Examples Guide

Integrated Bridge Design Software

Version 5.3

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................... 1-1
1
Section Analysis................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Full Analysis of a Voided Slab................................................................................................. 1-1
1.2 Create a Compound Steel Section.......................................................................................... 1-7
1.3 Define the In Situ Concrete Surrounding a Precast Beam.................................................... 1-11
1.4 Define the Reinforcement in a Circular Column.................................................................... 1-11
1.5 Controlling the Iterations following Failure to Converge........................................................ 1-12
1.6 Torsion Property of U Beam with Slab................................................................................. 1-12
2
Intentionally left Blank........................................................................................................ 2-14
3
Pre-tensioned prestressed beam analysis .......................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Full Analysis of a Pre-tensioned Prestressed Beam ............................................................... 3-1
3.2 Pre-tensioned precast beam with temporary supports.......................................................... 3-15
4
Intentionally Left Blank....................................................................................................... 4-16
5
Line Beam Analysis ............................................................................................................. 5-1
5.1 Line Beam Analysis of a three span bridge............................................................................. 5-1
6
Bridge Deck Analysis........................................................................................................... 6-1
6.1 Analysis of a single span grillage bridge deck ........................................................................ 6-1
6.2 Analysis of a single span finite element bridge deck............................................................. 6-17
6.3 Analysis of a multi-span bridge deck..................................................................................... 6-26
6.4 Transfer of load effects - further example ............................................................................. 6-26
6.5 Multiple Influence Surface Generation & Load Optimisation................................................. 6-26
7
Bridge Deck with Sub-Model ............................................................................................... 7-1
7.1 Truss Girder as Sub-model ..................................................................................................... 7-1
8
General 2D/3D Structure ..................................................................................................... 8-1
8.1 Analysis of a 2D Portal Frame................................................................................................. 8-1
8.2 Analysis of a 3D Bridge Structure ........................................................................................... 8-4
9
Post-tensioned Curved Box Girder ...................................................................................... 9-1
9.1 Curved Box Girder................................................................................................................... 9-1
10 Advanced Section Properties ............................................................................................ 10-1
10.1
Assign a Twist to Selected Members................................................................................ 10-2
10.2
Torsionless Design............................................................................................................ 10-2
10.3
Shear Stiffness.................................................................................................................. 10-2
11 Non-linear analysis ............................................................................................................ 11-1
11.1
Lift-off Supports Example.................................................................................................. 11-1
11.2
Cable Stayed Bridge Example .......................................................................................... 11-5
12 Staged Construction Example ........................................................................................... 12-1

1 Section Analysis
1.1

Full Analysis of a Voided Slab

The following example illustrates the stages in the analysis of a voided slab bridge deck. The analysis
is carried out in the following stages:
Stage A:
Stage B:
Stage C:
Stage D:
Stage E:
Stage F:
Stage G:
Stage H:

Define the Materials

Define the Section
Analyse for Section Properties
Define the differential temperature loading
Analyse for Differential temperature
Define the ULS and SLS loadings
Analyse for ULS
Analyse for SLS

The results may of course be printed out at any stage.

1. Define the Properties
From the Main Menu select File | New | Section and then Data | Analysis Type | Section Properties
followed by Data | Define Properties. The main properties editing form will appear. Click twice on the
first blue field under the heading Type then select Concrete from the drop-down list which appears.
The form for entering the material properties for concrete will appear.

2. Concrete Properties
Default values are supplied. Only values which are different from these need to be entered. When the
required values have been entered click on the OK button. The program will return to the previous
form.

3. Reinforcement Properties
Click on the second blue field under the heading Type then select Reinforcing Steel from the dropdown list which appears. The form for entering the material properties for reinforcement will appear. As
with the concrete, default values are supplied. Only values which are different from these need to be
entered. When the required values have been entered click on the OK button. The program will return
to the previous form. Click on the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

1-1

4. Define the Section

From the Main Menu select Data | Define section. The section editor form will appear. Click on the
first blue field under the heading Library then select Parametric shapes from the drop-down list
which appears.

