LARSA 4D Manual for the Steel Bridge Module

A manual for

LARSA 4D
Finite Element Analysis and Design Software

Last Revised October 2016

Copyright (C) 2001-2016 LARSA, Inc. All rights reserved. Information in this document is
subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of LARSA,
Inc. The software described in this document is furnished under a license or nondisclosure
agreement. No part of the documentation may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or information storage
or retrieval systems, for any purpose without the express written permission of LARSA, Inc.
LARSA 4D Manual for the Steel Bridge Module

Table of Contents
Introduction 5
About This Manual 5

Capabilities of the Steel Bridge Module 7

Getting Started 9
Using the Module 9
Getting Started 9

Bridge Alignment and Piers 11

Structure Layout 11
Abutments and Piers 13

Girders, Cross Frames, and Splice Points 15

Girders 15
Cross Frames and Related Geometry 17

The Deck and Generation Options 21

Deck 21
Generation Options 21

Bridge Loading 23
Live Load 23
Sidewalk 24
Miscellaneous Loads 24
Construction Loads 25

Code Check for AASHTO LRFD 27

Code Check on an Existing Model 27
Code Check Locations 28
Load Cases 29
Girder Details 30
Running Code Check 30
Reports 31
Code Check Additional Parameters 33

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LARSA 4D Manual for the Steel Bridge Module

Introduction

About This Manual

The Steel Bridge Module in LARSA 4D provides specialized tools for creating LARSA 4D models of I, box, and
tub girder steel bridges and for performing AASHTO LRFD code check on these bridges. The module is specifically
developed for the special needs of skewed and/or curved bridges and bridge structures with complex geometry.

The module has three components: The first component, model generation, provides a parametric approach to creating
bridge models. The second component, load generation, prepares a Staged Construction Analysis and creates the
factored load combinations needed for AASHTO LRFD, including influence-surface live load analysis. Unusual model
geometry, loading conditions, and construction stages may be entered into the model after generation and loading. The
third component of the module, code check according to AASHTO LRFD, uses the forces and stresses computed on
the full 3D model generated by the module, or on models created outside of this module. The Steel Bridge Module
provides far greater flexibility than a 2D grillage analysis.

This manual is organized in the form of a tutorial. We will generate and code check a skewed steel I-girder bridge.
You will recognize the tutorial parts of this manual by the special keyboard & mouse icon next to steps you can follow
along with. Between these tutorial steps we will discuss the various features of the Steel Bridge module.

Model layout diagram

Final model with complete rendering

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LARSA 4D Manual for the Steel Bridge Module

About LARSA 4D
LARSA 4D is an advanced multipurpose 3D structural analysis package featuring a powerful graphical user interface
and an analysis engine with unmatched analytical features including influence line and surface based live load analysis,
staged construction analysis, time-dependent material properties and segmental construction analysis, hysteretic and
seismic elements and seismic analysis, and progressive collapse.

The LARSA structural analysis engine has been in commercial use for over 25 years. It was originally developed
to perform nonlinear static analysis of structures that have large displacements, such as suspension and cable stayed
bridges and guyed towers. The engine became popular for analyses of these types of structures because of its
unprecedented accuracy at a reasonable price. The engine has been powerful since day one, using both tangent stiffness
and the full Newton-Raphson method with iterations in nonlinear analysis. LARSA software has come a long way
since it was first available on the VAX super-mini computers decades ago.

LARSA, Inc. has always been an industry leader. LARSA was the first to offer an individual PC-based DOS structural
analysis package with geometric nonlinear analysis capabilities in 1986. In 1994, LARSA took the early next step to
Microsoft Windows with a point-and-click graphical user interface and two years later was the first to offer elastic/
perfectly plastic pushover analysis. Today, LARSA’s flagship product is LARSA 4D, released in 2006 and featuring
new seismic and inelastic elements, major improvements to influence and staged construction analysis, and many new
features for bridge design and analysis.

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LARSA 4D Manual for the Steel Bridge Module

Capabilities of the Steel Bridge

Module

Some of the capabilities of the Steel Bridge Module include:

Geometry
• Define complex curved bridge alignments using LARSA 4D bridge path coordinate systems.
• A 3D finite element model is created for accurate analysis and design.
• Provide skew angles and support conditions for each abutment, pier and cross-frame.
• Create I-girder, box girder, tub girder structures.
• Vary plate size and deck width along the length of the bridge.
• Start and end girders at any point along the bridge.
• Model bridges with cross-slope, splice points, lateral bracing, substrings, and hybrid girders.
• Refine the 3D finite element model by specifying the maximum side length of deck plate elements.

Loading
• Create AASHTO LRFD compatible live loading with vertical, centrifugal, and braking effects.
• Automatically generate side walk, barrier, parapet, bridge rail, pedestrian, future wearing surface, monolitic
wearing surface, utility, and wind loading.
• Simulate the construction and pouring sequence of the girders and deck.
• Simulate the movement of the screed during construction.
• Account for stay-in-place or strippable deck formwork.

Analysis
• Analyze the construction sequence using LARSA 4D's staged construction analysis.
• Account for short-term and long-term concrete properties using LARSA 4D's time-dependent staged
construction analysis.
• Live load results are computed using influence surfaces.
• Compound Element Forces are used to extract sectional forces from girders modelled with multiple elements
(web as plate, flanges as beam elements).

