Tutorial 4

Arch Bridge

C i vi l
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 ········································· 9

Generate the Arch Ribs / 9

Generate the Hangers / 10
Generate the Main Girder and Duplicate the Arch Frame / 12
Generate the Cross Beams / 14
Generate the Bracings / 15

Enter Structure Boundary Conditions ····························································· 20

Boundary Conditions for Beam End Connections / 21
Generate the Cross Beam Group / 23

Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads ············································· 25

Enter Load Cases / 25
Define Static Loads / 26
Define Moving Traffic Loads / 28

Perform Structural Analysis ················································································· 34

Verify and Interpret Analysis Results ······························································ 34

Load Combinations / 34
Verify Deformed Shape / 36
Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams / 36
View Influence Lines Results / 39
 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 (“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 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

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Tutorial 4

Analysis Model and Load Cases

Figure 4.1 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

Figure 4.1 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

2@7.0=14.0
Brace

X
B1 B2
Origin Point Cross Beam

(a) Framing Plan

Arch Rib Hanger

10.0

Main Girder 10@5.0=50.0

(b) Front View Elevation

Figure 4.2 Framing Plan and Front View Elevation of the Arch Bridge [Unit: m]

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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. 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.

Grid & Snap Element

View Point

Zoom/Pan

Dynamic Zoom

Figure 4.3 Model View Layout

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
2: I 154050014/27 – Cross Beam
3: TS 60060016/14 – Arch Rib
4: I 60040012/16 – Hanger
5: TS 60050010/14 – Strut
6: W16100 – Bracing & Stringer

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

 
`

Figure 4.4 Sectional Attributes Dialog Box

Figure 4.5 Material Properties Dialog Box

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

2. Click Material tab in the Properties dialog box (Figure 4.4).
3. Click .
4. Confirm “1” in the Material Number field of General (Figure 4.5).
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 .

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 Tutorial 4

1. Select the Section tab in the Properties dialog box (Figure 4.4) or select
Section in the Property toolbar.
2. Click .
3. Confirm “1” in the Section ID field of the DB/User tab (Figure 4.6).
4. Type “Main Girder” in the Name field.
5. Select “Box” in the Section Shape selection field (Figure 4.6).
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 .
12. Repeat steps 3 to 11 for sections 2 to 5.
13. Confirm “6” in the Section ID field.
There are 2 methods to 14. Type “Bracing & Stringer” in the Name field.
specify the Section
Name:
15. Select “I-Section” in the Section Shape selection field (Figure 4.6).
1).Click button to 16. Select “DB” in DB or User and select “AISC” in the field to the right.
the right of the field and
select the desired 17. Click the Sect. Name field and type “W 16 100” or use Scroll Bar to
section name with Scroll 
select the type.
Bar.
2) Type in directly the 18. Click .
desired section name.
19. Click .
20. Click the unit system selection button of the Status Bar and change
Convert the unit system 
from “mm” to “m” for “mm” to “m”.
structural modeling.

Figure 4.6 Section Data Dialog Box

8
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Structural Modeling Using Nodes and Elements

Generate the Arch Ribs

Use Structure Wizard to generate the arch ribs (Figure4.7).

1. Select Geometry>Structure Wizard>Arch in the Menu tab of Tree 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 (Figure 4.8). 10. Enter “0, 0, 0” in the Insert Point field of the Insert tab.
11. Click .
12. Click Auto Fitting.
13. Click Front View.

Figure 4.7 Concept of Parabola1 format and Arch Wizard Dialog Box

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 Tutorial 4

Generate the Hangers

Use Extrude Elements to generate the hangers. Extend the nodes generated
on the arch rib by projecting them perpendicularly downward (Figure 4.8).

Extrude Elements generates


1. Click Extrude Elements in the Element toolbar (Figure 4.8).
geometrically 1-dimensional higher
elements by following the moving 2. Click Node Number (Toggle on) under View Control tab of the
path of the nodes or elements Icon Menu.
(nodeline element, line surface
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
requires 2 nodes of the line 9. Select “Project on a line” in the Projection Type selection field.
onto which it is projected.
10. Click the P1 field of Base Line definition. Once the background color
The Direction choice in turns to pale green, assign node 1 and then assign node 11 for P2

the Project function filed.
represents the projection

direction of the element. 11. Select “Normal” in the Direction selection field.
12. Click .
The hanger web 13. Click Change Element Parameters (Figure 4.8).
direction is modified to 14. Click Select Recent Entities (Figure 4.8).
be perpendicular to the

bridge longitudinal axis 15. Select “Element Local Axis” in Parameter Type selection field.
as shown in Figure 4.10
(also refer to the 16. Select “Assign” and “Beta Angle” in the Mode selection field.
section on Beta Angle
in the Online Manual).
17. Enter “90” in the Beta Angle field.
18. Click .

