TRAINING PRESTRESSING BASIC - RM PART 3: DYNAMIC EARTHQUAKE ANALYSIS

RM Bridge V8i
March 2012

RM Bridge Professional Engineering Software for Bridges of all Types

RM Bridge
Training Prestressing Basic - RM - Part 3: Dynamic Earthquake Analysis

Contents
1

General ................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1

Scope .............................................................................................................. 1-1

1.2

Generating a new construction schedule ....................................................... 1-1

Definition of Masses .............................................................................................. 2-3

2.1

Definition of load sets for self weight and SDL ............................................ 2-3

2.1.1

Generating the load sets for SW and SDL ................................................. 2-3

2.1.2

Defining the load set for SW ..................................................................... 2-3

2.1.3

Defining the load set for SDL .................................................................... 2-4

2.2

Definition of load case for masses ................................................................. 2-4

2.2.1

Generating a load case for the masses ....................................................... 2-4

2.2.2

Assigning the load sets to the load case ..................................................... 2-5

Calculation of Eigenvalues .................................................................................... 3-6

3.1

Generating a stage for the calculation of the eigenvalues ............................. 3-6

3.2

Calculating the eigenvalues ........................................................................... 3-6

Preparation of Response Spectrum ........................................................................ 4-8

4.1

Defining a response spectrum diagram .......................................................... 4-8

4.1.1

Generating tables for horizontal and vertical response spectrum ............. 4-8

4.1.2

Defining the tables for horizontal and vertical response spectrum ............ 4-8

4.1.3

Assignment of the tables to variables (formulas) .................................... 4-13

4.2
5

Response Spectrum defined by formulas ..................................................... 4-13

Definition of the Earthquake Load ...................................................................... 5-16

5.1

Defining the earthquake events.................................................................... 5-16

Evaluation of the Response Spectrum ................................................................. 6-18

6.1

Generating a stage for the evaluation of the response spectrum .................. 6-18

6.2

Evaluating the response spectrum................................................................ 6-18

6.2.1

Initializing envelopes for storing the resuts of the evaluation ................. 6-18

6.2.2

Evaluating the response spectra ............................................................... 6-18

Superposition of the Seismic Loads..................................................................... 7-20

7.1

Generating a stage for the superposition of the seismic loads ..................... 7-20

7.2

Superposing the seismic loads ..................................................................... 7-20

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8

II

Result Presentation .............................................................................................. 8-22

8.1

Plotting the response spectra data ................................................................ 8-22

8.2

Plotting of eigenmodes ................................................................................ 8-22

8.2.1

Definition of the DoPlot action ................................................................ 8-22

8.2.2

Definition of the Plot File in the Plot Container ...................................... 8-23

Time History Analysis ......................................................................................... 9-25

9.1

Preparation of the tables and variables ........................................................ 9-25

9.2

Definition of the load cases and load sets .................................................... 9-27

9.2.1

Definition of the load sets for the masses ................................................ 9-27

9.2.2

Definition of the load sets for the displacements ..................................... 9-27

9.2.3

Definition of the load cases for the time history calculation ................... 9-28

9.3

Calculation of the Time History Events ...................................................... 9-30

9.4

Definition of Damping ................................................................................. 9-31

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1-1

1 General
1.1 Scope
In the following the procedure for performing a dynamic earthquake calculation using
the response spectrum analysis shall be explained. All necessary steps including load
case definitions, preparation of response spectrum, and required calculation actions and
superposition in the schedule will be given. The principle input procedure is the following:
1.) Definition of masses of all permanent loads (i.e. self weight and superimposed
dead load)
2.) Calculation of the eigenvalues
3.) Preparation of the response spectrum
4.) Definition of the earthquake load
5.) Evaluation of response spectrum for earthquake analysis
6.) Superposition of the seismic loads
7.) Result presentation
In addition in chapter 9 there is given a general overview of the necessary input procedure for performing a time history analysis.

1.2 Generating a new construction schedule

To separate schedule actions and results it can be favourable to create a new schedule
variant (it is of course not obligatory), where the dynamic calculation is performed. This
is done as follows:
Create a new
schedule variant

Schedule
Schedule Variants

CS will be skipped
Name
Description
Sequence No

deactivate
earthquake
response spectrum analysis
1

Top Table

Then change in the main GUI to this construction schedule (drop down menu to the
right of the Recalc button). All input of loads and stages will now refer to this (active)
schedule.

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NOTE: If the final superposition file containing the results of the earthquake calculation
is needed and used in the calculation of the DEFAULT schedule (e.g. combination
table), the sequence for calculating the different construction schedules has to be
changed in accordance. In the recalculation pad one can then choose Recalc all, which
will use this given sequence. All envelope results (*.sup) are stored in the main project
directory of RM and are therefore available for all the construction schedules. Alternatively one can just calculate a particular construction schedule by selecting it in the GUI
first or in the recalculation pad and using Recalc.

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2 Definition of Masses
All permanent loads acting on the structure, i.e. self weight and superimposed dead
loads, have to be defined as masses. These masses must be defined in one single load
case, whereas it is favourable to group them by means of load sets.

