Tutorial 4

TUTORIAL 4. ARCH BRIDGE

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

File Opening and Preferences Setting ····················································4

Enter Material and Section Properties ····················································5

Structural Modeling Using Nodes and Elements ··································8

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 ················································· 21

Boundary Conditions for Beam End Connections / 22
Generate the Cross Beam Group / 25

Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads ···································· 26

Enter Load Cases / 26
Define Static Loads / 27
Define Moving Traffic Loads / 29

Perform Structural Analysis ·································································· 37

Verify and Interpret Analysis Results ·················································· 37

Load Combinations / 37
Verify Deformed Shape / 40
Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams / 41
View Influence Lines Results / 44
 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

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: 4 Lanes
 Width: 14 m

Final Arch Bridge Model

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.

2
 Summary

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

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

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 (HA + HB)

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.

3
Tutorial 4

File Opening and Preferences Setting

Open a new file ( New Project) to model the bridge and save the file as “Arch
BD37” ( 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

4
 Enter Material and Section Properties

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.

5
Tutorial 4

Material Properties Dialog Box

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

2. Click Material 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 .

6
 Enter Material and Section Properties

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

7
Tutorial 4

Define section

Section Properties and 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.

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

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

Concept of Parabola1 format and Arch Wizard Dialog Box

9
 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.

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.
Base Line Definition 8. Select “Project” in the Generation Type selection field.
requires 2 nodes of the line
onto which it is projected.
9. Select “Project on a line” in the Projection Type selection field.
10. Click the P1 field of Base Line definition. Once the background color
The Direction choice in
the Project function turns to pale green, assign node 1 and then assign node 11 for P2 filed.
represents the projection
direction of the element.
11. Select “Normal” in the Direction selection field.
12. Click .
13. Click Change Element Parameters.
The hanger web
direction is modified to 14. Click Select Recent Entities.
be perpendicular to the
bridge longitudinal axis 15. Select “Element Local Axis” in Parameter Type selection field.
as shown in Figure (also
refer to the section on 16. Select “Assign” and “Beta Angle” in the Mode selection field.
Beta Angle in the Online 17. Enter “90” in the Beta Angle field.
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.

10
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Hanger Generation

Modification of the Beta Angle for Hangers

11
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 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 .

12
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

Creation Main Girders and Arches

Duplicate arch frame

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.

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

14
 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 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.

15
Tutorial 4

Completed Stringers

16
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

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 .

17
Tutorial 4

Floor Plan

Completed Floor Plan

18
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

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

19
Tutorial 4

1. Click Select Single to select the 5 struts generated in the previous

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

Completed Arch Bracings

20
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

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 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 Structure Boundary Conditions

21
 Tutorial 4

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 .
tab for checking the
element coordinate axes. 7. Click the Filter selection field to select “none”.
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.
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 .

22
 Enter Structure Boundary Conditions

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.

23
Tutorial 4

Inputting boundary conditions for the ends of the hanger member

Complete Beam End Release

24
 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. 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

25
Tutorial 4

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

26
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

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> Beam Load> Element 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 .

27
Tutorial 4

Input Static Loads

28
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

Define Moving Traffic Loads

First, define the traffic line lanes.

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

2. Select BS 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 “-1.75” in the Eccentricity field.
7. Enter “1” in the Wheel Spacing field.
8. Enter “3.5” in the Lane Width field.
9. Select “Cross Beam” in the Vehicle Load Distribution field.
10. Select “Cross Beam 1” in the Cross Beam Group field.
11. Select “2 Points” among the options of 2 Points, Picking and Element
Number in Selection by and click the field below it. Once the background
When a traffic lane is curved or color turns to pale green, assign nodes 1 and 11.
when the lane data entry with 2
Points becomes awkward due to
12. Click .
discontinuity, select “Number”
and directly type in the element 13. Click in the Traffic Line Lanes dialog box.
numbers. (In this case, even if
you select “Number” and input 14. Enter “Lane 2” in the Lane Name field.
“20 to 29”, the same traffic lanes
are selected) 15. Enter “-5.25” in the Eccentricity field.
16. Enter “1” in the Wheel Spacing field.
17. Enter “3.5” in the Lane Width field.
18. Select “Cross Beam” in the Vehicle Load Distribution field.
19. Select “Cross Beam 1” in the Cross Beam Group field.
20. Select “2 Points” among the options of 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 in the Traffic Line Lanes dialog box.
23. Enter “Lane 3” in the Lane Name field.
24. Enter “-8.75” in the Eccentricity field.