Code Check
• Perform AASHTO LRFD code checks on arbitrary steel girder bridge finite element models.
• Check construction, strength, servicability, fatigue, optional live load deflection check.
• Check cross-frames and substringers.
• Account for deck reinforcements and longitudinal, transverse, bearing, and box flange stiffeners.
• Provide a list of locations to be code checked.
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LARSA 4D Manual for the Steel Bridge Module

• View detailed code-check reports at each location with step-by-step formulas.

• Create custom load classes and combinations.
• Account for permit live loading.

User Interface
• An intuitive interface with a step-by-step approach and powerful tabular data entry.
• Context aware help included within the interface, allowing the user to see the description of each input while
entering the values.

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LARSA 4D Manual for the Steel Bridge Module

Getting Started

Using the Module

The Steel Bridge Module has a task based user interface where each task is carried out with a step-by-step procedure.
Navigation buttons are used to advance or back-track through the steps. There are three main tasks: Generate a new
steel girder model (Step A), create bridge loading data (live load, dead load, construction loads, staged construction
etc) (Step B), and code check per AASHTO LRFD (Step C). These tasks will allow you to generate a full 3D finite
element model of a steel plate girder bridge and then load this bridge for code based loading scenarios. You can then
make structural changes to the model as need and return to the module starting with Step C. Prior to each task, the
module scans the project to recognize these custom changes.

LARSA 4D Steel Bridge Module

At any point you can save your input to the Steel Bridge Module. Use the Export command at the top of the module
window. Module input is stored in a file with extension .larst . You can import previously saved module input
using the Import command.

Getting Started
This manual is organized in the form of a tutorial. We will generate and code check a skewed steel I-girder bridge.
You will recognize the tutorial parts of this manual by the special icon next to steps you can follow along with, such
as on the following line:
Open LARSA 4D, or if LARSA 4D is already open start a new project.

If you are not following along, you can now go directly to the next chapter.
Save the project, such as with the name “steel bridge example”.

Set project units before continuing.

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In Input Data # Units , click Imperial and then Change Labels .

Access the Steel Bridge Module through Design # Steel Bridge Design .

Accesing the Steel Bridge Module

Once activated, the module’s main window will open up, and we can now define the task we are going to perform.
In the module’s main window, select Step A - Generate a new steel girder model , Step B - Create bridge
loading data , and Step C - Code check per AASHTO LRFD .

Task input options

The module will walk you through these selected steps in sequence.

If the module detects that there is already a model open, you will see a different set of options. In place of Step A
- Generate a New Steel Girder Model , you will see Modify - Change the existing steel girder model . The Modify
option can be used to parametrically revise a model previously generated by the Steel Bridge Module. If you wish to
start over and generate a new model from scratch, start a new LARSA 4D project first.
Click Next .

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LARSA 4D Manual for the Steel Bridge Module

Bridge Alignment and Piers

The Model Generation task (Step A) collects information on the structure in order to generate a 3D finite element
representation of the bridge.

To begin Step A, Model generation, we start by defining general structure information including geometry, girder
type, and material.

Step A - Model Generation

Structure Layout
Structure Type
Specify if the bridge is continuous or simply supported at pier locations. Selecting continuous will allow
moments to be transferred from one span to another. If the simply supported option is checked, moment
releases will be automatically created for girders at pier locations.
Select Continuous , allowing moments to be transferred from one span to another.

Alignment

The module is capable of creating curved bridges with multiple curves. In this model, we will use a Bridge
Path Coordinate System, which is a special warped user coordinate system that defines the bridge reference line.
Working in this system, coordinates are entered as station/transverse offset/elevation triples, rather than X/Y/Z.

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LARSA 4D Manual for the Steel Bridge Module

Station refers to the arc-distance along a reference line usually on the bridge deck. Transverse offset refers to the
perpendicular distance from the reference line. And elevation is the vertical distance from the reference line.

Bridge Paths [in LARSA 4D Reference Manual] are defined by establishing a horizontal curve and a vertical
curve. The horizontal curve is composed of one or more straight-line, circular, or spiral segments between control
points. Control points are usually found on site plans with their station and bearing, which is entered into the
Steel Bridge Module.

The elevation curve is composed of one or more straight or parabolic curves between elevation control points.
The station, elevation, and grade at each elevation control point are given.
In the Alignment input field, drop down the list box and select New Bridge Path .

Create New Bridge Path

The Bridge Path Editor window will appear where you will separately enter the horizontal and vertical geometry of
a reference line of the bridge deck.

We will start with the Horizontal/Plan Curve. Our example bridge begins with a straight line segment and ends with
a circular curve.
Enter the station number for the start of the bridge, the location of the start of the curve, and the end of the
bridge, and the bearing (known as a heading in LARSA 4D) at each location, by typing into the spreadsheet the
following information.

Station Heading
0 S 70 55 E
198.25 S 70 55 E
730.25 N 49 24 58 E

This information comes from the site plans for the intended bridge model.

When entering headings, leave spaces in between degrees, minutes and seconds so that the program will be able to
identify the values and display the bearings that you have entered in the standard way as shown.

