In the article "strut-and-tie modeling for pier caps", we have discussed the definition of strut-and-tie analysis and how to construct a strut-and-tie model using the example of pier cap. After creating the geometry of a strut-and-tie model, the next step usually is calculating dead and live loads from the superstructure. This article discusses how to determine the boundary loads for a pier cap with a superstructure that has irregular geometries. 

How to Model the Girder and Deck Connection in Composite Bridge?

The way to simulate the connection between the girder and the deck will depend on how we construct the model. In the 2D all-frame composite bridge model shown in Figure 1, all the elements are connected in the grid within the same plane. Because it was modeled with the "all frame" model type in the midas Civil composite bridge wizard, it only consists of a 2-D grid frame composed of beam elements. In this scenario, the software considers the composite section as a lump section that incorporates both the girder section and the deck section. This means that the composite action is transformed into equivalent section properties in midas Civil. 

What is Convergence? What is a Convergence Study? 

It is easy to obtain the result from bridge finite element analysis, but to get more accurate results requires extra effort. Even the most robust finite element analysis solvers adopt the method that approximates the structural behavior, by minimizing the associated error function compared with the complex function that represents the realistic structural behavior.