2.1 Definition of load sets for self weight and SDL

2.1.1 Generating the load sets for SW and SDL
Create new load
sets for the self
weight and superimposed dead load

Schedule

Name
Description

LS-SW
self weight mass

LS-SDL
SDL mass

Load Definition
Load Set Definition
Top table

2.1.2 Defining the load set for SW

Schedule
Define load set for
the self weight

Load Set Definition

Bottom table

From

Uniform
load
Self weight mass
101

LS-SW
Uniform
load
Self weight mass
1201

Uniform
load
Self weight mass
1301

To

135

1204

1304

Step
Rx
Ry
Rz
Gam
[kN/m3]

1
0
-1
0

1
0
-1
0

1
0
-1
0

Loading
Load Definition

Name

Type

The load type for the self-weight mass can be specified as just as mass (only used
for dynamic calculation) or load and mass (also used for static calculation).
These defined self weight masses act in the centre of gravity.

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2.1.3 Defining the load set for SDL

Schedule
Define load set for
superimposed dead
load

Load Definition

Load Set Definition

Bottom table

Name
Loading

From

masses
Element
uniform
mass + eccentricity
101

LS-SDL
masses
Element
uniform
mass + eccentricity
101

masses
Element
uniform
mass + eccentricity
101

To

135

135

135

Step
g*mx
[kN/m]
g*my
[kN/m]
g*mz
[kN/m]
g*Imx
[kNm]
Ey [m]
Ez [m]

35

6.1

6.1

35

6.1

6.1

35

6.1

6.1

0.06
0

0.45
+6.3

0.45
-6.3

Type

In RM masses are defined as forces (and moments respectively) and internally transformed into masses by dividing them by the gravity acceleration value, which is set to
9.81 m/s2 by default (this can be modified in the Recalculation Pad in the menu Dynamic).
Since mass is a scalar value the definition of the vectors has to be given for all three
force-components.
The eccentricities are not related to the center of gravity (local element coordinate
system), but to the node (node axis, i.e. connection between start and end node of the
element), that means the internal element eccentricities are added automatically!

2.2 Definition of load case for masses

2.2.1 Generating a load case for the masses

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Training Prestressing Basic - RM - Part 3: Dynamic Earthquake Analysis
Create new load
case for the load
sets of self weight
and superimposed
dead load

Schedule

Name
Description

2-5

LC-MASS
dead load mass

Load Definition

Load Case Definition

Top table

2.2.2 Assigning the load sets to the load case

Schedule
Assign load sets to
load case

Name
Loading
Load Set

LC-MASS
Load set input
Load set input
LS-SW
LS-SDL

Load Definition
Load Case Definition
Bottom table

This load case is needed then as reference for calculating the eigenvalues (see 3.2)
All loads not specified in this manner using the respective load types for masses will
not be considered for the calculation of the mass matrices in the dynamic analysis.
(That means on the other hand that it is possible to include load items, which should
not be taken into account as masses, but only as loads in the static or time history
analysis).

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3 Calculation of Eigenvalues
3.1 Generating a stage for the calculation of the eigenvalues
Create a stage for
the calculation of
the eigenvalues

Schedule

Name
Description

EIGEN
calculation of eigenvalues

Stages
Activation
Top table

Activate all elements of structure

Schedule
Stages

Activate
From
To
Step

101
1402
1

Activation
Bottom table

3.2 Calculating the eigenvalues

Calculate the eigenvalues

Schedule
Stages
Schedule Actions
Bottom table

Action
Type
Input-1
Input-2
Input-3
Output-1
Output-2
Description

Calculation (Dynamic)
Eigen
30
LC-MASS
eigen.mod
eigen.lst
Calculate eigen
frequencies and
eigenvectors (natural
modes) of structure

List/plot actions
ListMod
eigen.mod

eigen-mod.lst
Create listfile of
binary modal file

The load case, where the effective masses are defined, has to be given as reference for
the eigenvalue analysis (see 2.2).
The number of eigenvalues (lowest natural frequencies) to be calculated has to be
given. (The tolerance value for determining the accuracy of the calculated eigenvalues is specified in the Recalc pad in the menu Dynamic). For receiving 90% of
mass participation in vertical direction in this example approximately 30 eigenvalues
were necessary (see comments for the output of mass participation below).

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The eigenvalues and natural modes are stored in a binary modal file, which name has
to be given. A readable output list of this file can be printed using the list/plot action
ListMod
The name of the output list with a protocol of all the relevant input and output data
has to be entered (or left to default *). An essential part is the output of the mass
participation factors at the end of this list, which should be greater than 90% of the total mass in the relevant direction of the acceleration of the structure (see Diagram 1).
In some cases the number of calculated eigenmodes is smaller than expected. In such
cases the dimension of the iteration matrix may be increased by additional iteration
vectors (Subspace). This may lead to better iteration results and a higher number of
eigenmodes found.
Note: Eigenvalues and eigenfrequencies (natural frequencies) are calculated on the
un-damped structural system; therefore no damping parameters need to be specified
yet within this action.

After performing this action a number of n load cases is generated and can be accessed
from the load case pool (named name#n), where n is the number of the eigenmode and
the name being taken from Output-1 (e.g. eigen#3). These load cases contain normalized eigenvectors as displacements and may be used for graphic presentation (see 8.2).