Circular curves will automatically fit between the horizontal control points with changes in bearing.

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Horizontal Curve (Plan View)

Click OK to save the bridge path definition.

The module will ask you to name the bridge path.

Enter “CL” to name the bridge path as the centerline, and then click OK .

Abutments and Piers

The abutment and pier locations are defined next.
Click Edit Abutments & Piers .

On the spreadsheet that opens, a station number, skew, and restraints are given for each abutment and pier.

The first and the last entry on the spreadsheet are abutments, and any intermediate definitions are piers.

Station
The x-coordinate of the abutment or pier if the Global X alignment option is chosen, or the station coordinate
on the station axis of the bridge path alignment.

Skew
Each defined abutment or pier can have a skew angle, entered in degrees. The sign of the skew angle follows
the left hand rule about the elevation axis (positive skew is clockwise).

Degrees of Freedom
The support condition at each abutment and pier are entered separately in the six directions of translation
and rotation (TX, TY, TZ, RX, RY, and RZ). For each direction, you may specify “fixed”, “free”, or a spring
constant to model the connection to the substructure as a bearing.

The first abutment will be simply supported and skewed. The piers will be supported as rollers (TZ fixed only). The
end abutment will be simply supported with fixed support TY and TZ.

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Starting with the first abutment, enter the information as shown in the figure below.

Abutment and pier information

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Girders, Cross Frames, and Splice

Points

Girders

Girder Type

Specify how the girders should be modeled. The module is designed to support tub, box and I girder steel bridges.
Each girder type can be modeled in one or more ways:

Supported girder types

• I girder modeled with a combination of member and shell elements. With this type, the flanges are modeled
as beam elements and the web of the girder is modeled as shell elements. This modeling type allows easier
extraction of lateral bending moments of the flanges. The top flange of the girder will be connected to the
deck with rigid beam elements.
• I girder modeled with one beam. The beam represents both the flanges and the web. The girders are defined
in between the joints of the deck and member end offsets are applied to bring it down from the deck COG to
girder COG.
• Box girder modeled with one beam. Similar to I girder modeled as one beam, the beam cross-section
definition is a closed top steel box girder.
• Tub girder modeled with one beam: an open top box girder as a single cross-section.
In the Girder Type input field, drop down the list box and select i girder (one member for the flanges and
web) .

To create a hybrid material I girder, the “combination of member and shell elements” method must be used instead.

Girder Material

LARSA 4D includes a variety of materials available in the drop down list for girders. In addition, custom materials
can also be added to this material list as you would normally add a material ( Input Data # Materials or Input Data
# Properties # Materials ).

Specify a steel material for our i girder bridge model:

In the three Material input fields, drop down each list box and select A588 .

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Girder Properties
Click Edit Girders .

Just like abutment and pier locations, each girder needs to be defined. Girder Number must start with 1 for the rightmost
girder and go up consecutively from right to left.
Enter the information shown in the figure below. The girder number and transverse offsets are different
for each girder. But the stations and the cross-section dimensions from Haunch Thickness to the end of the
spreadsheet are the same for all four girders.

Girder information

Girder Number
Girder Number must start with 1 for the rightmost girder and go up consecutively from right to left. The
spreadsheet must have at least one row for each girder. However, it is possible to have more than that. The
same girder number may need to be defined multiple times between different stations if the girder changes size
or has varying transverse location along the bridge.

Begin Station/End Station

When using a bridge path coordinate system, station refers to the position along the bridge centerline. For a
girder with a transverse offset, the station is measured along the alignment centerline first. The transverse offset
is then applied perpendicularly from the alignment centerline.

Transverse Offset @ Start/End

Use these fields to specify the horizontal/transverse location of each girder, relative to the reference centerline
of the bridge (the Global X axis or the bridge path centerline, as appropriate). The values @ Start and @ End
may differ but usually are the same. A value of zero places the girder on the reference centerline. For a bridge
orientated left-to-right, positive transverse offset values are either up (in plan) or into-the-screen (in elevation).
(Positive values follow the right-hand-rule, with the 1st axis going in the direction (tangent) of the bridge, the
2nd axis being the positive transverse offset axis, and the 3rd axis being the positive elevation axis.)

Haunch Thickness
The extra spacing between the girder and the bottom of the deck. The haunch is included in the weight of the
deck but is ignored for stiffness.

Section Dimensions
The columns Web Depth, Web Thickness, Top Flange Width, Bottom Flange Width, Top Flange Thickness,
and Bottom Flange Thickness specify the cross-section dimensions of the girder.

There are two other tabs above the spreadsheet where additional information may be entered. We will not use the
additional tabs in the tutorial, but they are used as follows:

Vertical Offset
This tab allows you to put the deck on a transverse grade (cross slope). Use a positive offset to raise the deck by
that amount from the bridge reference line. For superelevation, consider also using Bank Rotation in the Bridge

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Path Coordinate System. The vertical offset is typically the same at the start and end of each girder, but it can
vary if the transverse grade (cross slope) varies along the length of the bridge.

Tub Girder
On this tab, additional section dimensions for tub girder bridges can be specified.
Click Back to Main Page to close the spreadsheet and continue with the Steel Bridge Module.