5. Define a voided slab

Select the voided slab parametric shape by clicking in the blue field labelled Shape Reference and
selecting Voided slab from the drop down list. Now adjust the dimensions by entering values in the
fields below. Note that this is not the preferred method because the void is modelled by cutting
through from the outside to the void.
Preferred Method: Select the rectangle parametric shape if it is not already displayed as the default
by clicking in the blue field labelled Shape Reference and selecting Rectangle from the drop down
list. Now set the required overall dimensions in the fields below, and click on the OK button. The
program will return to the section editor form.
Click now on the second blue field under the heading Library then select Parametric shapes again.
On the form that appears select the Circle parametric shape this time, and set the required diameter
of the void, and click on the OK button.
Now, on the graphics display, click with the mouse on the small red circle (this is the hook point)
which is on the circle shape of the void, also highlighted in red, and move the mouse to position the
void within the rectangle. Click again with the mouse when the void is correctly positioned.

1-2

6. Assign the Properties

On the section editor form, click with the mouse in the first field in the column headed Property. A list of
all of the currently defined properties suitable for assigning to shape elements appears (in this example
there is only on suitable property, plus VOID). Select the concrete property, which is now assigned to the
rectangular shape.
The circle shape is assigned the VOID property by default.
The section is now defined, so click on the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

7. Define the Reinforcement

Select Data | Define bars from the Main Menu. The reinforcement editing form will appear. Click on the
blue field labelled Generate then select Reinforce face(s) from the drop-down list which appears. If the
reinforcement is to comprise 32mm bars at 125mm centres, click on the field labelled Position by and
select exact spacing from the drop-down list which appears. Set the spacing and bar diameter in the
appropriate fields.

8. Generate the reinforcement

Click with the mouse at the start of the face to be reinforced. (i.e. click at the bottom left hand corner to
generate reinforcement along the bottom face). A small form appears in which the required cover, and
number of faces to be reinforced is entered. Click on the OK button on this form and the bars will be
generated, positioned with the cover specified. Note that the bars have been assigned by default the
reinforcement property that was defined earlier. Click on the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

1-3

9. Calculate Section properties

From the Main Menu select Calculate | Analyse. The Section properties calculation form will be
displayed. Click on the blue field labelled Section properties for: and make a selection. The section
properties will be calculated and basic results displayed on the form.

10. Specify differential temperature loading

From the Main Menu select Data | Analysis Type | Differential Temperature. Then from the Main
Menu again, select Data | Define Loads | Temperature | AUSTROADS 2.9.3. The form for defining the
differential temperature profile will appear. The temperatures through the section are generated
automatically by entering the group and surfacing details. When this is done click on the OK button to
return to the Main Menu.

11. Calculate Temperature Stresses

From the Main Menu select Calculate | Analyse. The Differential Temperature calculation form will be
displayed. The calculations are performed automatically, and the relaxing forces and moments are
calculated and displayed, together with the stress profile for the positive and reverse temperature
difference cases.

1-4

12. Define Strength Ultimate LS loading

From the Main Menu select Data | Analysis Type | Ultimate Limit State. Then from the Main Menu
again, select Data | Define Loads | Applied Forces. The form for defining the applied forces will
appear. Enter the nominal loads and the required load factors in the table. To find for example the
maximum live load capacity for bending about the x axis, enter the permanent loads in the table, and
select X Moment Positive from the blue field labelled FIND limiting capacity for: If Shear Force
calculations are also required, enter values for the total applied shear in the appropriate fields. Click
on the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

13. Analyse at Strength Ultimate Limit State

From the Main Menu select Calculate | Analyse. The Strength Ultimate Limit State calculation form will
be displayed. The strain profile and the corresponding stresses are displayed. In the case of biaxial
bending or unsymmetrical section the section is shown rotated to the appropriate neutral axis angle.
Click on the Results button to display the full details of the results for the specified loadings.
For Shear Force calculations, set up the shear parameters before analysis, by selecting Shear
Calculations from the blue field labeled Set Parameters for: After analysis, ensure the Shear Force
Calcs check-box is checked, and click on the Results button to display the detailed shear calculations.

1-5

14. Analyse at Service Limit State

Select Service Limit State from the blue field labelled Analysis Type or from the main menu select Data
| Analysis | Service Limit State. Repeat the procedure detailed in 13, including or excluding crack width
calculations in the same way that shear was handled

NOTE:
For the computation of the torsion properties refer to section 1.6 of this manual.

