Intro
This Plug-in calculates Self-Equilibrating Stresses considering the temperature gradient of PSC, Concrete and Steel Composite Sections based on AASHTO-LRFD.
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When applying temperature gradients to bridge sections, you no longer need to manually calculate and input stresses caused by thermal effects.
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The plugin automatically computes and applies temperature gradient stresses, providing self-equilibrating stress values directly in the stress summary table.
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This is particularly useful for modeling complex bridge geometries, including asymmetrical and composite sections, streamlining the analysis and design process for temperature-induced stresses.
Version
- v1.0.0 : Release
Applicable standards
- General Use
Benefits of this plugin
To analyze the effects of temperature gradients on PSC, concrete, and steel composite sections, users traditionally perform manual calculations to determine self-equilibrating stresses, which is both time-consuming and error-prone. This plugin automates the process, calculating and displaying self-equilibrating stresses directly in the stress summary table. It simplifies the workflow, saves time, and ensures accuracy without the need for repetitive manual input or separate calculations.
How to use this plugin?
- Click Import Section(1) and select a section(2) for applying temperature gradient. The section will be imported from your Civil file.
- After selecting a section, the user can choose options: Temperature zone(1), girder surface(2), and girder materials(3) from the CIVIL file and select apply the T3 option, which is indicated at the bottom of the section.
- Then, the calculated value is shown in Table (5) based on selected material and options. The self-equilibrating stress is also checked here. Depending on the options, temperature gradient(6) and self-equilibrating stress(7) will be changed in real time.
- Now, it’s time to add a temperature load on the element. Add heating load(1) and cooling load(2). If you select one load case, you will choose just one.
- Select elements for application, and then you can check that temperature loads are added.
Note
Difference things within existing functions and plug-in
Most Civil users already know a function to apply temperature gradient depending on the section properties. I will make sure to show you a simple example for comparison.
[Load> Temperature > Temperature Loads > Temp. Gradient & Beam Section Temp.]
[Temperature gradient input for general & PSC section]
Add the section temperatures to apply a temperature gradient on the PSC beam. The user must add depth, temperature change locations, and temperature variation, select an element and then use loads. The loads applied do not show any stress values.
[Apply Temperature Gradient on the PSC beam]
This is the most significant difference thing between traditional methods and plug-ins. The plug-in shows self-equilibrating stress in the stress summary table. The user can check non-linear temperature gradient graphs and self-equilibrating stress charts on the right side.
Conclusion
The Inertial Forces Controller plugin automatically transforms the load direction of the inertia forces that need to be applied based on the number of braces, saving users time and eliminating potential human errors. Users only need to input the horizontal direction along the Z-axis of the global coordinate system to easily control inertia forces.