Cross Frames and Related Geometry

The next section is used to add cross frames, diaphragms, splice points, substringers, and lateral bracing.

As with abutment, piers, and girders, cross frames and splice points need to be defined if there are any. Specify the
material, location, and type of cross frames, diaphragms, and splice points to be used between the girders.

The module supports a variety of cross frame types. The supported X, K, and Diaphragm types are shown in the
diagram below. Additionally, a simple Internal Strut type is also available..

Supported cross frames

For girders modeled as single beam elements, diaphgrams are modeled as a beam running between the girders. For I-
girder bridges modeled with the web as plate elements, diaphragms are modeled as a plate element running between
the girders.

Cross Frame Material

The materials drop down menu presents a database of common materials. If the material is not available in the list, it
can be added to the project before starting the Steel Girder Module.
Choose the steel material A588.

Cross Frame Locations

Click Edit Cross Frames & Splice Points .

Add a new row by double clicking the first field in the data spreadsheet.

Each row on the spreadsheet represents a cross frame, diaphragm, or splice point at a particular location along the
bridge. Cross frames are created between all the girders at the specified station, unless otherwise specified. A skew
angle can be assigned to each cross frame. They use the same system as the skew angle of abutments and piers.
Enter the cross frame and splice point values as shown in following table.

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LARSA 4D Manual for the Steel Bridge Module

Station (ft) Type Dist. from Bot. Depth (in) Skew Location Bays
of Top. Flange
(in)
24 X Type (Open) 10 73 0 External 1-3
100 X Type (Open) 10 73 0 External ALL
198.25 X Type (Open) 10 73 0 External ALL
293.625 X Type (Open) 10 73 0 External ALL
393.625 X Type (Open) 10 73 0 External ALL
469 X Type (Open) 10 73 0 External ALL
619.625 X Type (Open) 10 73 0 External ALL
670 X Type (Open) 10 73 0 External ALL
730.25 X Type (Open) 10 73 0 External ALL

Station
The location of the cross frame, diaphragm, or splice point.

Type
The type of cross frame or diaphragm, or if this entry is for a splice point. A splice point ensures that joints
are placed at this location in the finite element model but does not generate a cross-frame or diaphragm at that
location.

Distance from Bottom of Top Flange

Sets the location of the top of the cross-frame, girder, or internal strut. The distance is measured from the
bottom of the top flange of the girder to the centroid of the top struts of the cross frame, the top of the
diaphragm, or the centroid of the internal strut. Not used for splice points.

Depth
The depth of the cross frame or diaphragm. Typically slightly less than the web depth. Not used for internal
struts or splice points.

Skew
If the cross frame, diaphragm, or splice point is on a skew, the skew angle in degrees (measured clockwise, or
the left-hand-rule) is given. When a skew is used, the station is measured at the location where cross frame,
diaphragm, or splice point intersects the Global X axis or bridge path reference line (as appropriate).

Location
For tub and box girders, specifies whether the diaphragm is only external or both internal and external to the
tub/box. This field is not used for I-girders or for cross-frames and splice points.

Bays
Specifies the bays between the girders in which this cross frame is applied. Enter ALL to place the cross frame
between all girders. Otherwise enter a range of bay numbers, such as "1-3", where bays are counted starting
with Girder 1. To apply different cross frames in different bays, enter the cross frame in multiple rows and
enter different bay numbers or ranges in each row.

Cross Frame Sections

Change to the Sections tab.

In this tab, the cross-section properties of the cross frame beams and diaphragm bracing are set.
Select the whole Bracing Diagonal Section column. In the data edit bar above the spreadsheet, drop down the
list and choose (New Standard). Then click the checkmark to apply the choice.

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Change the section type from W to L.

Check the box next to L8x8x1. Then click OK .

Bracing Top Chord, Bottom Chord, Diagonal Sections

These three fields set the cross-section properties of the cross-frame and internal strut components. For X Type
(Open) cross frames, only the diagonal section field is used. For internal struts, only the top chord section is used.
For other cross frame types, set the section for the top chord, the bottom chord, and the diagonal chords. The
fields are not used for diaphragms.

There are three ways to choose cross-section properties:

1) Before starting the Steel Bridge Module, use Input Data # Sections to add cross-section definitions into the
project. Any section properties already in the project will be listed in these fields. Code check will only be applied
to standard database sections.

2) Choose (New Standard) to import and select a new standard section property at this time.

3) Choose (Area Only) to enter the cross-sectional area of the cross frame member. Code check will not be
applied to this section.

Diaphragm Thickness
For diaphragms, enter the diaphragm thickness.

Substringers

Each cross frame definition may have a substringer which connects the top chord of the cross-frame in each bay in
which the cross frame occurs to the top chord of the next cross frame (up-station) that occurs in that bay. That is, each
cross frame definition will have as many substringers as bays in which the cross frame occurs, if a substringer is used.

The substinger sits on top of the cross frame and beneath a haunch.

Substringers apply only to cross frames and diaphragms that have a top chord.
Change to the Substringers tab.
We will not add any substringers in this model.

Station
The starting station (down-station) of the substringer. Do not edit the station in this spreadsheet as the station
values here correspond to the stations of the cross frame definitions.

