Tutorial 4

TUTORIAL 4. ARCH BRIDGE

Summary ······································································································1
Analysis Model and Load Cases / 2

File Opening and Preferences Setting ····················································5

Enter Material and Section Properties ····················································6

Structural Modeling Using Nodes and Elements ······························· 10

Generate the Arch Ribs / 10
Generate the Hangers / 11
Generate the Main Girder and Duplicate the Arch Frame / 13
Generate the Cross Beams / 15
Generate the Bracings / 16

Enter Structure Boundary Conditions ················································· 22

Boundary Conditions for Beam End Connections / 23
Generate the Cross Beam Group / 26

Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads ···································· 27

Enter Load Cases / 27
Define Static Loads / 28
Define Moving Traffic Loads / 30

Perform Structural Analysis ·································································· 36

Verify and Interpret Analysis Results ·················································· 36

Load Combinations / 36
Verify Deformed Shape / 38
Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams / 38
View Influence Lines Results / 41
 TUTORIAL 4.
ARCH BRIDGE

Summary
This tutorial illustrates the modeling and interpretation of the analysis results of a
single span arch bridge subjected to moving traffic loads.

The explanations for the basic functions of MIDAS CIVIL NX (“Tutorial 1”) are
omitted. The Icon Menu is primarily used. Refer to “Tutorials 1 and 2” and the
Online Manual for understanding the basic functions in MIDAS CIVIL NX and the
structural analysis processes.

The modeling and analysis processes presented in this example are as follows:

1. File Opening and Preferences Setting

2. Enter Material and Section Properties
3. Structure Modeling Using Nodes and Elements
4. Enter Structure Boundary conditions
5. Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads
6. Perform Structural Analysis
7. Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

1
Tutorial 4

Analysis Model and Load Cases

The Figure below shows the arch bridge model. The specifications for the
structure are as follows:

 Bridge Type: Arch bridge

 Bridge Class: First Class
 Span Length: 50 m
 Design Traffic Lanes: 2 Lanes
 Width: 14 m

Final Arch Bridge Model

2
 Summary

The following list describes the structural plan layout:

 Spacing of cross beams is 5 m.

 Stringers are placed longitudinally along the axis of the bridge.
 Main girders and arch ribs are placed 7 m from the centerline on both sides.

Stringer B4
B3

Strut

[email protected]=14.0
Brace

X
B1 B2
Origin Cross Beam

(a) Framing Plan

Arch Rib Hanger

10.0

Main Girder [email protected]=50.0

(b) Front View Elevation

Framing Plan and Front View Elevation of the Arch Bridge [Unit: m]

3
Tutorial 4

For simplicity, only the following 3 load cases are considered:

 Load Case 1: 90 kN/m Dead Load (applied only on the main girders)
 Load Case 2: 6 kN/m Sidewalk Load (applied only on the main girders)
 Load Case 3: Vehicle Loads (HL93-TRK, HL93-TDM)

This example focuses on the explanation for the relevant functions in MIDAS
CIVIL NX. The assumptions made in this example may differ from those in
practical applications.

4
 File Opening and Preferences Setting

File Opening and Preferences Setting

Open a new file ( New Project) to model the bridge and save the file as “Arch
AASHTO LRFD” ( Save).

Click the unit system selection button in Status Bar at the bottom of the screen.
Choose the unit system and select “kN” and “mm”. Change the unit system as
frequently as necessary for the convenience of data entry.

The structure is modeled using the Icon Menu instead of the Tree Menu or Main
Menu to improve the modeling skills of the user.

Save File

Unit system configuration

5
Tutorial 4

Enter Material and Section Properties

Specify the following member material properties and section data.

 Material Properties
1: A36 – cross beam, bracing
2: A572-50 – main girder, arch rib, hanger

 Section Data
1: TS 210060010/10 – Main Girder (Box)
2: I 154050014/27 – Cross Beam (I-Section)
3: TS 60060016/14 – Arch Rib (Box)
4: I 60040012/16 – Hanger (I-Section)
5: TS 60050010/14 – Strut (Box)
6: W16100 – Bracing & Stringer (W-Section)

Sections 1 to 5 are built-up sections. Use the User functions to enter the principal
section dimensions. Use DB, the AISC standard sections, contained in the
program for Section 6.