1-6

1.2

Create a Compound Steel Section

The following illustrates the use of the Copy, Flip and Shove commands to define the outline of a
compound steel section.
1. Define a plate girder
Using Parametric Shapes as before, define an I beam with parameters as follows:
Height = 1.0m
Top and bottom flange widths = 0.6m
Web and flange thicknesses=0.05m.

2. Define an angle
Similarly, using BHP Sections define a steel unequal angle sized say 150x90x16mm.

3. Roughly position the angle

Click on the hook point of the angle and drag it so that it lies within the length of the web, and to its
right.

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4. Locate the angle using Shove

From the graphics window toolbar select Shove down.
The angle moves down to the top of the bottom flange.

Now select Shove left.

The angle is now in the bottom right corner of the flange.

5. Create another angle using Copy

From the graphics window toolbar select Copy.
You will need to Fit the graphics to see the entire new angle.

1-8

6. Locate the new angle

Select Flip vertical to flip it about the vertical axis.
The angle is now a mirror image of what it used to be.

Move it and use Shove Right and Shove Down to put it by the bottom left hand corner of the web.

7. Finish the section

In a similar way, copy the angle, flip it, move it and shove it so as to have an angle in each corner of
the web.

1-9

1-10

1.3

Define the In Situ Concrete Surrounding a Precast Beam

The following illustrates the use of the merge facility to define the outline of the in situ concrete around
a precast concrete beam.

Define a precast concrete beam and a rectangle following a similar procedure to that described in
section 1.1, items 4 & 5

Move the concrete beam to a more convenient location on the grid. To do this you need to:

position the cursor in the field headed Hook in the row of the table that contains the
concrete beam details.

press the Ctrl key and the (right arrow) key repeatedly until the hook point is in the
middle of the soffit of the beam. (alternatively enter the value -1 directly as the hook point
- selecting help for this field shows the relevant hook point numbers).

enter the hook point co-ordinates as 0, 0 in the X Coord and Y Coord fields of this row
of the table. (alternatively click with the mouse over the small red circle indicating the
hook point, and dragging the concrete beam, position the hook point over the origin of the
grid, and click again to deposit the concrete beam)

Move the rectangle in a similar manner so that it is superimposed centrally over the concrete
beam, with the in situ soffit and top surface correctly positioned. (The in situ soffit should be at
least 0.1mm above the precast soffit).

Make sure that the rectangle shape is highlighted in red in the graphics window. (If it is not, then
either point with the mouse at the rectangle, and click, or move the cursor in the table so that it
is in the row which defines the rectangle). Now, with the mouse pointer inside the graphics
window, click with the right mouse button, and select Edit | Merge from the pop-up menu that
appears. This will cause the rectangle to be modified so that it follows the shape of the precast
beam where the two shapes previously intersected.

1.4

Define the Reinforcement in a Circular Column

The following illustrates the use of the Reinforce face(s) option to define the reinforcement in a
circular column.

Define a circular column following a similar procedure to that described in section 1.1, items 1 to
4 & 6.

Select Data | Define Bars from the Main Menu. The reinforcement editing form will appear.
Click on the blue field labelled Generate then select Reinforce face(s) from the drop-down list
which appears.

If the number of bars in the column is to be specified, click on the field labelled Position by and
select Number from the drop-down list which appears. Set the number of bars and bar
diameter in the appropriate fields.

As an alternative, if the spacing of the bars in the column is to be specified, click on the field
labelled Position by and select exact spacing or equal spacing from the drop-down list which
appears. Set the spacing and bar diameter in the appropriate fields.

It is now necessary to click with the mouse at one of the nodes defining the circular section. A
circle is defined in SAM by 2 nodes on opposite diameters. In the case of the circle defined in
the parametric shapes form, the two nodes are on the horizontal diameter (i.e. the diameter
parallel to the x axis). Either of these nodes may be used as the starting point of the face to be
reinforced. Therefore click with the mouse at either the left or right end of the horizontal
diameter. A small form appears in which the required cover is entered. Click on the OK button
on this form and the bars will be generated, positioned with the cover specified, around the
circle.