Section
If None, no substringer is created for this cross frame definition. Otherwise, the cross-section properties for the
substringer. See the selection of cross-section properties for cross frames above for how this field works.

Haunch Thickness
The distance from the bottom of the deck to the bottom of the top flange of the substringer.

Transverse Offset
The transverse location of the substringer relative to the midpoint of the bay. (The sign follows the sign of the
transverse axis of the bridge reference line, which is either Global +Y or the positive transverse offset axis of
the bridge coordinate system, as appropriate.)

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The substringer material and deck interaction will be chosen later.

Lateral Bracing

Each cross frame definition may have a corresponding lateral bracing definition. The lateral bracing runs from either
the left or right girder in a bay to the opposite girder at the station of the next cross frame (up-station) that occurs
in that bay. Each cross frame definition will have as many lateral bracing elements as bays in which the cross frame
occurs, if lateral bracing is used.
Change to the Lateral Bracings tab.
We will not add any lateral bracing in this model.

Station
The starting station (down-station) of the lateral bracing. Do not edit the station in this spreadsheet as the
station values here correspond to the stations of the cross frame definitions.

Connection @ Web
Choose Left if the lateral bracing runs from the left girder (down-station) to the right girder (up-station).
Choose Right for the reverse.

Section
If None, no lateral bracing is created for this cross frame definition. Otherwise, the cross-section properties for
the lateral bracing. See the selection of cross-section properties for cross frames above for how this field works.
Click Back to Main Page to close the spreadsheet and continue with the Steel Bridge Module.

Other Substringer Properties

Since we did not create substringers, skip these two fields.

Material
Selects the material for substringers.

Deck Interaction
Choose Composite if the substringer acts with the deck compositely, which means the cross frame and the deck
are rigidly connected along the length of the cross frame. Choose Vertical Only if the connection between the
deck and the substringer is rigid in the vertical direction only.

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The Deck and Generation Options

Deck

Deck Material

As before, the materials drop down menu presents a database of common materials.
Select Fc_4 concrete for the deck material.

Deck Thickness

Specify the thickness of the deck. The deck thickness is constant throughout the bridge.
Enter 8.0 inches

Overhang Width

Specify the width for the deck overhang. Different overhang widths can be entered for each side of the deck. Zero can
be entered to have no overhang. The -Y side precedes Girder 1 and the +Y side is after the last girder. This follows
the right-hand rule.
Enter 3.0 ft for the -Y side and 3.0 ft for the +Y side.

Generation Options
Deck Plate Refinement

Before running an analysis, it is important to break up long members into small pieces. Displacements are
computed only at the location of joints in the model, so it is necessary to put joints at intermediate locations on
each span. In this particular model, the refinement of the finite element is controlled by the deck.

Specify how refined you would like this 3D finite element model in terms of the longest allowable length of a
member or plate.
Enter 12.0 ft for the deck plate refinement.

Node Location Tolerance

Node location can come into play if you have skew angles or a complex bridge model, where many more
joints are needed to establish the connectivity of the model. In some cases joints may be needed at very small
distances to create an exact representation of the specified bridge geometry, but this may be too detailed for the
user and may significantly complicate results extraction. Joints spaced at a distance less than the node location
tolerance will be merged.
Enter 1.0 ft for the node location tolerance.

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Final Model with Complete Rendering

Now that the all the required information to generate our bridge model has been entered, click Next to begin
Step B – Create Bridge Loading Data.

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Bridge Loading

For loading (Step B), the module generates load cases, staged construction information, and post analysis result
cases including linear result combinations, extreme effect groups (envelopes), and influence result cases according
to AASHTO LRFD.

The information generated in this step is used by the Steel Bridge Module to perform staged analysis, and to designate
the proper code combination during code check.

We will now begin entering information for Step B - Create Bridge Loading Data.

Live Load
Live load parameters set options for the generation of influence surfaces for vertical, centrifugal, and braking forces.
Live load acts on the composite section (girders and n slab).

Vehicular Longitudinal Increment

Sets the influence coefficient grid spacing in the longitudinal (forward) direction.
Enter 10.0 ft for the Vehicular Longitudinal Increment.

For final models, use a smaller increment, typically between 1 and 3 ft. On a long bridge, a small increment will
increase the analysis time and disk space requirements significantly. Start with a large increment, such as 10 ft, to
verify that input is correct. Then reduce the increment before a final code check.

Vehicular Transverse Increment

Sets the influence coefficient grid spacing in the transverse direction.
Enter 6.0 ft for the Vehicular Transverse Increment.

For final models, use a smaller increment, typically 1 or 3 ft. On a long bridge, a small increment will increase the
analysis time and disk space requirements significantly. Start with a large increment, such as 6 ft, to verify that input
is correct. Then reduce the increment before a final code check. Enter 0 to have the program automatically choose
a transverse spacing.

Centrifugal/Braking Longitudinal Increment

Sets the influence coefficient grid spacing in the longitudinal (forward) direction for the centrifugal and braking
influence surfaces, or zero to omit centrifugal and braking force loading.
Enter 0.0 ft to discount the effects of centrifugal and braking forces.