6
 Enter Material and Section Properties

Material Properties Dialog Box

1. Select Properties>Material Properties in the Main Menu.

2. Click Material tab in the Properties dialog box.
3. Click .
4. Confirm “1” in the Material Number field of General.
5. Select “Steel” in the Type selection field.
6. Select “ASTM(S)” in the Standard selection field of Steel.
7. Select “A36” in the DB selection field.
8. Click .
9. Select “2” in the Material Number field of General.
10. Select “Steel” in the Type selection field.
11. Select “ASTM(S)” in the Standard selection field of Steel.
12. Select “A572-50” in the DB selection field.
13. Click .

7
 Tutorial 4

1. Select the Section tab in the Properties dialog box or select Property >
Section from the Main Menu.
2. Click .
3. Confirm “1” in the Section ID field of the DB/User tab.
4. Type “Main Girder” in the Name field.
5. Select “Box” in the Section Shape selection field.
6. Select “User” in User or DB.
7. Enter “2100” in the H field.
8. Enter “600” in the B field.
9. Enter “10” in the tw field.
10. Enter “10” in the tf1 field.
11. Click .
There are 2 methods to
12. Repeat steps 3 to 11 for Sections 2 to 5 (See Page 6 for details).
specify the Section Note that for Sections 2 and 4, use I-section instead of Box
Name: 13. Confirm “6” in the Section ID field.
1).Click button to the
right of the field and 14. Type “Bracing & Stringer” in the Name field.
select the desired
section name with Scroll
15. Select “I-Section” in the Section Shape selection field.
Bar. 16. Select “DB” in DB or User and select “AISC” in the field to the right.
2) Type in directly the
desired section name. 17. Click the Sect. Name field and type “W 16 100” or use Scroll Bar to
select the type.
Convert the unit system 18. Click .
from “mm” to “m” for
structural modeling. 19. Click .
20. Click the unit system selection button of the Status Bar and change “mm”
to “m”.

8
 Enter Material and Section Properties

Define section

Section Properties and Section Data Dialog Box

9
 Tutorial 4

Structural Modeling Using Nodes and Elements

Generate the Arch Ribs

Use Structure Wizard to generate the arch ribs.

1. Select Structure> Wizard>Base Structures > Arch in the Main Menu.

2. Select “Parabola1” in the Type selection field of the Input & Edit tab.
The arch shape
3. Enter “10” in the Number of Segments field.
(parabola/ellipse with
equal/ equal-projected 4. Enter “50” in the L field.
spacing) can be selected
in the Type field of the 5. Enter “10” in the H field.
Input & Edit tab. 6. Select “None” in the Boundary Condition selection field.
Considering the hangers
at an equal spacing, 7. Check () “Show Element No.”
select “Parabola1” to set
the nodes on the arch rib
8. Select “2 : A572-50” in the Material selection field.
at an equal spacing 9. Select “3 : Arch Rib” in the Section selection field.
projected on a horizontal
line. 10. Enter “0, 0, 0” in the Insert Point field of the Insert tab.
11. Click .
12. Click Auto Fitting.
13. Click Front View.

Concept of Parabola1 format and Arch Wizard Dialog Box

10
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Generate the Hangers

Use Extrude Elements to generate the hangers. Extend the nodes generated on
the arch rib by projecting them perpendicularly downward.

Extrude Elements generates 1. Click Extrude Elements in Node/Element > Elements > Extrude
geometrically 1-dimensional higher
elements by following the moving from the Main Menu.
path of the nodes or elements
(nodeline element, line surface 2. Click Node Number (Toggle on) in the Icon Menu.
element, surfacesolid element).
3. Click Select Window to select nodes 2 to 10 from which the hangers
are generated.
4. Select “NodeLine Elem.” in the Extrude Type selection field.
5. Select “Beam” in Element Type of the Element Attribute selection field.
6. Select “2 : A572-50” in the Material selection field.
7. Select “4 : Hanger” in the Section selection field.
8. Select “Project” in the Generation Type selection field.
Base Line Definition 9. Select “Project on a line” in the Projection Type selection field.
requires 2 nodes of the line
onto which it is projected. 10. Click the P1 field of Base Line definition. Once the background color
turns to pale green, assign node 1 and then assign node 11 for P2 filed.
The Direction choice in
the Project function 11. Select “Normal” in the Direction selection field.
represents the projection
direction of the element. 12. Click .
13. Click Change Element Parameters.

