Bridge Creating a New Project Directory



3 Creating a New Project Directory

After starting the program the first level of GP appears (Main input window). Several ac-

tions are available here:

Start the program by double clicking the GP icon.

First Level




Cre

ate

a n

ew

pro

ject dir

ecto

ry

A new (empty) work

space (directory) is

usually created at the

beginning. All data will

be stored in this direc-

tory.

The current directory is

displayed in the upper

left corner.

Select this icon to pop up the path selection of the Windows-Explorer.

Select the wanted directory. This example is done under C:\WORK\Training. Create a

new directory (Training).

Define d

irecto

ry

Choose the directory

using <Öffnen>

(<open> for English

windows versions).

Open




Sta

rt a

pplic

ation

Use <OK> to start the

GP application in the

selected directory.

Confirm

RM Bridge Construction of Axis



4 Construction of Axis

Axis elements are used to define the axis in plan. For this example the axis is straight.

4.1 Create an Axis

Select the button for “display existing axis“ to open the pop-up window for the axis defi-

nition. You can either define your new axis by ticking Straight in the pop-up Window

which will create an axis with the appropriate length or you untick Straight and RM will

create a new axis but not geometrically information are set at the beginning. Both ways

are shown below:

Define a

n A

xis

First Method:

The default proposal

for axis name (axis1),

initial station and in-

creasing station-

numbering is chosen

for this example the

Length is set to 60m.

<OK>.

Confirm

The created axis is displayed in the listing of existing axes. Several axis can be defined in

one directory. Changing between the axes (activating a new axis) can be done by select-

ing (clicking) the wanted axis and hitting <OK>.

Active

The currently active

axis is shown in the

information-bar at the

left lower corner (

„Axis1‟ in this exam-

ple).

Select this button to activate the input window for “ground-

plan”.

Your new created axis

is shown here with a

length of 60 m.




Define a

n A

xis

Second Method:

The default proposal

for axis name (axis1),

initial station and in-

creasing station-

numbering is chosen

for the example.

<OK>.

Confirm

The created axis is displayed in the listing of existing axes. Several axis can be defined in

one directory. Changing between the axes (activating a new axis) can be done by select-

ing (clicking) the wanted axis and hitting <OK>.

Active

The currently active

axis is shown in the

information-bar at the

left lower corner (

„Axis1‟ in this exam-

ple).

The second method only creates the axis without any geometri-

cally information. To define the starting- and end point of your

axis you need to go to the “gound plan” and define there your

coordinates. (see chapter 4.2)

4.2 Constructing an Axis in Plan Axis in plan: straight line: Station: 0-60 m

Select this button to activate the pop-up window for “ground plan”.

Select P0 from the up-

per menu in order to

define the starting point

of the axis in the

“ground plan”.

Select the coordinates

for the starting points

(X = “east, Y =

“north”). .




Confirm

The default set is ok for this example, point P0 has the coordinates (0.0/0.0). The new axis

points in the X-Direction, no angle needs to be defined.

After input confirmation the point with the specified direction will be visible on the screen.

Please use the Zoom – functions at the left vertical tool bar (or use „Free hand symbols‟, see

next page) to change the view.

Select Append straight

line to axis from the

upper menu.

The length of the

straight line is 60.0 m.

Confirm

The axis is now defined in the “ground plan” and is displayed on the screen.

Top level of G

P w

ith a

xis

in p

lan




Alternatively to the zooming facilities, the so called “free hand symbols” can be used. Such

a “free hand symbol” is executed with the left mouse button and simultaneously pressing

[Ctrl]-key on the keyboard. The “free hand symbol“ 'V' creates a full view of the cur-

rently available items.

The other ”free hand symbols“ can be viewed by clicking the explanation button on top

of the screen.




4.3 Constructing an Axis in Elevation Axis in Elevation: planar line: Station: 0-60 m

Select the button show elevation window to specify the elevation.

Select “P0” from the

upper menu to define

the starting point of the

axis.

Select the coordinates

of the starting point and

the slope of the axis.