Diagram 1: Output of mass participation factors in eigen.lst

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4 Preparation of Response Spectrum

4.1 Defining a response spectrum diagram
The response spectrum is defined in Properties Variables in terms of tables and/or
formulas according to the rules of the respective codes.
The response spectrum used in this example is in accordance with Eurocode 8 (Type 1,
Ground type A, 5% damping). It is prepared by means of tables where the particular
values have been evaluated before. Also an alternative will be shown in 4.1.3 illustrating a direct definition by formulas.
4.1.1 Generating tables for horizontal and vertical response spectrum

Create a new table

for the horizontal
and vertical response spectrum

Properties

Name
Type

Variables

Description

resp_hor_tab
resp_vert_tab
table
table
table for horizontal table for vertical
response spectrum response spectrum

Top table

Note: Do not use special characters in variable names (formulas and tables) except underline _!
4.1.2 Defining the tables for horizontal and vertical response spectrum
Define the tables
for the horizontal
and vertical response spectrum

Properties
Variables
Bottom table

The units used are period (T) [s] for the abscissa (VarA) and the elastic response spectrum divided by the design ground acceleration (Se/ag) [-] and (Sve/avg) [-] respectively
for the ordinate (VarB).

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Training Prestressing Basic - RM - Part 3: Dynamic Earthquake Analysis

VarA T [s]
0.00
0.15
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.00
1.05
1.10
1.15
1.20
1.25
1.30
1.35
1.40
1.45
1.50
1.55
1.60
1.65

Table for horizontal response spectrum

VarB Se/ag [-]
Interpolation
VarA T [s] VarB Se/ag [-]
1.0000
linear
1.70
0.5882
2.5000
linear
1.75
0.5714
2.5000
linear
1.80
0.5556
2.2222
linear
1.85
0.5405
2.0000
linear
1.90
0.5263
1.8182
linear
1.95
0.5128
1.6667
linear
2.00
0.5000
1.5385
linear
2.10
0.4535
1.4286
linear
2.20
0.4132
1.3333
linear
2.30
0.3781
1.2500
linear
2.40
0.3472
1.1765
linear
2.50
0.3200
1.1111
linear
2.60
0.2959
1.0526
linear
2.70
0.2743
1.0000
linear
2.80
0.2551
0.9524
linear
2.90
0.2378
0.9091
linear
3.00
0.2222
0.8696
linear
3.10
0.2081
0.8333
linear
3.20
0.1953
0.8000
linear
3.30
0.1837
0.7692
linear
3.40
0.1730
0.7407
linear
3.50
0.1633
0.7143
linear
3.60
0.1543
0.6897
linear
3.70
0.1461
0.6667
linear
3.80
0.1385
0.6452
linear
3.90
0.1315
0.6250
linear
4.00
0.1250
0.6061
linear

4-9

Interpolation
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear

Diagram 2: Table for the horizontal response spectrum

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Training Prestressing Basic - RM - Part 3: Dynamic Earthquake Analysis

VarA T [s]
0.00
0.05
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.00
1.10
1.20
1.30
1.40
1.50

Table for vertical response spectrum

VarB Sve/avg [-] Interpolation
VarA T [s] VarB Sve/avg [-]
1.0000
linear
1.60
0.1758
3.0000
linear
1.70
0.1557
3.0000
linear
1.80
0.1389
2.2500
linear
1.90
0.1247
1.8000
linear
2.00
0.1125
1.5000
linear
2.10
0.1020
1.2857
linear
2.20
0.0930
1.1250
linear
2.30
0.0851
1.0000
linear
2.40
0.0781
0.9000
linear
2.50
0.0720
0.8182
linear
2.60
0.0666
0.7500
linear
2.70
0.0617
0.6923
linear
2.80
0.0574
0.6429
linear
2.90
0.0535
0.6000
linear
3.00
0.0500
0.5625
linear
3.10
0.0468
0.5294
linear
3.20
0.0439
0.5000
linear
3.30
0.0413
0.4737
linear
3.40
0.0389
0.4500
linear
3.50
0.0367
0.3719
linear
3.60
0.0347
0.3125
linear
3.70
0.0329
0.2663
linear
3.80
0.0312
0.2296
linear
3.90
0.0296
0.2000
linear
4.00
0.0281

4-10

Interpolation
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear
linear

Diagram 3: Table for the vertical response spectrum

The internal variable for evaluating the response spectrum is the angular velocity ()
[rad/sec]. Therefore if other values are used for the abscissa in the table of the response spectrum diagram (Frequency (Hz), Period (T), or if these are given in terms
of logarithm), a respective transformation has to be performed (see 4.1.3).
The related ordinate value of the ground motion amplitude can either be given as displacement (d), velocity (v) or acceleration (a). (The used value has to be referred to
later when defining the earthquake load see 5.1). The ordinate values of the response spectrum must be given in the internal units [m] and [s]. When other units (or

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factors of the gravity constant (g)) are used for the motion amplitude of the response
spectrum, a respective transformation has to be performed.
For a detailed description for performing such transformations refer to the RM User
Guide 14.3.2.

The dimensionless ordinate value of the ground motion amplitude used in this example
shall be transformed into acceleration. This can either be done by multiplying it with the
design ground acceleration by defining a respective formula (see explanations above
and also 4.1.3) or within the definition of the earthquake load when defining the respective directions and intensities of the excitation vectors (as will be performed in this example (see 5.1)).
For the practical application it can be helpful to prepare an Excel sheet for the generation of the values of the response spectrum tables and copy/paste them into a Tcl file,
which then can be imported (added) to the project.