The hanger web

14. Click Select Recent Entities.
direction is modified to
15. Select “Element Local Axis” in Parameter Type selection field.
be perpendicular to the
bridge longitudinal axis 16. Select “Assign” and “Beta Angle” in the Mode selection field.
as shown in the Figure
below (also refer to the 17. Enter “90” in the Beta Angle field.
section on Beta Angle in
the Online Manual).
18. Click .

Click Shrink and Hidden (Toggle on) to check the entered Beta Angle.
Check the current data entries and click Shrink and Hidden to toggle off.

11
Tutorial 4

Hanger Generation

Modification of the Beta Angle for Hangers

12
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Generate the Main Girder and Duplicate the Arch Frame

Create the main girder by connecting both ends of the arch. Duplicate the
completed part of the arch frame including the main girder at the opposite side.

In this example, Point 1. Click Point Grid and Point Grid Snap (Toggle off).
Grid is not used. To
avoid confusion while 2. Click Iso View.
assigning the nodes
with the mouse, toggle 3. Click Create Elements in Node/Elements > Create Elements from
off Point Grid and the Main Menu.
Point Grid Snap.
4. Select “General beam/Tapered beam” in the Element Type
selection field.
5. Select “2 : A572-50” in the Material selection field.
6. Select “1 : Main girder” in the Section selection field.
7. Select “0” in the Beta Angle field of Orientation.
8. Check () in Node of the Intersect selection field.
9. Click the Nodal Connectivity field. Once the background color turns to
pale green, assign nodes 1 to 11.
10. Click Select All.
11. Click Translate Elements.
12. Select “Copy” in the Mode selection field.
13. Select “Equal Distance” in the Translation selection field.
14. Enter “0, 14, 0” in the dx, dy, dz field.
15. Enter “1” in the Number of Times field.
16. Click .

13
Tutorial 4

Creation of the main girder

Duplicate arch frame

14
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Generate the Cross Beams

Use Extrude Elements to create the cross beams by extending the nodes on one
of the main girders to the nodes on the opposite main girder.

1. Click Extrude Elements.

2. Click Select Polygon and select nodes 1 and 11 to 20.
3. Select “NodeLine Element.” in the Extrude Type selection field.
4. Select “Beam” in the Element Type selection field.
5. Select “1 : A36” in the Material selection field.
6. Select “2 : Cross beam” in the Section selection field.
7. Select “Project” in the Generation Type selection field.
8. Select “Project on a line” in the Projection Type selection field.
9. Click the P1 in the Base Line Definition field. Once the background color
turns to pale green, assign the nodes 21 and 31 consecutively.
The Direction represents
the Direction of Projection. 10. Select “Normal” in the Direction selection field.
11. Click .

Creation of Cross Beams

15
Tutorial 4

Generate the Bracings

Activate only the newly created cross beams. Use Element Snap in conjunction
with Create Elements to create the stringers.

1. Click Select Recent Entities in the Icon Menu.

2. Click Activate in the Icon Menu.
3. Click Element Number (Toggle on) in the Icon Menu.
4. Click Create Elements in Node/Element > Create Elements from the
Main Menu.
5. Select “General beam/Tapered beam” in the Element Type field.
6. Select “1 : A36” in the Material field.
7. Select “6 : Bracing & Stringer” in the Section field.
8. Enter “0” in the Beta Angle field of Orientation.
9. Check () in Elem in the Intersect field.
10. Confirm that the location of Element Snap in Status Bar is 1/2.
11. Click the Nodal Connectivity field. Once the background color turns to pale
green, assign the middle of elements 59 and 60 consecutively.
12. Click Element Number (Toggle off) in the Icon Menu.

16
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Completed Stringers

17
Tutorial 4

Generate the diagonal bracings on the floor plane.

1. Select Create Elements. (Red Mark)

2. Select “General beam/Tapered beam” in the Element Type
selection field.
3. Select “1 : A36” in the Material selection field.
4. Select “6 : Bracing & Stringer” in the Section selection field.
5. Click the Nodal Connectivity field. Once the background color turns to
pale green, connect nodes 1 to 43 and nodes 43 to 21 to create two
elements.
6. Select Translate Elements. (Red Mark)
7. Click Select Single to select the two braces generated in step 4.
8. Select “Copy” in the Mode selection field.
9. Select “Equal Distance” in the Translation selection field.
10. Enter “5, 0, 0” in the dx, dy, dz field.
11. Enter “4” in the Number of Times field.
12. Click .
13. Click Mirror Elements.
14. Click Select Previous and Select Recent Entities to select all the
diagonal bracings.
15. Select “Copy” in the Mode selection field.
16. Select y-z plane in Reflection and click the x field. Once the background
color turns to pale green, assign node 16 or enter “25”.
17. Click .