1-11

1.5

Controlling the Iterations following Failure to Converge

Failure to converge occurs most frequently when the analysis is at Strength Limit State, and there is a
high axial load component. It may however also occur in other circumstances. Another typical example
is the transverse bending analysis of a voided slab. (The assumption that plane sections remain plane
is often extended to this situation). If during the iteration process the strain plane is such that the
whole of the compression concrete is strained beyond the parabolic part of the stress strain curve, and
the reinforcement similarly is yielded, then a small change in the strain plane will have no effect on the
stresses in the section and the situation is therefore numerically unstable and will not converge.
If the analysis at Strength LS fails to converge due to the strain exceeding 0.1 (i.e. 10% strain!), the
problem is due to the fact that the section is grossly under-reinforced. In this situation the ultimate
strength is controlled by the force in the yielded reinforcement, since the depth of concrete in
compression will be very small. The strength of the concrete is therefore insignificant and the analysis
can often be forced to a converging solution by reducing the strength of the concrete to lower the
neutral axis and hence reduce the maximum reinforcement strain to less than 10% without reducing
the force in the reinforcement or significantly altering the lever arm to the reinforcement.
If the analysis at Strength LS fails to converge, but a similar analysis at Service LS converges
successfully, the neutral axis angle for the Service LS solution makes a good starting value for the
Strength LS analysis. The neutral axis increment value can also be changed from 20 to say 5.
Frequently this change alone will enable convergence.
In other cases supplying the iteration process with an initial strain plane which is closer to the solution
strain plane will frequently be effective in allowing convergence to a solution. This involves changing
the strain plane parameters (neutral axis angle, top strain and bottom strain) and observing the effect
on the internal forces, the object being to reduce the out of balance forces.

1.6

Torsion Property of U Beam with Slab

This example illustrates the stages in the computation of the torsion constant C for a typical bridge
cross section. The standard U beam with a slab over has been selected as it illustrates all of the
available features.

The first stage is to generate the U section from the Parametric shapes library, and to generate
a rectangle for the slab from the Parametric shapes library, then to use the Merge option to
correctly model the slab in position over the U beam. The procedure for doing this is similar to
the procedure described in the example in section 1.3. The ends of the slab could be made
continuous when defining the section by pointing to the end face and clicking with the mouse.
The line will change to a broken line indicating a continuous face.

From the Main Menu select Data | Analysis Type | Torsion Properties.

From the Main Menu again, select Calculate | Analyse. The Torsion Properties calculation form
will be displayed.

A suitable grid size must be specified in the fields labelled Divisions in x direction and y
direction. Some guidance on the selection of a suitable grid size is contained in the help
message to those fields.

Click on the field labelled Join adjacent elements and select Yes The display will change so
that the joint between the precast beam and the slab will disappear, and the section is modified
to become one element for the overall shape, and another for the void.

Click on the Analyse button. The torsion constant C is calculated and the shape of the
membrane from Prandtls membrane analogy is displayed.

The vertical scale of the membrane on the display may be altered by entering a higher or lower
value in the field labelled Vertical scale factor.

1-12

If the beam and slab are separated by selecting No in the field labelled Join adjacent elements?, the
torsion property for the individual components can be calculated by selecting the appropriate element
in the field labelled Element to be analysed. The currently selected element is shown in red on the
display.
Note that it is also possible to join the beam and the slab together by using the Join option on the
section editor form. In this case the material property for the U beam must be defined, and the void
designated as such on the section editor form.
Note also that the value of C calculated and displayed by the program is not always suitable for direct
incorporation as the section property for a grillage / frame analysis program. Some guidance on the
interpretation of the torsion property calculation output is contained in the Help topic under Additional
Information for the Section and Beams Module.

1-13

2 Intentionally left Blank

2-14

3 Pre-tensioned prestressed beam analysis

3.1

Full Analysis of a Pre-tensioned Prestressed Beam

The following example illustrates the stages in the analysis of a pre-tensioned precast concrete simply
supported bridge beam. The analysis is carried out in the following stages:
Stage A:
Stage B:
Stage C:
Stage D:
Stage E:
Stage F:
Stage G:
Stage H:

Define the materials

Define the precast beam geometry and sections.
Define tendons
Analyse for section properties
Analyse for shrinkage and creep
Analyse for differential temperature
Define ULS and SLS loadings
Analyse for bending moments and shear forces and modify beam data and re-analyse

Results may be printed out at any stage.