Diagram 4: (Partial) Tcl file for horizontal response spectrum

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Diagram 5: Graphical presentation of horizontal and vertical response spectrum

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4.1.3 Assignment of the tables to variables (formulas)

In order to enable the correct evaluation of the data of a table the used value for its abscissa (abscissa of the response spectrum) has to be defined, i.e. the table needs to be
related to the value of its abscissa. This can be done in the variable definition (as shown
in the following) or alternatively within the definition of the earthquake load when selecting the table (see 5.1).
In the following the defined tables of the horizontal and vertical response spectrum are
assigned to formulas to enable the evaluation of their data for the response spectrum
analysis.

Create two variables of the type

formula for assigning the two tables
of the response
spectrum

Properties

Name
Type

Variables

Expression
Description

resp_hor
resp_vert
formula
formula
resp_hor_tab(2*pi/om resp_vert_tab(2*pi/om
ega)
ega)
formula for horizontal
formula for vertical
response spectrum
response spectrum

Top table

resp_hor and resp_vert are the variables (formulas) that describe the response spectrum using the values of the tables resp_hor_tab and resp_vert_tab, which have been
defined as functions of the period T. Since the internal variable for the evaluation of
the response spectrum is omega, a respective transformation has to be performed
within the assignment in terms of F = f(T) = f(2*pi/omega):
resp_hor = resp_hor_tab(2*pi/omega) and
resp_vert = resp_vert_tab(2*pi/omega).

Referring to 4.1.2 it would be possible to perform the transformation into acceleration

here by including a factor for the design ground acceleration (ag) and (avg) respectively
in the expressions above (e.g. resp_hor = ag*resp_hor_tab(2*pi/omega)). In this case
the normalized vectors have to be used within the definition of the earthquake load instead of referring to the design ground acceleration there (see 5.1).

4.2 Response Spectrum defined by formulas

An alternative to setting up a table with a series of particular evaluated values is to directly define the formulas that describe the response spectrum. The definition for the
horizontal response spectrum is illustrated below. The particular parameters are defined
by variables and thus easily can be adjusted by the user. In that way also other types of
the response spectrum can be defined by changing the respective values.

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Name

EC
Denotation

Description

Definition (default values)

soil factor

1 [-]

xi

viscous damping ratio in percent

5 [%]

eta

damping correction factor

max(SQR(10/(5+xi)),0.55) [-]

TB

TB

limit of the constant spectral acceleration branch (1)

0.15 [s]

TC

TC

limit of the constant spectral acceleration branch (2)

0.4 [s]

TD

TD

value of beginning of constant displacement response range

2.0 [s]

Se

Se/ag

function for elastic response spectrum in terms of Se/ag (T)

S*Se_tab(2*pi/omega) [-]

Se_tab

table of resp. spectr. in terms of Se/ag/S (T)

VarA

VarB

1+TabA/TB*(eta*2.5-1)

TB

eta*2.5

TC

eta*2.5*(TC/TabA)

TD

eta*2.5*(TC*TD/TabA^2)

eta*2.5*(TC*TD/4^2)

Diagram 6: Definition of the horizontal response spectrum by formulas

The definition of the vertical response spectrum is performed analogously. Both sets of
definitions can be viewed in the corresponding example (see Properties Variables;
Group EC8_RESP_form).
The advantage of this method is the general definition that can easily be adapted for all
types of response spectra and the exact evaluation of the particular values of the response spectrum (while the accuracy of the values derived from a table relies on the
(linear) interpolation of the defined values).
REMARK:
The formulas of the elastic response spectra and design spectra according to Eurocode 8 can be generated automatically within RM Bridge by using the respective
options in the menu Extras > Loading and Stages > Response Spectra:

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Diagram 7: Generating the design spectrum in RM Bridge

See online-help (F1) within the input window for more details.

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5 Definition of the Earthquake Load

The earthquake load is defined in Schedule Load Definition Earthquake Load.

5.1 Defining the earthquake events

The upper table contains the basic parameters of the particular earthquake events.
Define a seismic
event for each of
the three directions

Schedule
Load Definition
Earthquake
Load

Number
Modal-File
Rule
Duration [s]
Description

1
2
3
eigen.mod
eigen.mod
eigen.mod
CQC
CQC
CQC
60
60
60
earthquake in earthquake in earthquake in
x-dir (longiy-dir (vertiz-dir (transtudinal)
cal)
versal)

Top table

Number of the earthquake event for storage in the database

Name of the modal file containing the results of the eigenvalue analysis (see 3)
Combination rule for superposing the particular contributions of the different natural
modes (see RM User Guide 14.3.1 for the different available rules in RM)
Duration [s] of the seismic event (influencing the results only in combinations with
rules using duration dependent correlation factors (DSC, CQC, CQCX))

The lower table contains the related ground motion parameters and the assigned response spectrum.
Define a seismic
event for each of
the three directions

Schedule

Load Definition
Earthquake
Load

Type of response spectrum graph

Vec-Vx
Vec-Vy
Vec-Vz

1.5
1.35
1.5

Damp-Fact

0.05

0.05

0.05

VarName(Graph)

resp_hor

resp_vert

resp_hor

Bottom table

Type of the specified ground motion in the response spectrum (displacement (d), velocity (v) or acceleration (a)) (see 4.1.2)
Vector of the ground motion, multiplied by the respective design ground acceleration
to transform the dimensionless ground motion amplitude of the defined response
spectrum into an acceleration value (see 4.1.2). The design ground accelerations in