18
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Floor Plane

Completed Floor Plane

19
 Tutorial 4

Create the bracings on the arch ribs located symmetrically on each side of the mid
span.

 Inverse Active 1. Click Inverse Activate in the Icon Menu.

function deactivates the
nodes and elements 2. Click Create Elements.
displayed in the current
window, and activates 3. Select “1 : A36” in the Material selection field.
the formerly inactivated 4. Select “5 : Strut” in the Section selection field.
nodes and elements.
5. Enter “0” in the Beta Angle field of Orientation.
6. Click the Nodal Connectivity field. Once the background color turns to
pale green, connect separately nodes 4 and 24, 5 and 25, 6 and 26, 7 and
27, and 8 and 28.

Completed Struts

20
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

1. Click Select Single to select the 5 struts generated in the previous step.
When an undesirable 2. Click Activate.
location is selected
during the data entry of 3. Click Element Number (Toggle on).
elements, click the Esc
key. Alternatively right- 4. Click Create Elements.
click the mouse and
select Cancel at the
5. Select “General beam/Tapered beam” in Element Type.
bottom of the Context 6. Select “1 : A36” in the Material selection field.
Menu to cancel the
entry. 7. Select “6 : Bracing & Stringer” in the Section selection field.
8. Enter “0” in the Beta Angle field of Orientation.
9. Check () in Elem of the Intersect selection field.
10. Click the Nodal Connectivity field. Once the background color turns to
pale green, connect successively the centers of elements 111 to 115 to
To create the bracings create the bracings.
in the central portion of
the arches, selectively 11. Click Element Number (Toggle off).
activate the elements
that are connected to 12. Click the Nodal Connectivity field. Once the background color turns to
the elements being pale green, connect separately nodes 4 and 53, 24 and 53, 5 and 54, 25
generated.
and 54, 54 and 7, 54 and 27, 55 and 8, and 55 and 28.

Completed Arch Bracings

21
Tutorial 4

Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Once the structural configuration is created, specify the support conditions.

1. Click Activate All in the Icon Menu.

2. Select Boundary tab as shown in the Figure below, and select
“Supports”.
3. Select “Add” in the Options selection field.
4. Click Select Single.
5. Select node 1 and check () “D-ALL”.
6. Click .
7. Select node 11 and check () “Dy and Dz”.
8. Click .
9. Select node 21 and check () “Dx and Dz”.
10. Click .
11. Select node 31 and check () “Dz”.
12. Click .

Enter Structural Boundary Conditions

22
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Boundary Conditions for Beam End Connections

Use Beam End Release to specify the boundary conditions at both ends of the
beam elements.

 Both ends of hangers: Pin joint conditions about the ECS z-axis
 Both ends of bracings: Pin joint conditions about the ECS y- and z-axes
 Both ends of cross beams connected to the main girders: Pin joint
conditions about the ECS y- and z-axes

1. Select “Beam End Release” in the Boundary tab.

Refer to the Online 2. Select “Add/Replace” in the Options selection field.
Manual, Getting Started
and Tutorials for detailed 3. Click the Filter selection field to select “z”.
explanation on Filtering
Selection. 4. Click Select All.
5. Check () “Mz” of i-Node and j-Node in the General Types and Partial
Fixity selection field.
Click Display and select
Local Axis on the Element 6. Click .
Click the Filter selection field to select “none”.
tab for checking the
element coordinate axes.
7.
8. Click Select Identity-Elements.
9. Select “Section” in the Select Type field.
10. Select “6 : Bracing & Stringer” in the Section selection field.
11. Click .
12. Click the Pinned-Pinned button in the General Types and Partial Fixity
selection field (or check () “My and Mz” of i-Node and j-Node).
13. Click .
14. Select “2 : Cross beam” in the Section selection field of the Select
Identity-Elements dialog box.
15. Click .
16. Click in the Select Identity-Elements dialog box.
17. Click Activate in the Icon Menu.
18. Click Element Number (Toggle on) in the Icon Menu.
19. Click Select by Intersecting to select elements 59 to 69.
Select Intersect
selects the elements 20. Click the Pinned-Fixed button in the General Types and Partial Fixity
intersecting the field.
specified lines drawn
with the mouse. 21. Click .