The default setting for

the Stationing „0.0‟ is

chosen. No need to

define a level (height)

of the axis, the default

setting „0.0‟ can be

confirmed.

Confirm

Select the button ap-

pend straight line by

station and set Station

Difference to 60 m..

Confirm

The axis is now defined in 3D. Any position along the axis is now geometrically known.

Please use the zooming function as explained above to get a better view.




Ele

vation o

f A

xis




4.4 Modify

The Delet last axis element button allows to delete the input definition in the opposite

order of their definition.

Modific

ations

Modifications to the axis

definition in plan and

elevation can be done as

follows:

Select main menu func-

tion Lists and choose

either the ground plan or

elevation.

The upcoming listing

allows to change data in

any line (radius, slope,

lengths, ..).

Confirm with <OK>.

and <Close> the win-

dow.

The “Modify” button allows to modify any input data in tables and listings.

The “Delete“ button allows to eliminate any input data in tables and listings.

RM Bridge Construction of Cross-Section



5 Construction of Cross-Section

8.00 m

3.50 m 3.40 m

0.10 m

1.00 m

2.0

0 m

1.6

5 m

0.2

5 m

0.1

0 m

Fig. 5: Cross Section

The listing of existing cross-sections will be displayed when clicking on the button as

shown at the left.

Define C

ross-S

ection

The basic definitions

for the cross-section

name can be used, con-

firm with <OK>.

Confirm




The new cross-section is listed

in the menu-tree on your left.

Several cross-sections can be

defined in one project, only one

is needed for this example.

Changing between the cross-

sections is done by double-

clicking on the desired cross

section.

Aktive C

S

The active CS is always dis-

played at the lower window on

the information-bar. All further

CS will refer to this currently

active CS (in this case „cross1‟).




Select the “Cross-section window“ to open the graphic input screen for the cross-section

geometry.

QS

Fe

nste

r

Length dimensioning (click right

for other dimensioning types)

Reference point an intersection point (click right for other

reference point types)

Creat stiffener at element edge

Creat link (e.g. truss)

Delete unused construction lines

Parallel translation (click right

for other construction line types)

Linear 4-point element (click

right for other element functions)

Axis reference point

Basic construction

lines CL1 and CL2

Reference set

definitions

Active Part/List of

parts

Active

Varible/Constant

Layer-Function




5.1 Definitions

5.1.1 Construction Lines

Construction lines are defined with the available icons (see above) and are needed for the

basic cross-section shape. Each construction line (CL) is defined relative to an existing line,

thus all new construction lines are depended on CL1 and CL2.

5.1.2 Reference Points

The intersection of CL1 and CL2 represents the axis of the bridge and acts as a reference

point for the position of the cross-section in the overall 3D geometry.

5.1.3 Cross-Section

The shape of the cross-section is defined by individual elements. These elements are based

on the intersection points of the construction lines. These 2 dimensional elements are cre-

ated with either 3 or with 4 corner nodes. A polygonal line around the element defines the

border, the first and the last polygon part close the element. The order of input does not

matter (cycle), the polygonal line must not cross itself.

5.1.4 Parts

Cross-section elements with different properties can be written into a separate part. Com-

posite cross-section for instance has 3 parts: one for the steel, one for the concrete, one for

the composite cross-section.

5.1.5 Reference Sets

In addition to the cross-section geometry information for the structural analysis such as

temperature points, reinforcement layers, stress points and others are defined in so called

reference sets. Properties (e.g. material) of a „Reference Set‟ can be defined and grouped in

so called „Attribute Sets‟.

5.1.6 Layer Management

Each object of the cross-section can exist in all, one or several graphical layers.




5.2 Definition of Construction Lines

Six vertical and four horizontal lines are needed for the following cross-section. First paral-

lel and vertical lines with a distance of 4.0m to the centre are defined.

Consta

nts

Set the constant to 4.0

in the „vari-

ables/constants‟-input

field.

Press the icon Parallel Line to activate this function. The graphic cursor is then displayed

as continuous line indicating a function being active.

During the execution of this action the following information is displayed in the status

line:

Select the vertical line as basic line (CL_2).


line:

Click to the right side of the selected line to create a new construction line. This new CL

has a distance of 4.0m to the centre.