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this example are assumed with ag = 1.5 m/s2 and avg = 0.9 ag = 1.35 m/s2 respectively.
Referring to the comments given in 4.1.3 the normalized components (value of 1) of
the vectors have to be given here, if the design ground acceleration is already included in the values of the ground motion amplitude of the response spectrum.
Damping value only used for the calculation of the correlation factors with combination rules DSC, CQC and CQCX (note that the damping ratio for the response spectrum is already incorporated into the table!).
Name of the variable or table representing the respective response spectrum (see
4.1.2). The particular response spectra must be given in terms of the same type.
The selected variable must already be defined as a function of the value of the abscissa of the response spectrum in the variable definition (as done in this example). If a
table is selected it must be defined as a function of the value of the abscissa of the response spectrum within the input here.
If the response spectra are given by the formulas as illustrated in 4.2, the respective
input for Var-Name(Graph) would be the variables Se and Sve respectively. The input
is performed in the schedule variant formula in the corresponding example.
So the possible inputs for the horizontal loads would be:
Var-Name(Graph)
resp_hor
resp_hor_tab(2*pi/omega)
Se
S*Se_tab(2*pi/omega)

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resp_hor = resp_hor_tab(2*pi/omega) as defined in the Variable menu
The reference value of the defined table has to be given here
Se = S*Se_tab(2*pi/omega) as defined in the Variable menu
The reference value of the table is given and the multipl. with soil factor is performed

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6 Evaluation of the Response Spectrum

6.1 Generating a stage for the evaluation of the response
spectrum
Create a stage for
the evaluation of
the response spectrum

Schedule

Name
Description

RESP
response spectrum evaluation

Stages
Schedule Actions
Top table

6.2 Evaluating the response spectrum

6.2.1 Initializing envelopes for storing the resuts of the evaluation
First a superposition file (envelope) has to be created for the storage of the results of the
evaluation of the response spectrum for all three directions.
Initialize envelopes
for the storage of
the results of the
response spectrum
evaluation

Schedule

Stages
Schedule Actions
Bottom table

Action
Type
Input-1
Input-2
Input-3
Output-1
Output-2
Description

LC/Envelope
actions
SupInit

LC/Envelope
actions
SupInit

LC/Envelope
actions
SupInit

resp-x.sup
resp-y.sup
resp-z.sup
envelope for envelope for envelope for
storing results storing results storing results
of x-dir (lon- of y-dir (verof z-dir
gitudinal)
tical)
(transversal)

6.2.2 Evaluating the response spectra

The evaluation of a response spectrum is performed with the dynamic calculation action
RespS.

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Evaluate the response spectra for

the three directions

Schedule

Stages
Schedule Actions
Bottom table

Action
Type
Input-1
Input-2
Input-3
Output-1
Output-2
Description

6-19

Calcula Calcula Calculation (Dynam- tion (Dynam- tion (Dynamic)

ic)
ic)
RespS
RespS
RespS
1
2
3
ALL
ALL
ALL
resp-x.sup
*
evaluate
response
spectrum in
x-dir (longitudinal)

resp-y.sup
*
evaluate
response
spectrum in
x-dir (vertical)

resp-z.sup
*
evaluate
response
spectrum in
x-dir (transversal)

Number of the seismic event for evaluating the structural response referring to the
given number in the earthquake load definition
Selection of elements to be considered for the calculation (ALL or ACTIVE)
Name of the envelope where the results shall be stored
Name of the output list for the data of the response calculation (default resp0001.lst
for seismic event 1)
NOTE: In this example constant damping is assumed (no input in optional Input-3).
For how to apply modal damping with sinlge response spectrum, tables of response
spectra and weighted element damping see separately available example.

The results of this action are stored in the given superposition file and are extreme
forces and displacements. As the superposition rules are statistic, only leading values
may be obtained. With the use of a special algorithm, called TDV-Superposition
method (set in the Recalc-option), it is possible to obtain affiliated results in the
superposition file.

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7 Superposition of the Seismic Loads

7.1 Generating a stage for the superposition of the seismic
loads
Create a stage for
the superposition
of the seismic
loads

Schedule

Name
Description

SUP
superposition of the seismic loads

Stages
Schedule Actions
Top table

7.2 Superposing the seismic loads

The particular results of the three basic directions are now combined according to the
30%-rule. An envelope is initialized for the maximum results of each direction (respmax-x.sup, resp-max-y.sup, resp-max-z.sup), where the particular results of the respective directions are added up with 100% (factor 1.0) and the other two with 30% (factor
0.3). Then one final envelope (resp-max.sup) is initialized for evaluating the maximum
results out of these three envelopes.
Initialize envelopes
for the superposition of the maximum results for
each direction and
superpose results
according to 30%rule

Type

LC/Envelope
actions
SupInit

LC/Envelope
actions
SupAddSup

LC/Envelope
actions
SupAddSup

Stages

Input-1

resp-x.sup

resp-maxx.sup

resp-maxx.sup

Schedule Actions

Input-2
Input-3

Schedule

Action

Output-1
Bottom table

Output-2

Description

Bentley Systems

1.0
resp-y.sup
resp-z.sup
0.3,0.3
0.3,0.3
resp-maxx.sup
Initialize
envelope for
max results in Add up 30% Add up 30%
x-dir and add of y-direction of z-direction
up 100% of
x-direction

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Action
Type
Input-1
Input-2
Input-3
Output-1
Output-2
Description