29
Tutorial 4

25. Enter “1” in the Wheel Spacing field.

26. Enter “3.5” in the Lane Width field.
27. Select “Cross Beam” in the Vehicle Load Distribution field.
28. Select “Cross Beam 1” in the Cross Beam Group field.
29. Select “2 Points” among the options of 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.
30. Click .
31. Click in the Traffic Line Lanes dialog box.
32. Enter “Lane 4” in the Lane Name field.
33. Enter “-12.25” in the Eccentricity field.
34. Enter “1” in the Wheel Spacing field.
35. Select “Cross Beam” in the Vehicle Load Distribution field.
36. Select “Cross Beam 1” in the Cross Beam Group field.
37. Enter “3.5” in the Lane Width field.
38. Select “2 Points” among the options of 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.
39. Click
40. Click

Moving load code

30
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

Traffic Line Lanes Dialog Box

31
 Tutorial 4

 MIDAS CIVIL NX contains the

standard vehicle loads such as
BS 5400, BS BD 37/01, The method for defining the moving traffic loads, HA and HB, is explained
AASHTO Standard, AASHTO below.
LRFD, Caltrans, etc.

1. Select Load > Moving Load Analysis Data > Vehicles from the Main Menu.
2. Click in the Vehicles dialog box.
3. Select “BS BD 37/01 Standard Load” in the Standard Name field.
4. Confirm “HA & HB (Auto)” in the Vehicle Load Name and Vehicle Load
Type fields.
5. Input 45 on No. of Units field.
6. Click .
7. 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)

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
which traffic lanes. Also define 1. Select Load > Moving Load Analysis Data>Moving Load Cases from the
the maximum and minimum
numbers of traffic lanes that Main Menu.
can be loaded with vehicle
loads simultaneously. 2. Click in the Moving Load Cases dialog box.
3. Enter “MVL1” in the Load Case Name field of the Moving Load Case dialog
Load factors for HA loading for box.
ULS, SLS, Combination 1 and
Combinations 2 & 3 are taken 4. Select “Ultimate Limit State” in Type of Design Combination Factor.
from Section 6.2.7 of BD 37/01.
Load factors for HB loading for 5. Select “Combination 1” in Combination of Loads.
ULS, SLS, Combination 1 and
Combinations 2 & 3 are taken 6. Click in the Sub-Load Cases field.
from Section 6.3.4 of BD 37/01.
7. Select “HA & HB (Auto)” in the Vehicle field.
These load factors are
automatically incorporated into 8. Enter “1” in the Scale Factor field.
moving load analysis results.
Therefore, to avoid duplication, 9. Enter “4” in the Number of Loaded Lanes field.
the user should not apply the 10. Select “Lane 1, Lane 2, Lane 3 and Lane 4” in List of Lanes of
load factors for moving loads
while generating the Load Assignment Lanes and click to move to Selected Lanes.
Combinations.
11. Select “Lane 1 and Lane 2” in Selected Lanes and click to move to HB
Straddling Two Lanes.
12. Select “Lane 3 and Lane 4” in Selected Lanes and click to move to HB
Straddling Two Lanes.
13. Click in the Sub-Load Cases dialog box.
14. Click in the Define Moving Load Case dialog box.
15. Click in the Moving Load Cases dialog box.
16. Enter “MVL2” in the Load Case Name field of the Moving Load Case dialog
box.
17. Select “Ultimate Limit State” in Type of Design Combination Factor.
18. Select “Combination 2 or 3” in Combination of Loads.
19. Click in the Sub-Load Cases field.
20. Select “HA & HB (Auto)” in the Vehicle field.
21. Enter “1” in the Scale Factor field.
22. Enter “4” in the Number of Loaded Lanes field.
23. Select “Lane 1, Lane 2, Lane 3 and Lane 4” in List of Lanes of
Assignment Lanes and click to move to Selected Lanes.
24. Select “Lane 1 and Lane 2” in Selected Lanes and click to move to HB
Straddling Two Lanes.