Create the second line on the other side in the same way:

Select the vertical basic line.

Click to the left side of the selected basic line (CL_2) to create a new CL. This new CL

has a distance of 4.0m to the centre.




CS

win

dow

The next figure shows the rest of the needed CLs with the corresponding distances . The

procedure is the same as explained above. Click at the vertical or horizontal basic line and

set the constant to the appropriate value.




The following overview shows all necessary construction lines for this example:

CS

Win

dow

4.00 4.00

0.2

5

2.0

0

0.6

0.5 0

.35

Basic lines CL1 and CL2




5.3 Cross-Section Elements

After all CLs are available the cross-section elements can be defined:

Activate the "Cross-section element“ by selecting the appropriate icon.


line:

Click at the intersection points of the construction lines to create the corner nodes 1, 2, 3

and 4 of the new element (see picture below). The new element is automatically assign

to part 1, thus the number 1 appears in the middle of the element. (Different parts are

needed in composite constructions, see next training)

CS

Win

dow




All other elements are generated in the same way. Please make use of the zoom functions

to properly select the intersection points. A wrong definition can be interrupted by hitting

the <Esc> key (or right mouse button). A wrongly defined element can be selected (ele-

ment line changes colour) and deleted with the „delete “ icon.

Elements can be copied and mirrored to speed up the input. These icons can be found with

right click above the icon Linear 4-Point-Element.

The cross-section of this example consist of 4 elements only, see picture below:

CS

Win

dow




5.4 Definition of Reference-Sets

Four sets are used in this example: 2 for reinforcement layer (top and bottom), one for the

stress points (to calculate stress at top and bottom fibre at a certain point). The forth set is

needed to define the geometrical position of the support springs (connection points).

5.4.1 Connection Points

Select the arrow key next to the reference point.

Refe

rence

-Sets

Create a new reference

set with the name “sup-

port“ and select the

type “connection point

“.

Confirm

Connection p

oin

ts

This new reference set

is inserted in the table

of existing reference

sets. Several sets can be

defined in one project.

Select the wanted set

and hit <OK> to change

the active set

Insert

Active

The activated reference

set will be displayed in

the input field. All

definitions on the

cross-section level will

now refer to this refer-

ence set.




Select the icon for the

connection point defini-

tion.

Connection p

oin

t

Select the intersection

of CLs with cross-

section element border

to define the position of

the reference point.

Sin

gle

Po

int

The upcoming window

asks for the name of

this new point (CP0 in

this case).

Confirm




5.4.2 Stress Points

Open the reference set input window by clicking the arrow key next to it.

Refe

rence

-Sets

Select “Insert after”

button to add another

reference set to the list-

ing.

Insert

Str

ess P

oin

ts

Create a new set with

the name “STRESS“

and select the type

“Stress check points “.

The Attribute-Set is

named similar to the set

name: “STRESS “ and

the wanted material is

DIN_Germany:C-

35/45.

Confirm

The newly defined reference set is inserted in the table of available reference sets.

Select the new set and hit <OK> to activate the reference set.

Active

The active reference set

is displayed in the

lower side of the win-

dow. All definitions

from now on will refer

to the active reference

set („STRESS‟ in this

case).





stress point definition.

The intersection point

is selected by clicking

it with the cursor in

order to define the

wanted position of the

reference point.

The upcoming window

asks for the definition

of the point name for

the selected point

(SP_TOP in this case).

Confirm


stress point definition.

The intersection point

is selected by clicking

it with the cursor in

order to define the

wanted position of the

reference point.

The upcoming window

asks for the definition

of the point name for

the selected point

(SP_BOT in this case).




Confirm




5.4.3 Reinforcement Groups

Reinforcement is defined either as one or more single points or polygons. Reinforcement

areas that are assigned or automatically calculated later are distributed over these points and

polygons. Positions are defined relative to construction intersection points or cross-section

element nodes. The sole geometry is stored in form of Reference-Sets, which may be

grouped and addressed by Attribute-Sets. Attribute-Sets hold additional information such as

material definitions. In most cases the Attribute-Set names are identical to the Reference-

Set names.