Action
Type
Input-1
Input-2
Input-3
Output-1
Output-2
Description

LC/Envelope actions
SupInit
resp-y.sup
1.0
resp-max-y.sup
Initialize envelope for
max results in y-dir and
add up 100% of ydirection

LC/Envelope actions
SupAddSup
resp-max-y.sup
resp-x.sup
0.3,0.3

LC/Envelope actions
SupAddSup
resp-max-y.sup
resp-z.sup
0.3,0.3

Add up 30% of xdirection

Add up 30% of zdirection

LC/Envelope actions
SupInit
resp-z.sup
1.0
resp-max-z.sup
Initialize envelope for
max results in z-dir and
add up 100% of zdirection

LC/Envelope actions
SupAddSup
resp-max-z.sup
resp-x.sup
0.3,0.3

LC/Envelope actions
SupAddSup
resp-max-z.sup
resp-y.sup
0.3,0.3

Add up 30% of xdirection

Add up 30% of ydirection

Initialize envelope
for the maximum
results of the three
envelopes and
superpose

Schedule

Action
Type

Stages

Input-1
Input-2

Schedule Actions
Bottom table

Input-3
Output-1
Output-2
Description

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LC/Envelope
actions
SupInit
resp-maxx.sup

7-21

LC/Envelope
actions
SupOrSup

LC/Envelope
actions
SupOrSup

resp-max.sup

resp-max.sup

resp-maxy.sup

resp-maxz.sup

resp-max.sup
Initialize
envelope for
Superpose
max results second enveand add up
lope with OR
first envelope

Superpose
third envelope with OR

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8 Result Presentation
8.1 Plotting the response spectra data
The tables and diagrams of the response spectra defined in Properties Variables can
be plotted either directly in this menu by clicking on the blue info button in the top table
or within the schedule actions using the List/plot action PlVar and selecting the respective table.

8.2 Plotting of eigenmodes

The load cases deriving from the eigenvalue calculation (e.g. eigen#1, eigen#2, eigen#3
etc., see 3.2) containing the normalized eigenvectors as displacements can be used for
graphic presentation.
The corresponding RM training to this document contains a sample using Plot Container with variables and special settings within the DoPlot action to allow for plotting multiple load cases (i.e. all eigenmodes) with just one command. Also special internal variables can be used for printing the values of the particular eigenmodes.
A brief principle description shall be given in the following:
8.2.1 Definition of the DoPlot action

Diagram 8: Definition of the DoPlot action

The names of the prepared plot container and plot file have to be given as usual.

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The plot file contains a variable EigLC for the load case to be plotted (see 8.2.2). The
load cases to be plotted are eigen#1, eigen#2 up to eigen#30. Therefore the variable is
defined to be the load case eigen#<num>, i.e. the consecutive number is again defined by another variable (given in angle brackets), which is defined in a second input: num = {1 30} to define the range of values that it should take.
Note that also the output file name needs to be changed for each generated plot file,
therefore also here a variable is used (e.g. names of the load cases, i.e. eigen#1, eigen#2 etc.).
See also the input help when pressing F1 within the input window of the action.

8.2.2 Definition of the Plot File in the Plot Container

A plot file can be set up from the scratch or easier can automatically be generated by
making use of the Macro function (option Eigenform) and be adapted afterwards.
The specific input shall be explained below:

Diagram 9: Definition of the load case to be plotted

The load case is not given directly, but referred to by the variable EigLC.

To print the particular values of the eigenmodes a text field can be added and defined by
variables:

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Diagram 10: Definition of the text field for plotting the values of the eigenmodes

E.g. to plot the values of the angular velocity or frequency of the particular eigenmode
load cases, the internal variables _OMEGA and _FREQU can be used.
In order to retrieve the values of each load case it has to be referred to by its variable
name using the following syntax:
<_OMEGA <EigLC>> or
<_FREQU <EigLC>>.
Also press F1 for a description and a list of all available internal variables within the
general window of the plot definition.

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9 Time History Analysis

The following input procedures can be followed when changing to the schedule variant
time_history in the corresponding example.

9.1 Preparation of the tables and variables

The data sets describing the time history events are set up in terms of tables and variables as described in chapter 4 of this document.
Three different real events with a probability of exceedance of 2% in 50 years are examined in this example. The respective tables are stored in the group Time_Hist with the
names T1_acc, T2_acc and T3_acc.
The amplitude (ordinate) is given in terms of acceleration values (m/s2). RM Bridge
provides an option for automatically converting a table using acceleration or velocity
values into a table using displacements values (see diagram below).

Diagram 11: Conversion of tables from acceleration to displacements

Using this option the three tables are converted into (additional) tables with the names
T1_dis, T2_dis and T3_dis (the names have to be given within the input window).
In the same way as shown in chapter 4.1.3 the tables have to be assigned to respective
variables in dependency of the time (t).
In regard to this one has to take care that the internal variable for the time (t) possibly is
not equal to zero at the time the time history calculation is performed (e.g. in case creep
calculation has been performed in advance). Therefore a new variable for the time history calculation tint is set up in terms of
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9-26

tint = t tstart,
where
t is the internal variable for the time (global time axis in the schedule) and
tstart the internal variable for the time at the point of the global time axis where the action is started.
That means in that way at the begin of the action of the time history calculation tint = 0
(since t = tstart) and at the end of the time interval t of the action tint = t (since t =
tstart + t).
STG 1