1. Set the Analysis Type
From the Main Menu select File | New | Beam and then Data | Analysis Type | Pre-tensioned
prestressed.

2. Define the Material Properties

From the Main Menu select Data | Define Properties. The main properties editing form will appear.
Click on the first blue field under the heading Type then select Concrete BS from the drop-down
list which appears. The form for entering the material properties for concrete will appear.

3.Concrete Properties
Default values are supplied. Only values which are different from these need to be entered. When the
required values have been entered click on the OK button. The program will return to the previous
form.
Define various different concrete properties in this way for the beam at transfer (45 MPa), the beam in
the long term (50 MPa) and the various stages of in-situ concrete (40 MPa), and assign them

3-1

appropriate names.

4. Reinforcement Properties
Click on the fourth blue field under the heading Type, then select Reinforcing Steel from the dropdown list. The form for entering the material properties for reinforcement will appear. Default values
are supplied. Only values that are different to these need to be entered. When the required values (the
defaults in this example) and a suitable name have been entered, click on the OK button. The program
will return to the previous form.

5. Prestress Strand Properties

Click on the fifth blue field under the heading Type, then select Prestress strand BS& BS from the
drop-down list. The form for entering the material properties for prestressed strand will appear. Default
values are supplied. Only values that are different to these need to be entered. When the required
values (the defaults in this example) and a suitable name have been entered, click on the OK button.
The program will return to the previous form. Click on OK again to return to the Main Menu.

6. Define the pre-tensioned beam

Select Data | Define Beam from the Main Menu. The main Pre-tensioned Beam Definition form will
appear.
Click on the first field labelled Beam length:, and enter a suitable value (say 29 m). If the supports are
not coincident with the ends of the beams, then enter suitable values in the fields labelled Support to
beam end face. Positive values yield a cantilever overhang and negative values imply the beam is
built into (say) a thick diaphragm. This information is only used in the Beam Load definition feature
discussed later. The distance between the supports will be shown labelled Support c/c. Leave the

3-2

supports and the beam end coincident for this example.

Click on the blue field labelled Suggest size of, and choose a suitable type of beam from the dropdown list. In this case, choose SuperT girder. The Pre-tensioned Beam Initial Sizing form appears
with some suggested beam sizes.

7. Initial Beam size selection

Choose one of the beams suggested for the current span length by clicking on the field labeled
Select from and picking an option from the drop-down list (often there is only one choice). In this
case the example will use a 1200 Deep SuperT Beam, click on OK to return to the main beam
definition form.

8. Define the beam (cont.)

If there is more than one cross section to be used, click the field labelled Cross section is, to show
varying, and then specify the number of different sections (maximum 5) that will be defined. For this
example, leave this field as Uniform.
Click on the blue field labelled Define, and from the pop-up menu pick Section. The Pre-tensioned
Beam Section Definition form will appear.

9. Define the precast beam

If a section other than the one already selected is desired, click on the blue field containing PC Beam-

3-3

standard, choose PC Beam - standard from the drop-down list, and using the Concrete Beams
form, pick the beam size required, and click on the OK button when complete. In this way, amend the
1200 Deep SuperT to be an 1200 Deep RTA Open-Top. The new beam size will be displayed in the
section definition form.

3.1.1

10. Define stage 1 cast-in-place concrete

Select a blank blue field in the column headed Component, and select In situ - regular from the
drop-down list. Use the Parametric Shapes form which appears, to define in-situ concrete 2m wide by
0.16m deep and when complete return to the section definition form by clicking on OK. Change the X
and Y offsets of the in situ concrete to place it in the correct location with respect to the beam, in this
case change the Y offset to1200 mm.