Centrifugal/Braking Transverse Increment

Sets the influence coefficient grid spacing in the transverse direction for the centrifugal and braking influence
surfaces. This option is not used when the corresponding longitudinal increment is zero. When a longitudinal
spacing is given, you may enter 0 to have the program automatically choose a transverse spacing.
Enter 0.0 ft.

Centrifugal Design Velocity

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Sets the design velocity in miles per hour used to compute the factor C (Eq. 3.6.3-1) applied to influence
surface results for centrifugal forces.
Enter 0.0 ft to discount the effect of centrifugal forces.

Sidewalk
The module defines the width of the sidewalks at each edge of the bridge. The module uses this information for the
loading representing the non-structural thickness of the sidewalk. Sidewalk width also determines the distance of the
roadway from the edges of the bridge.

Sidewalk Width + Barrier at +Y/-Y edge

Sidewalk width can be specified at each side of the deck, or if the deck does not have any sidewalks enter 0.
The sign follows the right-hand rule: -Y is on the side of girder 1, and +Y is on the side of the last girder.
Enter 1.0 ft. for the sidewalk width + barrier on each side.

Non-structural sidewalk thickness

This is the thickness of the sidewalks, besides what is accounted for by the deck thickness. This thickness is
used to apply extra dead load on the sidewalks, and can be ignored by entering zero for this loading.
Enter 0.0 kips/ft.

Miscellaneous Loads
Strength
Strength information defines general line loads for the utility on the bridge deck structure during construction.

Wind Load
Wind load, which is available separately both for strength and constructability, will be applied to the girders in
the transverse direction. The module will apply the loads both in negative and positive directions and take the
envelope at the code check step.
Enter 0.0 kips/ft² for the wind load.

Railings
Enter the load for barrier, parapet or bridge rails. The magnitude of the load should be entered per linear length
as the load is applied to the edges of the deck as uniform line load.
Enter 0.382 kips/ft for the railings.

Pedestrians
Pedestrian load is applied to sidewalk surfaces and should be entered as load per unit area. It is combined and
enveloped with the vehicular live load cases at the code check step.
Enter 0.0 kips/ft for pedestrians.

Future Wearing Surfaces

Additional permanent load can be applied to the roadway surfaces due to future wearing surfaces. The
magnitude of the load should be entered as load per unit area.
Enter 0.03 kips/ft for future wearing surfaces.

Monolithic Wearing Surfaces

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Additional permanent load can be applied to the roadway surfaces due to monolithic wearing surfaces. The
magnitude of the load should be entered as load per unit area.
Enter 0.0 kips/ft² for monolithic wearing surfaces.

Utility Loads
Utility loads can be specified by providing the start and end location and the magnitude. The start and end
locations are provided as station and offset pairs as reference to the bridge alignment. Utility loads are applied
as uniform line loads, so the magnitude should be entered as load per linear length.
Skip Utility Loads.

Construction Loads
Based on LARSA 4D’s staged analysis, define the information used for staged construction activities such as deck
pouring sequence, screed movement, deck formwork weight, or to designate the incorporation of a staged analysis
between stations.

Screed Weight
The weight of the screed (as applied to each edge of the deck). If this field is non-zero then screed movement
will be simulated in staged construction. If deck pouring sequence is not provided, then the screed will be
simulated as moving from one end of the bridge to the other end with the screed movement increment provided.
If a deck pouring sequence is provided then the screed movement is simulated conforming to the sequence.
Enter 0.0 kips for screed weight.

Skew Angle of the Screed

A skew angle in degrees should be provided if the screed is positioned at an angle (using the same direction
rule as the pier skew or cross frame skew data).
Enter 0.0 deg.

Screed Movement
This field specifies the intervals of the screed movement and must be a positive nonzero value.
Enter 0.0 ft.

Screed Rail Position Relative to the Exterior Girder

This field determines the locations of the screed rails on either side of the bridge. It is the distance from the
exterior girders to the rail. This field is always given as a positive value. The rails are always before the first
girder and beyond the last girder of the bridge.

Deck Formwork Weight

Specify the Deck Formwork type and enter the deck formwork weight. The type is Stay-In-Place if the
formwork is never removed. The type is Strippable/Removable if the formwork is removed after each segment
of the deck gains stiffness.
In the Deck Formwork Weight field, drop down the list box and select Stay-in-Place .

Deck formwork information

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Enter 0.02 kips/ft² for the weight of the deck formwork.

Deck Pouring Sequence

Allows the specification of the deck pouring sequence. The surfaces that are poured and their order can be
specified on this spreadsheet. Each pouring region is defined by giving a start and end station. The weight of
the deck will be automatically calculated using the pouring region dimensions, the deck thickness, and the
concrete material property. If no deck pouring sequence is given, the entire deck is poured at once.

Deck Pouring Sequence Type

With a deck pouring sequence, Composite at the End indicates only the deck weight is applied during
construction. Deck elements gain stiffness only after the whole deck is poured. Composite As Built indicates
that each poured segment of the deck is constructed with weight and stiffness simultaneously.
Skip the Deck Pouring Sequence.

This is all the information module needs to create code based loading and staged construction data for the bridge.
Click Next to see the confirmation screen and click Next again to start the generating process.