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Tutorial 4

25. Select “Lane 3 and Lane 4” in Selected Lanes and click to move to HB
Straddling Two Lanes.
26. Click in the Sub-Load Cases dialog box.
27. Click in the Define Moving Load Case dialog box.
28. Click in the Moving Load Cases dialog box.
29. Enter “MVL3” in the Load Case Name field of the Moving Load Case dialog box.
30. Select “Serviceability Limit State” in Type of Design Combination Factor.
31. Select “Combination 1” in Combination of Loads.
32. Click in the Sub-Load Cases field.
33. Select “HA & HB (Auto)” in the Vehicle field.
34. Enter “1” in the Scale Factor field.
35. Enter “4” in the Number of Loaded Lanes field.
36. Select “Lane 1, Lane 2, Lane 3 and Lane 4” in List of Lanes of Assignment
Lanes and click to move to Selected Lanes.
37. Select “Lane 1 and Lane 2” in Selected Lanes and click to move to HB
Straddling Two Lanes.
38. Select “Lane 3 and Lane 4” in Selected Lanes and click to move to HB
Straddling Two Lanes.
39. Click in the Sub-Load Cases dialog box.
40. Click in the Define Moving Load Case dialog box.
41. Click in the Moving Load Cases dialog box.
42. Enter “MVL4” in the Load Case Name field of the Moving Load Case dialog box.
43. Select “Serviceability Limit State” in Type of Design Combination Factor.
44. Select “Combination 2 or 3” in Combination of Loads.
45. Click in the Sub-Load Cases field.
46. Select “HA & HB (BD37/01)” in the Vehicle field.
47. Enter “1” in the Scale Factor field.
48. Enter “4” in the Number of Loaded Lanes field.
49. Select “Lane 1, Lane 2, Lane 3 and Lane 4” in List of Lanes of Assignment
Lanes and click to move to Selected Lanes.
50. Select “Lane 1 and Lane 2” in Selected Lanes and click to move to HB
Straddling Two Lanes.
51. Select “Lane 3 and Lane 4” in Selected Lanes and click to move to HB
Straddling Two Lanes.

34
 Enter Moving Traffic Loads and Static Loads

52. Click in the Sub-Load Cases dialog box.

53. Click in the Define Moving Load Case dialog box.
54. Click .

Define the Vehicle load group

Note (refer Section 4.4, BD 37/01):

Combination 1: For highway and foot/cycle track bridges, the loads to be

considered are the permanent loads, together with the appropriate primary live
loads, and, for railway bridges, permanent loads, together with the appropriate
primary and secondary live loads.

Combination 2: For all bridges, the loads to be considered are the loads in
combination 1, together with those due to wind, and, where erection is being
considered, temporary erection loads.

Combination 3: For all bridges, the loads to be considered are the loads in
combination 1, together with those arising from the restraint due to the effects of
temperature range and difference, and, where erection is being considered,
temporary erection loads.
35
 Tutorial 4

Combination 4: It does not apply to railway bridges, except for vehicle collision
loading on bridge supports. For highway bridges, the loads to be considered are the
Use Moving Load Analysis Control permanent loads and the secondary live loads, together with the appropriate primary
to input the number of points on
each line element where influence
live loads associated with them. Secondary live loads shall be considered separately
lines should be generated. For and are not required to be combined. Each shall be taken with its appropriate
example, if “5” is inputted in associated primary live load.
Influence Generating Point
Define the method of analysis for the moving vehicle load.
No./Line Element field, it means
that the concentrated axle load is
applied successively at 5 equally
spaced points on each line 1. Select Analysis> Analysis Control> Moving Load from the Main Menu.
element, along the direction of the
traffic lane. (Also refer to the 2. Enter “3” in the Number/Line Element field of Influence Generating
Structural Analysis functions in the Points.
Online Manual for details)
3. Select “Normal” in Frame in the Analysis Results field.
Calculation Filter in Moving Load 4. Select “All” in Reactions, Displacements and Forces/Moments under
Analysis Control Data groups Calculation Filters. 
only the desired part of the
results for review. The grouping 5. Click .
reduces the computation time
and the size of Results file for 6. Click Node Number (Toggle off).
large structures.

Moving Load Analysis Control Dialog Box

36
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

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

Load Combinations Dialog Box

37
 Tutorial 4

Use Results>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. Click the second selection field and use to select “Sidewalk Load
(ST)” in the field.
For load factors, refer to
Table 1 of BD 37/01. (Note: 7. Click the third selection field and use to select “MVL1(MV)” in the
Sidewalk Load is also a type
of Dead Load).
field.
8. Enter “1.05” in Factor field for “Dead Load (ST)” and “Sidewalk
Load factors for moving loads
are already incorporated into
Load (ST)”.
the moving load analysis
results.
9. Enter “1.00” in Factor field for “MVL1(MV)” .
10. Enter “LCB2” in the Name field.
11. Select “Add” in the Type selection field.
12. Click the LoadCase selection field and use to select “Dead Load
(ST)” in the field.
13. Click the second selection field and use to select “Sidewalk Load
(ST)” in the field.
14. Click the third selection field and use to select “MVL2(MV)” in the
field.
15. Enter “1.05” in Factor field for “Dead Load (ST)” and “Sidewalk
Load (ST)”.
16. Enter “1.00” in Factor field for “MVL2(MV)”.
17. Enter “LCB3” in the Name field.
18. Select “Add” in the Type selection field.
19. Click the LoadCase selection field and use to select “Dead Load
(ST)” in the field.
20. Click the second selection field and use to select “Sidewalk Load
(ST)” in the field.
21. Click the third selection field and use to select “MVL3(MV)” in the
field.