11. Define stage 2 & 3 in situ concrete

Create up to two more stages of in-situ concrete in the same way, if required. For this example, create
a parapet upstand by selecting a blank blue field in the column headed Component, and select In
situ - define from the drop-down list. A drawing form appears. Change the grid size to 100 mm (click
on the Grid Options button on the graphics window, enter the new value in the field labeled Dim and
click on Done), and then draw any shape. For simplicity, draw a rectangle 200 mm deep and 200 mm
wide and click on OK when complete to return to the main section form. Change the X and Y offsets to
be 900 mm and 1350 mm respectively, so that it resembles a simple parapet upstand.

3-4

12. Define cast-in-place concrete (cont.)

Note that in the blue fields in the column headed Stage, SAM has assumed that the concrete is
poured by stages in the same order as that in which they were drawn (refer to the Help message for
the significance of Stages 1A and 1B). This may not always be the case, so point to the fields that are
incorrect, and correct them from the drop-down list that appears. To delete areas where stages
overlap, Merge by Stage # button, and observe that the in situ concrete is modified where it overlaps
any previous stage, or overlaps the beam. An error will occur if this process would leave an in situ
concrete item in two or more separate parts. For this example, the order of drawing was the same as
the order of construction, so no changes (other than the merging by stages) are needed.

13. Assign the properties

Note that in the columns headed Transfer Property and Final Property SAM has already assigned
properties to the concrete. This is done on the basis that the precast beam (final) is the highest grade
concrete defined, and that all other concrete is the lowest grade defined. It may be necessary to adjust
the property for the beam at transfer to an intermediate property. It is necessary in this example, and
should be done now by clicking on the box under Transfer Property, in the row with the standard PC
beam, and selecting the concrete property that was defined for the transfer stage.
14. Other Optional data
SAM will automatically calculate the stresses at top and bottom fibres of the beam. It will also calculate
the stresses at any level of the in-situ concrete, although by default this will be the top and bottom
fibres..
SAM will automatically calculate the position of the neutral axis from the section data entered. In the
case of an edge beam with a parapet upstand, it may be required to force the neutral axis to be the
same level as for its inside neighbour (without the upstand) or some intermediate value. In this case,
build the beam up to the same level of detail as the neighbour (i.e., no upstand), and then check the
field in the Neutral Axis part of the form labelled Constrain?. Select Yes when a message asks if
you wish to recalculate the value. Now proceed with the generation of the section, by adding the
upstand and the neutral axis will not change its value until a re-calculation is requested. Alternatively
enter the required value in the field labelled Height:. In this example, allow SAM to calculate the
neutral axis by leaving the field labelled Constrain? unchecked.
SAM assumes a shear resistance width of the beam. If this is not a suitable value, over-ride this with
an appropriate value in the field labelled Shear resistance: Width: (see the Help message to
discover the logic behind SAMs default value).
15. Assign the section name
Lastly, give the section an appropriate name by entering a name in the field labelled Name.

3-5

When all the parameters are correct, return to the main beam definition form by clicking on OK. The
outline of the beam will be displayed, along with the stages of the concrete. If more than one section is
required, define the others in a similar way. The Section Locations selection under the Define field
drop-down list then allows the sections to be placed at their desired locations, but this example will not
go through this process.

16. Define the tendons

Click on the blue field labelled Define and select Tendons from the drop-down list. The Pretensioned Beam Tendon Definition form appears, showing the default tendon positions for the
selected beam. Click on the Help button for a help message showing the significance of the tendon
symbols.
If the default tendon positions are inappropriate they can be deleted and redefined by clicking in the
blue field labelled Edit tendons, and selecting Define locations from the drop-down list. This is
usually unnecessary for a new design, and will not be done in this example. Return to the tendon
definition form by clicking on OK.

17. Insert / Remove tendons

SAM assumes that all the tendons are present by default. In this example, initially only the top flange
tendons and the bottom row of tendons in the bottom flange will be used. To do this, select all the
lower tendons in the cross section at the left of the graphics screen by clicking the left mouse button at
the top left and bottom right of a box that surrounds them all. They will turn from green to blue. Click
on the right mouse button and select Delete from the pop-up menu, and they turn grey, signifying that
their positions are remembered, but that they are not physically there. Notice that the lines showing
the rows of tendons in the elevation also disappear. Now, to reinstate individual tendons in the bottom
row, point to a tendon, and click with the left mouse button, and press the Insert key. Reinstate all the
tendons in the bottom row in this way (there should be eleven). If a tendon is incorrectly selected, it
can be deleted by pressing the Delete key in place of the Insert key. In practice, to select an entire
group such as a row, it is quicker to draw a box around the group, click the right mouse button and
select Insert (or press the Insert key) to select them all.