Click Shrink (Figure 4.9) and Hidden (Figure 4.9) (Toggle on) to
check the entered Beta Angle. Check the current data entries and click
Shrink and Hidden to toggle off.

10
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

  

Figure 4.8 Hanger Generation




Beta Angle = 0° Beta Angle = 90°

Y Z
Z
Y
X X

Figure 4.9 Modification of the Beta Angle for Hangers

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Tutorial 4

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

Grid is not used. To 
1. Click Point Grid and Point Grid Snap (Toggle off).
avoid confusion while
assigning the nodes 2. Click Iso View.
with the mouse, toggle
off Point Grid and 3. Click Create Elements in the Element toolbar.
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 in the Element toolbar.
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 (Figure 4.10).

12
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Figure 4.10 Completed Main Girders and Arches

13
 Tutorial 4

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 in the Element toolbar. (Figure 4.11)

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 .

Figure 4.11. Creation of Cross Beams

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 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

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.

2. Click Activate under Activation tab of Icon Menu.
3. Click Element Number (Toggle on) under View Control tab of Icon
Menu..
4. Click Create Elements in the Element toolbar.
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 (Figure 4.12).
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) (Figure 4.12).

Figure 4.12 Completed Stringers

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Tutorial 4

Generate the diagonal bracings on the floor plane.

1. Click Create Elements in the Element toolbar.

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. Click Translate Elements.
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 (Figure 4.13).

16
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Figure 4.13 Completed Floor Plane

17
 Tutorial 4

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

 Inverse Active 1. Click Inverse Activate (Figure 4.14) under Activation tab of Icon
function deactivates the 
nodes and elements
Menu.
displayed in the current 2. Click Create Elements in the Element toolbar.
window, and activates
the formerly inactivated 3. Select “1 : A36” in the Material selection field.
nodes and elements.
4. Select “5 : Strut” in the Section selection field.
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 (Figure 4.14).

Figure 4.14 Completed Struts

18
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

1. Click Select Single to select 5 struts.


2. Click Activate.
When an undesirable
location is selected
3. Click Element Number (Toggle on).
during the data entry of 4. Click Create Elements in the Element toolbar.
elements, click the Esc
key. Alternatively right- 5. Select “General beam/Tapered beam” in Element Type.
click the mouse and
select Cancel at the
6. Select “1 : A36” in the Material selection field.
bottom of the Context 7. Select “6 : Bracing & Stringer” in the Section selection field.
Menu to cancel the
entry. 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

create the bracings.
To create the bracings
in the central portion of 11. Click Element Number (Toggle off).
the arches, selectively 12. Click the Nodal Connectivity field. Once the background color turns to
activate the elements
that are connected to
pale green, connect separately nodes 4 and 53, 24 and 53, 5 and 54, 25
the elements being and 54, 54 and 7, 54 and 27, 55 and 8, and 55 and 28 (Figure 4.15).
generated.

Figure 4.15 Completed Arch Bracings

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Tutorial 4

Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Once the structural configuration is created, specify the support conditions
(Figure 4.2(a)).

1. Click Activate All under Activation tab of Icon Menu.

2. Select Boundary tab as shown in Figure 4.16, 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 .

Figure 4.16 Structural Boundary Conditions

20
 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 (Figure 4.17).

 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 (Figure 4.17) 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
6. Click .

Element tab for checking 7. Click the Filter selection field (Figure 4.17) to select “none”.
the element coordinate
axes. 8. Click Select Identity-Elements (Figure 4.17).
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 under Activation tab of Icon Menu.
18. Click Element Number (Toggle on) under View Control tab of Icon
Menu.

Select Intersect 19. Click Select by Intersecting to select elements 59 to 69.
selects the elements
intersecting the
20. Click the Pinned-Fixed button in the General Types and Partial Fixity
specified lines drawn field.
with the mouse.
21. Click .

21
Tutorial 4

22. Type “80 to 90” in the element selection window (Figure 4.17) 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) under View Control tab of
Icon Menu.
26. Click Activate All under Activation tab of Icon Menu.
27. Click Node Number (Toggle off) under View Control tab of Icon
Menu.

Figure 4.17 Beam End Release

22
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

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. Click Group of Tree Menu.
7. Click Activate under Activation tab of Icon Menu.
8. Click Element Number (Toggle on) under View Control tab of Icon
Menu.
9. Right-click the mouse in the Structure Group and then select New to
enter “Cross Beam 1”.
10. Follow the same procedure to enter “Cross Beam 2”.
11. Click Select Intersect to select elements 59 to 69.
12. From the Structure Group drag “Cross Beam 1” with the mouse and
drop to the model window.
13. Type “80 to 90” in the element selection window (Figure 4.18) and
press [Enter].
14. Follow the same procedure to assign “Cross Beam 2”.
15. Click Element Number (Toggle off).
16. Click Activate All under Activation tab and Iso View of Icon
Menu.