STG 2

STG 4

STG 3

t
t2 = 30

t1 = 50

t = 40
80

t = tstart + t = 120

t = tstart = 80
tint = t tstart

tint = 0

tint = t = 40

Diagram 12: Definition of the variable tint

The definitions of the tables and variables are summarized below:

Name

Type

Expression

Description

T1_acc

Table

time history set1 in terms of acceleration

T2_acc

Table

time history set2 in terms of acceleration

T3_acc

Table

time history set3 in terms of acceleration

T1_dis

Table

time history set1 in terms of displacements

T2_dis

Table

time history set2 in terms of displacements

T3_dis

Table

time history set3 in terms of displacements

var_T1_dis

Variable

T1_dis(tint)

variable for the time history set T1

var_T2_dis

Variable

T2_dis(tint)

variable for the time history set T2

var_T3_dis

Variable

T3_dis(tint)

variable for the time history set T3

tint

Variable

t-tstart

time to be used for time history analysis

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9.2 Definition of the load cases and load sets

A load case to be used for the time history analysis needs to contain the masses of the
structure and the displacements of the time history event described by the variable. In
this example for each of the three particular events two load cases are set up in regard to
the two horizontal directions (x and z); each load case consists of one load set for the
self-weight, one for the superimposed dead loads and one for the displacements in the
particular direction.
9.2.1 Definition of the load sets for the masses
The definition of the load sets for the masses of the self-weight and superimposed dead
loads are defined as shown in chapter 2.1.
The load sets for the masses just needs to be defined once and can be used for all the six
load cases.
9.2.2 Definition of the load sets for the displacements
For each direction of each time history event one load set defining the element end displacements of the soil springs in the particular direction is generated as shown below.
Schedule
Create new load
sets for the time
history events

Name
Description

LS-T1_dis_x
displacements
event T1 for x-dir

LS-T1_dis_z
displacements
event T1 for z-dir

Load Definition
Load Set Definition
Top table

Name
Description

Bentley Systems

LS-T2_dis_x
displacements
event T2 for x-dir

LS-T2_dis_z
displacements
event T2 for z-dir

LS-T3_dis_x
displacements
event T3 for x-dir

LS-T3_dis_z
displacements
event T3 for z-dir

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RM Bridge
Training Prestressing Basic - RM - Part 3: Dynamic Earthquake Analysis
Define load sets
for the for the time
history events for
each direction

Schedule

From

LS-T1_dis_x
Actions on
Element End
Element end
displacements
1100

LS-T1_dis_z
Actions on
Element End
Element end
displacements
1100

To

1400

1400

Step
Vx
Vy
Vz
Rx
Ry
Rz
Global / Local
Begin / End

100
-1
0
0
0
0
0
Global
End

100
0
0
-1
0
0
0
Global
End

Loading
Load Definition
Load Set Definition
Bottom table

Name

Name

LS-T2_dis_x
Actions on
Loading
Element End
Element end
Type
displacements
From
1100
To
1400
Step
100
Vx
-1
Vy
0
Vz
0
Rx
0
Ry
0
Rz
0
Global / Local
Global
Begin / End
End

LS-T2_dis_z
Actions on
Element End
Element end
displacements
1100
1400
100
0
0
-1
0
0
0
Global
End

9-28

Type

LS-T3_dis_x
Actions on
Element End
Element end
displacements
1100
1400
100
-1
0
0
0
0
0
Global
End

LS-T3_dis_z
Actions on
Element End
Element end
displacements
1100
1400
100
0
0
-1
0
0
0
Global
End

9.2.3 Definition of the load cases for the time history calculation
The prepared load sets are now assigned to the respective load cases to be used for the
time history calculation; each load case consists of the load set for the self-weight, the
load set of the SDL and the respective load set of the displacements. As can be seen in
the input below the load set for the displacements gets its constant factor set to zero, but
the variable factor is defined by the variable describing the time dependent loading of
the time history event which has to be entered in the respective input field.

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Schedule

Create new load

cases for the time
history calculation
for each direction

Name

9-29

LC-T1-x
load case for event
T1 for x-dir

Description

LC-T1-z
load case for event
T1 for z-dir

Load Definition
Load Case Definition
Top table

Name

LC-T2-x
load case for event
T2 for x-dir

Description

Schedule

Assign load sets to

the load cases

Load Definition
Load Case Definition

LC-T2-z
LC-T3-x
load case for event load case for event
T2 for z-dir
T3 for x-dir
Name

LC-T3-z
load case for event
T3 for z-dir

Loading

Load set
input

LC-T1-x
Load set
input

Load Set

LS-SW

LS-SDL

Const-Fac

Load set
input
LST1_dis_x
0

Var-Fac

var_T1_dis

Bottom table
Name
Loading

Load set
input

LC-T1-z
Load set
input

Load Set

LS-SW

LS-SDL

Const-Fac
Var-Fac

1
0

1
0

Loading

Load set
input

LC-T2-z
Load set
input

Load Set

LS-SW

LS-SDL

Const-Fac
Var-Fac

1
0

1
0

Name

Bentley Systems

Load set
input
LST1_dis_z
0
var_T1_dis

Load set
input

LC-T2-x
Load set
input

LS-SW

LS-SDL

1
0

1
0

Load set
input
LST2_dis_z
0
var_T2_dis

Load set
input

LC-T3-x
Load set
input

LS-SW

LS-SDL

1
0

1
0

Load set
input
LST2_dis_x
0
var_T2_dis

Load set
input
LST3_dis_x
0
var_T3_dis

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Training Prestressing Basic - RM - Part 3: Dynamic Earthquake Analysis
Name
Loading