LARSA 4D will now scan the model to make sure no manual changes in structure properties were entered between
Step A and Step B.

Once the generation process starts, you will be asked a project file name and a parametric section database name, *.lar
and *.lpsx files respectively. *.lar file is for the project and *.lpsx file is used to store the custom section database
containing the sections used in the finite element model. It is a good practice to save all your files into the same folder.

The module will display a status windows and a progress bar. If the progress bar stops for a second or two, it does not
mean that the process has stopped. You should be able to see the progress bar moving in five to ten seconds. If Step
C (code check) was checked at the start, the code check options will be shown after the model has been generated.
If code check is not being performed, then the module will exit and the generated model and loading can be used
within LARSA 4D.

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Code Check for AASHTO LRFD

Having originally selected Step C in the beginning of this tutorial, the module automatically begins entering
information for Code Check per AASHTO LRFD on the specified locations.

Step C - Code Check

Click Next to begin the code check.

The module first scans the model to check for any changes in the structure before going into the design part. This may
take a minute or two based on the size of the structure and the refinement of the influence surface for live load.

Code Check on an Existing Model

While the model generation component of the Steel Plate Girder Bridge Module can be used to rapidly create a LARSA
4D model, the module can also code check a model created independently or created by the module but modified by
the user before the code check process. In that case, have the model open in LARSA 4D before starting the module
and do not check Step A. By not checking Step A, the module will scan the existing model.

Recognizing Geometry

In a code check of an existing model, the module must recognize what elements in the model are girders, which are
cross-frames, which members make up each girder, etc. Such information is not explicit in a general finite-element
model and must be determined by the module automatically. Existing models to be used with the code check must
therefore look like the types of bridge models that the module can generate otherwise the module may fail to recognize
the organization of the model.

The module will ask several questions about the model to be recognized so that the module knows what kind of bridge
to look for in the model.

Groups, Loading, and Stages

The module can create structure groups, load cases, and construction stages for a model with existing geometry but for
which these entries have not been created yet. This is necessary for running an analysis of the right code combinations,
but they may be useful in your own investigations even if you are not running code check through the module.

The structure groups created represent the different components of the structure: cross-frames, girders, and the deck.
The construction stages define a common order of assembly of the bridge. The user is free to modify these entries
after they are created.

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Code Check Locations

Code check locations on the structure need to be specified by the user. These locations can be provided as girder
number along with a station number along this girder. Code check also asks for span length and the minimum girder
radius of curvature.

Code check information window

On the top left of the module window, click Code Check Locations .

Customize code check locations

This opens the input spreadsheet to define code check location within each girder.

We will perform Code Check on Girder Numbers 1 and 2.

Enter the input information as detailed in the diagram below.

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Code check location information

Three additional tabs (Deck Reinforcing, Transverse Stiffeners, and Longitudinal Stiffeners) open spreadsheets to
control additional code check parameters at each code check location.
Fill out the parameters on the remaining three tabs as necessary.
Click Back to Main Page .

Load Cases
As the model is scanned, it recognizes that certain stages are not entered, and created additional result cases. Cases are
automatically created for you which we can see in DC1 which created an envelope under live load results in AASTHO,
based on the deck pouring sequence which we previously specified.

In the Code Check step (Step C), the module will automatically select appropriate result cases for you. You can modify/
add new design cases in LARSA 4D and then use these cases as design cases on this screen.

The design cases are combined with certain factors based on the AASHTO LRFD code, and factors can be viewed
and modified.
To custom define the result case of a load class, click the drop down which presents a list of the load cases
generated within the module.

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Customizing the result case of a load case

Cases are automatically created for dead load results from DC1 to create an envelope under Live Load results in
AASHTO, based on the deck pouring sequence which was previously specified.

Girder Details
In the top flange field, drop down the list box, and designate the top flange girders as Continuously Braced.
In the bottom flange field, drop down the list box, and designate the bottom flanges of the girder as Discretely
Braced.

Running Code Check

Now that the desired cases, code check locations girder details are defined, click Next to begin the Code
Check process.

Each specified location on the structure is code checked independently for both negative and positive effects.

Once the Code check completes, the Code Check Summary Report will automatically open.

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Code check summary report

This report is designed to provide the required code check information in one sheet, and reports girder properties for
top and bottom flanges, deck properties, haunch and reinforcing, followed by a second set of properties for short and
long term composite properties for each girder at the specified locations.

Reports
To go a step further than the summary report for each section, click the specific girder location on the top left
of the screen to report the detailed results.

Code check girder locations

To view the line-by-line computations in the detailed report, MathPlayer software is required. The program can be
donwlaoded and installed using the provided link.

MathPlayer download prompt

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Step-by-step computations used in the summary report

This report provides the step-by-step computations and check that are reported within the summary sheet, and show
the report the line-by-line computations that follow each design code, using equation number references to the code.

To further gain information more information about a particular section, we can go into the verbose report.
On the top left of the report window, select Click Here to View Verbose Report .

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Verbose report

This spreadsheet tells us the mapping, reporting each result and its location, allong with where LARSA extracted
results from. The report includes the positive and negative forces at the code check location based on Live Load results
based on the Loading Information entered at the beginning of this tutorial. The module uses compound total composite
girder in order to take all elements into account, and slice the girder at the specified location to figure the composite
forces and moments in either the girder alone, or in the composite girder.