23
Tutorial 4




Figure 4.18 Cross Beam Group

24
 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 (Figure 4.19).
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 .

Figure 4.19 Static Load Cases Window

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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 (Figure 4.20).

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 .

26
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

Figure 4.20 Current Loading Condition

27
 Tutorial 4

Define Moving Traffic Loads

First, define the traffic line lanes (Figure 4.21).

1. Select Moving Load Analysis>Moving Load Code in the Menu tab of

the Tree Menu.
2. Select “AASHTO LRFD” in Select Moving Load Code dialog box.
3. Click .
4. Select Moving Load Analysis>Traffic Line Lanes in the Menu tab of
the Tree Menu.
5. Click in the Traffic Line Lanes dialog box.
6. Enter “Lane 1” in the Lane Name field.
7. Enter “-3.5” in the Eccentricity field.
8. Confirm Wheel Spacing = 6.0 ft.
9. Select “Cross Beam” in the Vehicle Load Distribution field.
10. Select “Cross Beam 1” in the Cross Beam Group field.
11. Select “Both” in the Moving Direction field.
When a traffic lane is curved or
when the lane data entry with 2 12. Select “2 Points” among 2 Points, Picking and Element Number in
Points becomes awkward due Selection by and click the field below it. Once the background color
to discontinuity, select “Number” 
and directly type in the element turns to pale green, assign nodes 1 and 11.
numbers. (In this case, even if 13. Click .
you select “Number” and input
“20 to 29”, the same traffic 14. Click in the Traffic Line Lanes dialog box.
lanes are selected)
15. Enter “Lane 2” in the Lane Name field.
16. Enter “-10.5” in the Eccentricity field.
17. Select “Cross Beam” in the Vehicle Load Distribution field.
18. Select “Cross Beam 2” in the Cross Beam Group field.
19. Select “Both” in the Moving Direction field.
20. Select “2 Points” among 2 Points, Picking and Element Number in
Selection by and click the field to the right. Once the background color
turns to pale green, assign nodes 1 and 11.
21. Click
22. Click

28
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

Figure 4.21 Traffic Line Lanes Dialog Box

Click the unit system selection button in Status Bar at the bottom of the screen.
Choose the unit system and select “kips” and “ft”.

29
 Tutorial 4

The method for defining the moving traffic loads, HL93-TRK and HL93-TDM
midas Civil contains the 
standard vehicle loads such (Figure 4.22), is explained below.
as AASHTO LRFD, AASHTO
Standard, Caltrans, BS 5400,
BS BD 37/01, etc.
1. Select Moving Load Analysis>Vehicles in the Menu tab of the Tree Menu.
2. Click in the Vehicles Load Type 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
which the load is applied,
etc. (Refer to the Online
Manual for details)

Figure 4.22 Definition of Standard Vehicle Loads

30
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

Use the Moving Load Cases 

Function to define the vehicle
Define the moving traffic load cases (Figure 4.23).
loading conditions, i.e. which
vehicle loads are applied on
which traffic lanes. Also define 1. Select Moving Load Analysis>Moving Load Cases in the Tree Menu.
the maximum and minimum
numbers of traffic lanes that 2. Click in the Moving Load Cases dialog box.
can be loaded with vehicle
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. Enter “1” in the Scale Factor field.
15. Enter “1” in the Min. Number of Loaded Lanes field.
16. Enter “2” in the Max. Number of Loaded Lanes field.
17. Select “Lane 1” and “Lane 2” in List of Lanes of Assignment Lanes and
click to move to Selected Lanes.
18. Click in the Sub-Load Cases dialog box.
19. Click in the Define Moving Load Case dialog box.
20. Click in the Moving Load Cases dialog box.

31
Tutorial 4

Figure 4.23 Definition of Moving Vehicle Load

32
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

Define the method of analysis for the moving vehicle load (Figure 4.24).

Use Moving Load Analysis 1. Select Analysis>Moving Load Analysis Control from the Main Menu.
Control to input the number of
points on each line element 2. Select “Exact” in the Analysis Method field.
where influence lines should be 3. Select “All Points” in the Analysis Method field.
generated. For example, if “5” is

inputted in Influence Generating 4. Enter “5” in the Influence Generating Point No./Line Element field.
Point No./Line Element field, it
means that the concentrated axle 5. Select “Normal” in Frame in the Analysis Results field.
load is applied successively at 5
6. Select “All” in Reactions, Displacements and Forces/Moments under
equally spaced points on each 
line element, along the direction Calculation Filters.
of the traffic lane. (Also refer to
the Structural Analysis functions 7. Click .
in the Online Manual for details)
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.