23
Tutorial 4

22. Type “80 to 90” in the element selection window and press [Enter].
23. Click the Fixed-Pinned button in the General Types and Partial Fixity
selection field.
24. Click .
25. Click Element Number (Toggle off) in the Icon Menu.
26. Click Activate All in the Icon Menu.
27. Click Node Number (Toggle off) in the Icon Menu.

24
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Inputting boundary conditions for the ends of the hanger member

Complete Beam End Release

25
Tutorial 4

Generate the Cross Beam Group

Generate the Cross Beam Group, which will be used to enter the moving loads.

1. Click Select Identity-Elements.

2. Select “Section” in the Select Type field.
3. Select “2 : Cross Beam” in the Section field.
4. Click .
5. Click in the Select Identity-Elements dialog box.
6. Select the Group tab in the Tree Menu.
7. Click Activate in the Icon Menu.
8. Click Top View in the Icon Menu.
9. Right-click the mouse in the Structure Group and then select New to
enter “Cross Beam 1”.
10. From the Structure Group drag “Cross Beam” with the mouse and
drop to the model window.
11. Click Activate All and Iso View in the Icon Menu.

Generate the Cross Beam Group

26
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

Enter Load Cases

Set up the Load Cases prior to specifying the loads.

1. Select Load>Static Load Cases in the Main Menu.

2. Enter “Dead Load” in the Name field of the Static Load Cases dialog
box.
3. Select “Dead Load” in the Type selection field.
4. Click .
5. Enter “Sidewalk Load” in the Name field.
6. Select “Dead Load” in the Type selection field.
7. Click .
8. Click .

Define load cases

27
Tutorial 4

Define Static Loads

Specify the static load cases (Load Cases 1 and 2).

The dead and sidewalk loadings are assumed to be applied only on the main
girders for simplicity.

1. Click Select Identity-Elements.

2. Select “Section” in the Select Type field.
3. Select “1 : Main Girder” in the Section selection field.
4. Click .
5. Click in the Select Identity-Elements dialog box.
6. Select Load> Element Beam Loads in the Main Menu.
7. Select “Dead Load” in the Load Case Name selection field.
8. Select “Add” in the Options selection field.
9. Select “Uniform Loads” in the Load Type selection field.
10. Select “Global Z” in the Direction selection field.
11. Select “No” in the Projection selection field.
12. Select “Relative” in the Value selection field.
13. Enter “0”, “1” and “-90” in the x1, x2 and w fields, respectively.
14. Click .
15. Click Select Previous.
16. Select “Sidewalk Load” in the Load Case Name field.
17. Select “Add” in the Options selection field.
18. Select “Uniform Loads” in the Load Type selection field.
19. Select “Global Z” in the Direction selection field.
20. Select “No” in the Projection selection field.
21. Select “Relative” in the Value selection field.
22. Enter “0”, “1” and “-6” in the x1, x2 and w fields, respectively.
23. Click .
24. Click .

28
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

Input Static Loads

29
 Tutorial 4

Define Moving Traffic Loads

First, define the traffic line lanes.
Change the unit system to English system (kip and ft).

1. Select Load > Moving Load from the Main Menu.

2. Select AASHTO LRFD for the Moving Load Code selection
3. Select Moving Load Analysis Data > Traffic Line Lanes.
4. Click in the Traffic Line Lanes dialog box.
5. Enter “Lane 1” in the Lane Name field.
6. Enter “-11.5 ft” in the Eccentricity field.
7. Confirm Wheel Spacing = 6.0 ft.
8. Select “Cross Beam” in the Vehicle Load Distribution field.
9. Select “Cross Beam 1” in the Cross Beam Group field.
10. Select “Both” in the Moving Direction field.
11. Select 2 Points among the options of 2 Points, Picking and Element
Number within Selection by, and then click the field below it. Once the
background color turns to pale green, assign nodes 1 and 11.
When a traffic lane is curved or
when the lane data entry with 2 12. Click .
Points becomes awkward due to
discontinuity, select “Number” 13. Click in the Traffic Line Lanes dialog box.
and directly type in the element
numbers. (In this case, even if 14. Enter “Lane 2” in the Lane Name field.
you select “Number” and input
“20 to 29”, the same traffic lanes 15. Enter “-35 ft” in the Eccentricity field.
are selected)
16. Select “Cross Beam” in the Vehicle Load Distribution field.
17. Select “Cross Beam 1” in the Cross Beam Group field.
18. Select “Both” in the Moving Direction field.
19. Repeat Step 11 for the Lane 2 case.
20. Click
21. Click