38
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

22. Enter “1.00” in Factor field for “Dead Load (ST)” and “Sidewalk
Load (ST)”.
23. Enter “1.00” in Factor field for “MVL3(MV)”.
24. Enter “LCB4” in the Name field.
25. Select “Add” in the Type selection field.
26. Click the LoadCase selection field and use to select “Dead Load
(ST)” in the field.
27. Click the second selection field and use to select “Sidewalk Load
(ST)” in the field.
28. Click the third selection field and use to select “MVL4(MV)” in the
field.
29. Enter “1.00” in Factor field for “Dead Load (ST)” and “Sidewalk
Load (ST)”.
30. Enter “1.00” in Factor field for “MVL4(MV)”.
31. Click

39
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 Legend in the Type of Display
selection field.
6. Select “Fixed” in Rank Value Type and enter “2” in the Decimal Point
field.
7. Check () in Apply upon OK.
8. Click .
9. Click the button to the right of Deform in the Type of Display
selection field.
10. Select “Real Deform” in the Deformation selection field.
11. Confirm Check () in Apply upon OK.
12. Click .
13. Click the unit system selection button of the Status Bar and change “m”
to “mm”.
14. Click Hidden (Toggle on).

40
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Deformed Shape

41
 Tutorial 4

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
the procedure to display the bending moment diagram in the X-Z plane.
Quite often, analysis results
for the structural behavior of
specific parts are required in
practice. Use the Select 1. Click Hidden (Toggle off).
Plane to separately extract
the results at the desired 2. Click Initial View in the Icon Menu.
planar section. 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).
6. Click .
7. Click the unit system selection button of the Status Bar and change
“mm” to “m”.
8. Click Activate.
MVmin: The minimum
member force resulting from 9. Click Front View.
the vehicle load applied to the
structure. 10. Select Beam Diagram in Results > Forces from the Main Menu.
MVmax: The maximum 11. Select “MVall: MVL1” in Load Cases/Combinations selection field.
member force resulting from
the vehicle load applied to the 12. Select “My” in the Components selection field.
structure.
13. Select “5 Points” and “Line Fill” in Display Options selection field.
14. Enter “1.0” in the Scale field.
15. Check () “Legend” in the Type of Display selection field.
16. Click .

42
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

BMD check (XZ Plane)

43
 Tutorial 4

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 below
shows 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 Iso View.

Reaction Influence Line

44
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

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

1. Check () “Legend” and “Animate” in the Type of Display field.

2. Click .
After reviewing the
animation, click Close to
3. Click Record.
restore the original
4. Click .
screen..

45
Tutorial 4

Figure below shows the deflection influence line.

1. Click the unit system selection button of the Status Bar and change “m”
to “mm”.
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
used for the Key Node 5. Enter “1.0” in the Scale Factor field.
field to select the 6. Select “DZ” in the Components selection field.
nodes directly.
7. Check () “Legend” in the Type of Display selection field.
8. Click the button to the right of Legend in the Type of Display
selection field.
9. Select “Fixed” in Rank Value Type and enter “4” in the Decimal Point
field.
10. Click .

Deflection Influence Line

46
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Figure below shows the moment influence line.

1. Click the unit system selection button of the Status Bar and change
“mm” to “m”.
2. Click Beam Forces/Moments in Result > Moving Load > Influ. Lines
from the Main Menu.
3. Confirm “Lane 1” in the Line/Surface Lanes selection field.
4. Enter “23” in the Key Element field.
5. Enter “1.0” in the Scale Factor field.
6. Select “i” in the Parts selection field.
7. Select “My” in the Components selection field.
8. Check () “Legend” in the Type of Display selection field.
9. Click .

Moment Influence Line

47
 Tutorial 4

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
Vehicle Load. It displays the 1. Select Initial View.
results similar to an
influence line or influence 2. Click Select Plane.
surface diagram by tracking
the location of the vehicle 3. Select “XY Plane” in the Plane tab, click in the Z Position field, and
loading. select node 1 with the mouse.
4. Click .
5. Click Activate.
6. Select Results> Moving Load > Moving Tracer>Reactions in the Main
Menu.
7. Select “MVmax : MVL1” 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

48
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

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 : MVL1” 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

49
Tutorial 4

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 (MVmaxMVL1My28.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 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.

50
 Verify and Interpret Analysis Results

Substituting load using MCT Command Shell

Generated static load case using Moving Load Tracer

51
Tutorial 4

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 Result > Force.

2. Select “ST:MVmaxMVL1My28” 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 () “Legend” in the Type of Display selection field.
7. Click .

My beam diagrams for the live load converted into static load

52