Load set
input

LC-T3-z
Load set
input

Load Set

LS-SW

LS-SDL

Const-Fac
Var-Fac

1
0

1
0

9-30

Load set
input
LST3_dis_z
0
var_T3_dis

9.3 Calculation of the Time History Events

The defined load cases describing the time dependent loadings are now evaluated using
the schedule action Tint. The maximum and minimum results are stored in envelopes,
which have to be initialized (SupInit) in advance.
Perform a time
history calculation
for the respective
time dependent
load cases

Schedule

Stages

Schedule Actions
Bottom table

Action
Type
Input-1
(Load Case)
Input-2
(Delta-t)
Input-3
(RM-Set)
Output-1
Output-2
Description

Action
Type
Input-1
(Load Case)
Input-2
(Delta-t)
Input-3
(RM-Set)
Output-1
Output-2

Calculation
(Dynamic)
TInt

Calculation
(Dynamic)
TInt

LC-T1-x

LC-T1-z

40.94

40.94

T-x-Mz

T-z-My

T1-x.sup
T1-z.sup
tint_T1-x-Mz
tint_T1-z-My
Perform time
Perform time
history calcula- history calculaDescription
tion for load
tion for load
case LC-T1-x
case LC-T1-z

Calculation
(Dynamic)
TInt

Calculation
(Dynamic)
TInt

Calculation
(Dynamic)
TInt

Calculation
(Dynamic)
TInt

LC-T2-x

LC-T2-z

LC-T3-x

LC-T3-z

40.94

40.94

40.94

40.94

T-x-Mz

T-z-My

T-x-Mz

T-z-My

T2-x.sup
T2-z.sup
T3-x.sup
T3-z.sup
tint_T2-x-Mz
tint_T2-z-My
tint_T3-x-Mz
tint_T3-z-My
Perform time
Perform time
Perform time
Perform time
history calcula- history calcula- history calcula- history calculation for load
tion for load
tion for load
tion for load
case LC-T2-x
case LC-T2-z
case LC-T3-x
case LC-T3-z

The load case to be evaluated (Input-1) and the time period to be considered (Input-2)
have to be given. The results are stored in the given envelope (Output-1). Optionally an
RM-Set of the type Time integration (TINT) can be given (Input-3), within which
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specific result components at particular element positions for graphical output can be
defined. These results are as well printed in a list file (Output-2).
The particular envelopes of the evaluated load cases are then superposed exclusively
(SupOr) in one final envelope T-final.sup which thus contains the maximum and minimum results deriving from the three events.

9.4 Definition of Damping

Differently from the response spectrum analysis where the damping is incorporated by a
constant value, in the time history analysis the Rayleigh damping is dependent on the
frequency. Design codes usually define a damping as a percentage of the critical damping not dependent on frequency and the Raleigh coefficients are usually not known.
Therefore RM Bridge provides a function to approximate this presumption with Rayleigh damping as accurate as possible by recalculating the coefficients from damping
ratios given for two relevant frequencies. In order to do that the user has to determine
the natural frequencies and to assign the given damping ratio to the two most important
ones. The assignment of these values is done in the Recalc pad in the submenu Dynamic. When clicking on one of the buttons next to the Rayleigh coefficients Alpha or
Beta a menu opens where two pairs of values (w1, xi1 and w2, xi2) describing the first
and second frequency value (w1, w2) with the corresponding predefined damping ratio
(xi1, xi2) have to be given. After confirming with Ok the Rayleigh coefficients Alpha
and Beta are evaluated (note that the input of the factors w1, w2, xi, xi2 is not stored).
In this example the natural modes 1 and 6 have been assumed to be the two relevant
frequencies derived from the list eigen.lst:
MASS PARTICIPATION FACTORS [%]
MODE

phi*M*phi

SUM-X

SUM-Y

SUM-Z

HERTZ

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

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0.4550E+04

89.10

0.00

3.21

89.10

0.00

3.21

0.849

0.2055E+04

2.40

0.00

72.05

91.50

0.00

75.26

1.581

0.1016E+04

0.01

5.21

0.04

91.50

5.21

75.30

2.929

0.2175E+04

1.14

0.01

0.05

92.65

5.22

75.36

3.568

0.1288E+04

0.24

0.01

0.01

92.89

5.23

75.36

5.112

0.1349E+04

0.00

58.91

0.01

92.89

64.14

75.37

5.921

0.2050E+04

0.44

0.02

7.41

93.33

64.16

82.79

6.683

0.1079E+04

0.10

0.00

0.05

93.43

64.16

82.83

9.120

0.6110E+04

0.11

0.04

3.61

93.54

64.20

86.44

9.449

10

0.1840E+04

0.17

0.00

0.01

93.72

64.21

86.46

10.958

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Therefore the factors for evaluating the coefficients of the Rayleigh damping for a predefined damping of 5% are approximated as follows:
Relevant Modes

Frequency f [Hz]

w (in terms of angular velocity [rad/s])

xi (damping)

0.85

w1 = 5

xi1 = 0.05

5.9

w2 = 35

xi2 = 0.05

Thus the evaluated Rayleigh coefficients used for the calculation are:
Alpha = 0.4375
Beta = 0.0025

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