30
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

Moving load code

Traffic Line Lanes Dialog Box

31
 Tutorial 4

The method for defining the moving traffic loads, HL93-TRK and HL93-TDM, is
 MIDAS CIVIL NX contains the
standard vehicle loads such as explained below.
AASHTO LRFD, AASHTO
Standard, Caltrans, BS 5400,
BS BD 37/01, etc.
1. Select Load > Moving Load Analysis Data > Vehicles from the Main Menu.
2. Click in the Vehicles dialog box.
3. Select “AASHTO LRFD Load” in the Standard Name field.
4. Confirm “HL-93 TRK” in Vehicle Load Name & Vehicle Load Type fields.
5. Enter “33” in the Dynamic Load Allowance field.
6. Click .
7. Click in the Vehicles Load Type dialog box.
8. Select “AASHTO LRFD Load” in the Standard Name field.
9. Confirm “HL-93 TDM” in Vehicle Load Name & Vehicle Load Type fields.
10. Enter “33” in the Dynamic Load Allowance field.
11. Click .
12. Click .

Use the Moving Load

Cases function to define the
vehicle loading cases such
as the maximum / minimum
number of lanes
simultaneously subjected to
the vehicle load, the type of
vehicle and the lane onto 33
which the load is applied,
etc. (Refer to the Online
Manual for details)

Input Vehicle Loads

32
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

Use the Moving Load Cases

Function to define the vehicle
Define the moving traffic load cases.
loading conditions, i.e. which
vehicle loads are applied on 1. Select Load > Moving Load Analysis Data>Moving Load Cases from the
which traffic lanes. Also define
the maximum and minimum Main Menu.
numbers of traffic lanes that
can be loaded with vehicle
2. Click in the Moving Load Cases dialog box.
loads simultaneously. 3. Enter “MVL” in the Load Case Name field of the Moving Load Case dialog
box.
4. Keep default values of “Scale Factor” in Multiple Presence Factor.
5. Click in the Sub-Load Cases field.
6. Select “VL:HL93-TDM” in the Vehicle Class field.
7. Enter “1” in the Scale Factor field.
8. Enter “1” in the Min. Number of Loaded Lanes field.
9. Enter “2” in the Max. Number of Loaded Lanes field.
10. Select “Lane 1” and “Lane 2” in List of Lanes of Assignment Lanes and
click to move to Selected Lanes.
11. Click in the Sub-Load Cases dialog box.
12. Click in the Sub-Load Cases field.
13. Select “VL:HL93-TRK” in the Vehicle Class field.
14. Repeat Steps 7 to 11.
15. Click in the Define Moving Load Case dialog box.
16. Click in the Moving Load Cases dialog box.

33
Tutorial 4

Definition of vehicle load group

34
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Define the method of analysis for the moving vehicle load.

Use Moving Load Analysis Control 1. Select Analysis> Analysis Control> Moving Load from the Main Menu.
to input the number of points on
each line element where influence 2. Select “Exact” in the Analysis Method field.
lines should be generated. For 3. Select “All Points” in the Analysis Method field.
example, if “5” is inputted in
Influence Generating Point 4. Enter “5” for the field of Numer/Line Element within the Influence
No./Line Element field, it means
Generating Points. 
that the concentrated axle load is
applied successively at 5 equally 5. Select “Normal” in Frame in the Analysis Results field.
spaced points on each line
element, along the direction of the 6. Select “All” in Reactions, Displacements and Forces/Moments within
traffic lane. (Also refer to the Calculation Filters. 
Structural Analysis functions in the
Online Manual for details) 7. Click .
8. Click Node Number (Toggle off).
Calculation Filter in Moving Load
Analysis Control Data groups
only the desired part of the
results for review. The grouping
reduces the computation time
and the size of Results file for
large structures.

Moving Load Analysis Control Dialog Box

35
Tutorial 4

Perform Structural Analysis

Perform the structural analysis of the structure attributed with boundary conditions
and load cases.

Click Analysis.

Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Load Combinations
We will now examine the Linear Load Combination method of the 3 load cases
(dead load, sidewalk load and moving load) for which structural analyses have
been completed.

In this example, we specify only one load combination as noted below, and check
its results. The load combination case has been arbitrarily chosen and, as such, it
may be irrelevant for any practical design application.