First a Reference-Set is created as already shown above.


Refe

rence

-Sets

Use the “Insert after”

button to define a new

Reference-Set.

Insert

Rein

forc

em

ent

Top

Create a new Refer-

ence-Set with name

“REBAR_TOP“ an

select type “Bending

Reinforcement“. Use

the same name again

(“REBAR_TOP“) for

the Attribute-Set and

assign the wanted ma-

terial.

Confirm






Select the appropriate

icon for the reinforce-

ment definition.

Select the element cor-

ner to which the refer-

ence point is relative to

using the mouse cursor.

The upcoming window

requires data for point

type, point name and

offset to the selected

element corner. The

new point will be the

start of the reinforce-

ment polygon.

Confirm



ment definition.





The upcoming window




element corner. The


end of the reinforce-

ment polygon.




Confirm

After the reinforcement definition at the top layer is defined the bottom reinforcement will

following as next:


Refe

rence

-Sets

Use the “Insert after”

button to define a new

Reference-Set.

Insert

Rein

forc

em

ent B

ottom

Create a new Refer-

ence-Set with name

“RBAR_BOT“ an se-

lect type “Bending Re-

inforcement“. Use the

same name again

(“REBAR_BOT“) for

the Attribute-Set and

assign the wanted ma-

terial.

Confirm








ment definition.





The upcoming window




element corner. The


start of the reinforce-

ment polygon. Define

the polygon end point

in the same way.

RM Bridge Segment Definition



6 Segment Definition

The structural system consists of 2 span girder with a constant T-shaped cross-section. Only

one “Segment“ is needed for this project.

Select the appropriate button to define a new segment (on the right side of the window).

Define S

egm

en

t

Name, type, reference

axis and eccentricity

type can be defined for

the new segment in the

upcoming window.

For this example the

default set is ok and the

name is “seg1”. After

confirmation the new

segment will be avail-

able in the segment

listing.

Confirm

The newly created segment is displayed in the table of existing segments. Several seg-

ments may exist for one project. Changing the currently active segment is done by click-

ing the wanted segment and confirming with <OK>.




6.1 Definition of the Structural System

The next step in GP is the assembly of the structural system. A structural system consists of

Elements, Nodes, Cross-sections and Material properties.

Each segment consists of several segment points. Each segment point is defined in 3D with

its position along the axis. The structural nodes are created using these segment points, the

structural elements are generated using the spacing between the segment points. Material

properties are assigned to the elements, the cross-sections are assigned to the segment

points.

6.2 Definition of Segment Points

Open the segment point listing by clicking the symbol on the right side.

Segm

ent P

oin

t Lis

ting

The table will be empty

since no data has bee n

defined yet.

Define new segment points by clicking the "Insert after" - button (at the left of the gen-

eral screen).

The structural system shall start at 0 and shall end at Station 60.0 m.

All elements will have a length of 3.0m, 20 elements will finally compose the girder. 10

elements for the left span and 10 elements for the right span.




Inse

rt S

egm

ent

Poin

ts

The input for the Seg-

ment Points can be seen

in the Figure on the left

side.

A step of “3 m” is used

to define segment

points that will reflect

the element lengths of

the structural system.

Confirm

Segm

ent P

oin

ts

The structural system is

herewith defined. (60m

long with elements of 3

m length).

6.3 Cross-Section Assignment

The assigned cross-sections are shown in the segment list. The column „OK‟ describes if

the cross-section at this stage is correctly defined for the further procedure. The „+‟ shows

that at this station the appropriate cross-section is assigned. If this sign switches to „-„ the

cross-section was recently modified after it had been assigned to the segment.. In the lower

list all specified variables, parts and connections of the cross-section are displayed. Later on

tables and formulas will be assigned to those variables.




6.4 Assignment of Element Numbers

Ele

ment

num

be

ring

The element and node

numbering for the

whole system can be

done at once. First se-

lect “parts” to view the

undefined parts. Only

one line is displayed

since the cross-section

exists only of one part.