The first section of this report includes results for Live Load cases DC1, DC2, DW, LL and DLc1, followed by Forces
and Moments.

Further detail result reports in Verbose including slab width, section properties, flange stresses for strength etc.

Detailed reports are displayed with the default Internet web browser of the computer so that the report is easily
navigable and easy to read (although the report is stored on your computer and no Internet connection is necessary or
used). In order to see the formulas properly, we recommend using the Mozilla Firefox web browser and setting it as
the computer’s default web browser. Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 or newer is also supported but additional
software called MathPlayer must be downloaded and installed from [Link]
At the time of writing, the Opera, Chrome, and Safari web browsers are not supported because they lack support for
MathML.

Code Check Additional Parameters

The following information is needed to perform code-check on the structure:

Pedestrians
There are pedestrians or no pedestrians on the bridge.

Non-Composite Result Case

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The result case without the effects of the deck.

Superimposed Dead Load Case

The result case with the effect of superimposed dead load.

Superimposed Live Load Case

The result case with the live load effects.

Final Case
The final staged construction result case.

Art
Area of the top layer of longitudinal reinforcement PER FOOT of concrete deck width

Arb
Area of the bottom layer of longitudinal reinforcement PER FOOT of concrete deck width.

Fyrs
Yield strength of the longitudinal reinforcement of the concrete.

Crb
Distance from the top of the concrete deck to the centerline of the bottom layer of longitudinal concrete deck
reinforcement.

Crt
Distance from the top of the concrete deck to the centerline of the top layer of longitudinal concrete deck
reinforcement.

AntoAgRatio
The ratio of net area to gross area of the tension flange .

Bracing at Top Flange

The top flange of the girders are discretely continuously braced.

Bracing at Bottom Flange

The bottom flange of the girders are discretely continuously braced.

Lb
The distance between intermediate diaphragms or cross frames (unbraced length - 'Lb') .

Cb
The moment gradiant modifier (Cb).

Stiffeners
Are there any stiffeners on the structure.

Stiffener Material
The material of the flange stiffneres used on the structure.

do2
The smaller of the adjacent web panel widths is (used for transverse stiffener check, see [Link].3-3).

dlong
Distance of longitudinal stiffener from top of the girder (VERTICAL distance for box girders).

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bl
The projecting width of longitudinal stiffeners.

tl
The thickness of longitudinal stiffener.

Longitudinal Stiffener Direction

Specify if the longitudinal stiffeners facing center of curvature

do1
Transverse stiffener spacing in the interior panels (not bearing stiffener spacing).

Stiffener position density

Specify if there are any transverse stiffeners within D/2 on EACH side of the interior-pier sections. (if
transverse stiffeners are present at the limit of D/2 from the interior pier, this is considered TRUE)

bt
Projecting width of transverse stiffeners.

tp
The thickness of transverse stiffeners.

Location of Transverse Stiffeners

Transverse stiffeners are on one side or two sides of the girders.

bb
The projecting width of bearing stiffeners.

tb
The thickness of bearing stiffeners.

Location of Bearing Stiffeners

Bearing stiffeners are on one side or two sides of the girders. They are welded or not to the web.

kk
Distance from the outer face of the flange resisting the concentrated load or bearing reaction to the web toe of
the fillet.

NN
Length of the bearing.

Location of the Bearing Reaction

The bearing reaction of concern is at the interior or exterior part of the girder.

Location of the Reaction or Concentrated Load

Is the reaction or concentrated load applied at a distance from the end of the girder that is greater than the full
depth of the girder?

blf
The projecting width of bearing stiffeners.

tlf
The thickness of bearing stiffeners.

w
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Larger of the width of the flange between longitudinal flange stiffeners or the distance from a web to the
nearest longitudinal flange stiffener.

n
Number of equally spaced longitudinal flange stiffeners in the compression box flange.

d_tflange
Longitudinal distance between transverse flange stiffeners.

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Index

AASHTO LRFD code check, 27

abutments, 11
bearing, 11
box girder, 15
bridge alignment/layout, 11
bridge path coordinate systems, 11
center line, 11
code check, 27
cross frames, 15
deck, 21
deck formation weight, 23
deck plate refinement, 21
deck pouring sequence, 23
future wearing surface, 23
girders, 15
haunch thickness, 15
heading, 11
I girder, 15
influence surface options (Steel Bridge Module), 23
joint location tolerance, 21
live load, 23
load factors (code check), 27
loads (Steel Bridge Module), 23
material (cross frames), 15
material (deck), 21
material (girders), 15
monolithic wearing surface, 23
node location tolerance, 21
overhang, 21
pedestrians, 23
piers, 11
plate girder, 15
pouring sequence, 23
refinement, 21
reports (code check), 27
screed, 23
section dimensions, 15
sidewalk, 23
skew, 11
splice points, 15
station
Bridge Alignment and Piers, 11
Girders, Cross Frames, and Splice Points, 15
Steel Bridge Module, 7
supports, 11
transverse offset, 15
tub girder, 15
utility loads, 23
wind load, 23

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