 Load Combinations (LCB): 1.00 Dead Load + 1.00 Sidewalk Load + 1.00
Moving Load.

Load Combinations Dialog Box

36
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Use Results> Load Combinations in the Main Menu to open the Load
Combinations dialog box and enter the following load combination:

1. Select Results> Load Combinations in the Main Menu.

Selecting Active under Active 2. Bring the cursor in the cell right below Active within the Load
in the Load Combinations Combination List. Click once to get a drop-down menu, then select
dialog box prompts the load
combination used by the Active 
design function of the program.
3. Enter “LCB1” in the Name field.
(Refer to the Online Manual for
details) 4. Select “Add” in the Type selection field.
5. Click the Load Case selection field and use to select “Dead Load
(ST)” in the field.
6. Enter “1.0” in Factor field for “Dead Load (ST)”.
7. Click the second selection field and use to select “Sidewalk Load
(ST)” in the field.
8. Enter “1.0” in Factor field for “Sidewalk Load (ST)”.
9. Click the third selection field and use to select “MVL(MV)” in the
field.
10. Enter “1.0” in Factor field for “MVL(MV)”.
11. Click

37
Tutorial 4

Verify Deformed Shape

Use the following procedure to check the deformed shape:

1. Click Results> Deformations> Deformed Shape from the Main

Menu.
2. Select “CBmin:LCB1” in the Load Cases/Combinations selection field.
3. Select “DXYZ” in the Components selection field.
4. Check () “Undeformed” and “Legend” in the Type of Display
selection field.
5. Click the button to the right of Deform in the Type of Display
selection field.
6. Select “Real Deform” in the Deformation selection field.
7. Confirm check () in Apply upon OK.
8. Click .
9. Click Hidden (Toggle on).

Deformed Shape

38
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams

The method for reviewing the shear force and bending moment diagrams are quite
similar. Therefore, only the method for displaying the bending moment diagram
is reviewed in this case. This method is not intended to capture the bending
moment diagram of the entire structure. The purpose is to display only the results
related to a specific part of the structure. For instance, the following steps illustrate
Quite often, analysis results the procedure to display the bending moment diagram in the X-Z plane.
for the structural behavior of
specific parts are required in
practice. Use the Select
Plane to separately extract 1. Click Hidden (Toggle off).
the results at the desired
planar section. 2. Click Initial View in the Icon Menu.
3. Click Select by Plane.
4. Select “XZ Plane” in the Plane tab.
5. Click in the Y Position field and select a point with the mouse, which
defines the desired X-Z plane (the color of the selected plane changes).
For convenience to follow the given instruction, choose y = 0.
6. Click .
7. Click Activate.
MVmin: The minimum
member force resulting from
8. Click Front View.
the vehicle load applied to the 9. Select Beam Diagram in Results > Forces from the Main Menu.
structure.
MVmax: The maximum 10. Select “MVall: MVL” in Load Cases/Combinations selection field.
member force resulting from
the vehicle load applied to the 11. Select “My” in the Components selection field.
structure. 12. Select “5 Points” and “Line Fill” in Display Options selection field.
13. Enter “1.0” in the Scale field.
14. Check ()“Contour” and “Legend” in the Type of Display selection
field.
15. Click .

39
Tutorial 4

BMD check (XZ Plane)

40
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Refer to the Online

View Influence Lines Results
Manual for more details
on Influence Lines. First we will examine the influence lines for a support reaction. It is the results for
support B1 (node 1).

1. Click Activate All

2. Click Reactions in Result > Moving Load > Influ. Lines from the
Main Menu.
3. Select “Lane 1” in the Line/Surface Lanes field.
4. Enter “1” in the Key Node field.
5. Enter “1.0” in the Scale Factor field.
6. Select “FZ” in the Components field.
7. Check () “Legend” in the Type of Display field.
8. Click .
9. Click Front View.

Reaction Influence Line

41
 Tutorial 4

Use animation to investigate the results of the support reaction influence line.

1. Click Iso View.

2. Check () “Legend” and “Animate” in the Type of Display field.
After reviewing the
3. Click .
animation, click Close
Into restore the original 4. Click Record.
screen.
5. Click .

42
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Result of the deflection influence line.