The element numbering should start at segment point 1, the first element and node-number

should be “101”. At the end of the first element (101) the node–number is “102”. The in-

crement is definition by “1”.

The properties of the material is:C_35/45 (DIN 1045-1) will be applied.

All elements are grouped with the name “MG“ (main girder).

Activate the 'Modify' - Function at the left of the table to open the input pad.




Ele

ment

num

be

ring

Definition for all seg-

ment points (1 to 21):

See Fig. on the left

siede.

Confirm

Segm

ent P

oin

t L

isting

The numbering can be

controlled by stepping

through the segment

point listing in the up-

per table.

The data to the cur-

rently marked line is

shown in the lower

table.

Any modification after this initial definition can be done, but <recalculate> must be exe-

cuted in GP before the project will be exported to RM .

The cross-section 'cross1' is locked after this initial assignment. Any modification to the

cross-section requires to “unlock” the cross-section (program asks for it). Again <recalcu-

late> must be executed in GP before export to RM starts.

RM Bridge Definition of Supports



7 Definition of Supports

The following definitions are required:

Create a “connection point” to specify the location of the support. The procedure

has been explained before under “Definition of Reference-Sets“.

Create the connection between sub- and superstructure with spring elements- see be-

low:

7.1 Geometrical position of bearing:

CS

– W

indow

/ A

dd. P

oin

ts

The green, triangular

symbol attached at the

bottom of the girder is

the geometrical posi-

tion of the bearing. The

definition is already

done in chapter 5.4.1.




7.2 Definition of Support

Open the segment point table by clicking on the corresponding button in the menu on e

right side

Select the first line in the upper listing (Station 0).

Select the button for „connection“ to open the corresponding input window.

Select “insert before”

to see the possible

choices.

Select “New spring-0”

to open the correspond-

ing spring definition

window.




Supp

ort

De

finitio

n

The support spring

1100 represents the

connection between

girder and soil. The

position of this spring

element is done with

the assignment to the

nodes (Node1 = 0 =

earth, Node2 = 101 top

of girder)

Switch over to the input

of spring constants.

Press

Spri

ng C

onsta

nts

The spring constants

are defined here. The

element 1100 repre-

sents the support condi-

tion in vertical (X) and

transverse (Z) direc-

tion. A constant of 1e8

represents the stiffness

of the support condi-

tion.

Confirm

The newly defined spring element will be displayed in the table for support definitions.




Supp

ort

De

finitio

n

Press the “i-button” to

see a graphical picture

of the support.

Several conditions can

be defined at any seg-

ment point. Select the

wanted line in the table

to see the correspond-

ing support condition.

The same procedure is repeated for the other two connections (segment point 11 und 21).

The element numbers shall be 1200 and 1300.

The table below shows the sprig constants for the spring elements.

Element 1100 1200 1300

Spring constants KN/M KN/M KN/M

CX 1e8 1e8 1e8

CY 0 1e8 0

CZ 1e8 1e8 1e8

CMX 0 0 0

CMY 0 1e8 0

CMZ 0 0 0

RM Bridge 3D - View



8 3D - View

The completed girder can be viewed in 3D now.

Select the corresponding button to open the 3D view.

3D

- V

iew

RM Bridge Export to RM



9 Export to RM

9.1 Export to RM

The completed structural system can be transformed into a structural model for further use

in RM.

Select the corresponding 'RM-Export'-Icon to start the RM export.

Export

to R

M

For this example the

default set is OK.

Information for all

segments will be ex-

ported.

Confirm

Export

If no calculation proce-

dures are running and

no input windows are

opened in the RM pro-

ject directory where the

structural model is ex-

ported to you can con-

firm with <OK> to start

the export.

RM Bridge Export to RM



9.2 Closing the GP Session.

GP

com

ple

ted

The program can be

closed now to continue

the evaluation in RM.

Further procedures to continue the definitions and necessary input in RM is shown in the

RM part of the „Getting Started‟ example.

gp e getting started din

Documents

rm bridge training

definition of reference

rm definitions

segment definition

definition of segment

rm bridgegeneral training

definition of supports

construction of axis