Figure 4.24 Moving Load Analysis Control Dialog Box

33
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): 1.05 Dead Load + 1.05 Sidewalk Load + 1.00
Moving Load.

Figure 4.25 Load Combinations Dialog Box

34
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Use Results>Combinations in the Main Menu to open the Load Combinations

dialog box (Figure 4.25) and enter the following load combination:

1. Select Results>Combinations in the Main Menu.


Selecting Active under Active 2. Select “Active” under Active in Load Combination List.
in the Load Combinations
dialog box prompts the load 3. Enter “LCB1” in the Name field.
combination used by the
4. Select “Add” in the Type selection field.
design function of the
program. (Refer to the Online 5. Click the LoadCase selection field and use to select “Dead Load
Manual for details)
(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

35
Tutorial 4

Verify Deformed Shape

Use the following procedure to check the deformed shape (Figure 4.26):

1. Click Results> Deformations> Deformed Shape on the Result tab

in toolbar (Figure 4.26).
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).



Figure 4.26 Deformed Shape

36
 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
Quite often, analysis results steps illustrate the procedure to display the bending moment diagram in the X-Z
for the structural behavior of 
specific parts are required in
plane (Figure 4.28).
practice. Use the Select
Plane to separately extract
the results at the desired
planar section.
1. Click Hidden (Toggle off).
2. Click Select by Plane.
3. Select “XZ Plane” in the Plane tab.
4. 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).
5. Click .
6. Click Activate.
7. Click Front View.
MVmin: The minimum 8. Select Beam Diagram on the Result tab in toolbar (Figure 4.27).
member force resulting from

the vehicle load applied to 9. Select “MVall: MVL” in Load Cases/Combinations selection field.
the structure.
MVmax: The maximum 10. Select “My” in the Components selection field.
member force resulting from
11. Select “5 Points” and “Line Fill” in Display Options selection field.
the vehicle load applied to
the structure. 12. Enter “1.0” in the Scale field.
13. Check ()“Contour” and “Legend” in the Type of Display selection
field.
14. Click .

37
Tutorial 4




Figure 4.27 My diagrams (XZ Plane) for the Beam

38
 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. Figure 4.28
shows the results for support B1 (node 1).

1. Click Activate All

2. Click Reactions on the Influence Lines/Surface tab in the toolbar
(Figure 4.28).
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.




Figure 4.28 Reaction Influence Line

39
 Tutorial 4

Use animation to investigate the results of the support reaction influence line
(Figure 4.29).

1. Click Iso View.

After reviewing the 2. Check () “Legend” and “Animate” in the Type of Display field.
animation, click Close
Into restore the original
3. Click .
screen (Figure 4.30). 4. Click Record (Figure 4.29).

Figure 4.29 Animation of Support Reaction Influence Line

40
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Figure 4.30 shows the deflection influence line.

1. Click Close shown in Fig.4.29–

2. Click Front View.
3. Click Displacements on the Influence Lines/Surfaces tab in the
toolbar (Figure 4.30).
4. Confirm “Lane 1” in the Line/Surface Lanes selection field.

5. Enter “15” in the Key Node field.
 Mouse Editor may be
used for the Key Node 6. Enter “2.0” in the Scale Factor field.
field to select the 7. Select “DZ” in the Components selection field.
nodes directly.
8. Check () “Legend” in the Type of Display selection field.
9. Click .


Figure 4.30 Deflection Influence Line

41
Tutorial 4

Figure 4.31 shows the moment influence line.

1. Click Beam Forces/Moments on the Influence Lines/Surfaces tab in

the toolbar (Figure 4.31).
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 .




Figure 4.31 Moment Influence Line

42
 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 (Figure 4.32).
applied to the results
obtained from the structural
analysis related to Moving 1. Select Iso 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
select node 1 with the mouse.
vehicle loading. 4. Click .
5. Click Activate.
6. Select Results>Moving Load 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 .

Figure 4.32 Checking the Loading points of a Vehicle using Moving Load Tracer

43
 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 Tracer>Beam Forces/Moment in the
load. The traced moving 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 .

Figure 4.33 Checking the Loading points of a Vehicle using Moving Load Tracer

44
 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 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 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.

45
Tutorial 4

Figure 4.34 Live load automatically converted into static load

46
 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 on the Result tab in toolbar (Figure 4.35).

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 .




Figure 4.35 My beam diagrams for the live load converted into static load

47