1. Click Front View.

2. Click Displacements in Result > Moving Load > Influ. Lines from
the Main Menu.
3. Confirm “Lane 1” in the Line/Surface Lanes selection field.
4. Enter “15” in the Key Node field.
Mouse Editor may be
5. Enter “2.0” in the Scale Factor field.
used for the Key Node 6. Select “DZ” in the Components selection field.
field to select the
nodes directly. 7. Check () “Legend” in the Type of Display selection field.
8. Click .

Deflection Influence Line

43
Tutorial 4

Results of the moment influence line.

1. Click Beam Forces/Moments in Result > Moving Load > Influ. Lines
from the Main Menu.
2. Confirm “Lane 1” in the Line/Surface Lanes selection field.
3. Enter “23” in the Key Element field.
4. Enter “2.0” in the Scale Factor field.
5. Select “i” in the Parts selection field.
6. Select “My” in the Components selection field.
7. Check () “Legend” in the Type of Display selection field.
8. Click .

Moment Influence Line

44
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Use Moving Load Tracer to check the reactions on the structure resulting from
Moving Load Tracer can be the movement of vehicular traffic.
applied to the results
obtained from the structural
analysis related to Moving 1. Select Iso View and Initial View.
Vehicle Load. It displays the
results similar to an 2. Click Select Plane.
influence line or influence
3. Select “XY Plane” in the Plane tab, click in the Z Position field, and
surface diagram by tracking
the location of the vehicle select node 1 with the mouse.
loading.
4. Click .
5. Click Activate.
6. Select Results> Moving Load > Moving Tracer>Reactions in the Main
Menu.
7. Select “MVmax : MVL” in the Moving Load Cases selection field.
8. Enter “1” in the Key Node field.
9. Enter “1.0” in the Scale Factor field.
10. Select “FZ” in the Components field selection.
11. Check () “Contour”, “Legend” and “Applied Loads” in the Type
of Display selection field.
12. Click .

Checking the Loading points of a Vehicle using Moving Load Tracer

45
 Tutorial 4

Using Moving Load Tracer, we can now check the moving load location, which
Moving Load Tracer causes the movement at the ith end of element 28.
generates a particular
loading condition, which
produces specific results
due to a vehicle moving 1. Select Results>Moving Load > Moving Tracer > Beam Forces/Moment
load. The traced moving in the Main Menu.
load condition is
expressed in terms of an 2. Select “MVmax : MVL” in the Moving Load Cases selection field.
influence line or surface.
3. Enter “28” in the Key Element field.
4. Enter “1.0” in the Scale Factor field.
5. Select “i” in the Parts selection field.
6. Select “MY” in the Components selection field.
7. Check () “Contour”, “Legend” and “Applied Loads” in the Type
of Display selection field.
8. Click .

Confirming the load position that induces moment using the Moving Tracer

46
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Having determined the moving load location by the Moving Load Tracer, we
will now examine the method of converting the live load into a static load. If we
click the button of the Moving Load Tracer Function,
the converted static load is saved in an MCT file. When we execute the MCT file
using the MCT Command Shell in the model file already generated, the static load
will be entered in the model. (For details on MCT Command Shell, refer to the
Online Manual).

1. Click .
2. Click in Moving Load Converted to Static Load dialog box.
3. Select File>Exit in the MIDAS/Text Editor.
4. In the Main Menu, select Tools>MCT Command Shell>Open >File
Name (MVmaxMVLMy28.mct)>Open.
5. Click in the MCT Command Shell dialog box.
6. Click [Yes] when prompted for “Analysis/design results will be deleted;
Continue?” in the CVLw dialog box.
7. Click in the MCT Command Shell dialog box.
8. Select Load>Static Loads > Static Load Cases in the Main Menu.
9. Confirm that “MVmaxMVL1My28.mct” is generated under the Name
column in the Static Load Cases dialog box.
10. Click in the Static Load Cases dialog box.
11. Click Analysis.

47
Tutorial 4

Substituting load using MCT Command Shell

Generated static load case using Moving Load Tracer

48
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

We can now check the bending moment due to the static load that was
generated from the live load which caused the movement at the ith end of
element 28.

1. Select Beam Diagram in Results > Forces from the Main Menu.
2. Select “ST:MVmaxMVLMy28” in the Load Cases/Combinations
selection field.
3. Select “My” in the Components selection field.
4. Select “5 Points” and “Solid Fill” in Display Options selection field.
5. Enter “1.0” in the Scale field.
6. Check () “Contour” and “Legend” in the Type of Display selection
field.
7. Click .

My beam diagrams for the live load converted into static load

49