3-6

Note that the window may be resized to make selection of the tendons easier. (The F4 key redraws
the section to fill the window area)

18. Modify tendon attributes

SAM assumes tendon areas appropriate to the selected precast beam, and a corresponding
transmission length coefficient. Also, if more than one prestress strand material property is defined,
then it assumes all tendons are the first prestressed strand material. To change these defaults, click
on the blue Edit tendons field, and select Set attributes from the drop-down list. Select the tendons
which are to be changed by drawing a box around them as before. They will change colour to blue,
and the Tendon Attributes form will appear. Enter the required parameters, and click on OK when
complete. In this example, do not make any changes.

The simple uniform beam is now defined, so return to the Main Menu by clicking on OK twice.
19. Analyse for section properties
Select File | Print to display the printing form. Check the box labelled Section Properties and click on
the print preview icon in the same row of the form. The results produced will be a comprehensive set
of section properties for the beam section appropriate to the left hand end of the beam.
(To obtain the section properties at any other section the Design section . . . must be selected as
described below under the heading Analyse for Temperature Gradient (1):).
Click on the Cancel button to return to the Main Menu.

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20. Analyse for Temperature Gradient (1)

From the Main Menu, select Calculate | Analyse and the Pre-tensioned Beam Analysis form will
appear. Position the cursor in the field at the bottom labelled Design section for results printout: The
arrow buttons to the right will increment or decrement the number displayed by 1. The green arrow
beneath the elevation of the beam will move at the same time to indicate the currently selected
section. Select a position at about mid span.
Now click over the blue field labelled Set parameters for and select the appropriate differential
temperature profile generator from the drop-down list. In this case, select Differential temp 2.9.3. The
differential temperature profile data form will appear.

21. Analyse for Temperature Gradient (2)

Specify the group, the surfacing type and the surface thickness, and when correct click on OK to
return to the Beam Analysis Form. Click on the field labelled Analyse for, and select Diff temp
primary stress from the drop-down list.

22. Analyse for Differential Temperature (3)

The Calculate Temperature Stresses form now appears and the temperature stresses are calculated.
Make a note of the positive and reverse relaxing moments for use in an analysis program. Click on OK
to return to the analysis form.

3-8

23. Analyse for shrinkage and creep

Click over the blue field labelled Set parameters for and select Shrinkage and creep from the dropdown list. A form for Data for Shrinkage & Creep will appear, and the fields in this should be
completed as appropriate. When correct click on OK to return to the analysis form.

Click on the blue field labelled Analyse for, and select Shrinkage/Creep primary from the drop-down
list. The Calculate Shrinkage Stresses form appears and the stresses are calculated. Make a note of
the positive and reverse relaxing moment for use in an analysis program. Click on OK to return to the
analysis form, and on OK again to return to the Main Menu.

24. Define Service LS and Strength LS Loadings

There are four options available:

Enter data directly into the loading tables

Enter data via an ASCII text file
Enter data directly from the SAM analysis program
Use the Beam Load Generator to generate loadings.

3-9

In all cases, the following notes apply:

For each loading case, data is required for at least both ends of the beam.
The load effects entered are design loads, not nominal loads.
Data should always be entered for the load case labelled erection of beam. A warning
message to the effect that the self-weight has not been defined will be displayed if this data is
not supplied.

Loadings entered directly into the loading tables: From the Main Menu, select Data | Define
Loading. Click with the mouse over the field labelled Loading description: and select from the dropdown list the first load case for which data is to be. By default two positions on the beam, one at each
end, are present in the table. Additional points can be inserted (or deleted) by using the = or -
buttons at the bottom of the in table. Enter the position, moment and force data in the table. When all
the data has been entered, click on the OK button to return to the Main Menu. Do not enter any data
for this example.
Loadings entered via an ASCII file: Refer to Importing Beam load data in the help file.
Loadings entered via the SAM analysis program interface: Refer to help by clicking on the Help
button on the relevant form
Loadings entered via the beam load generator: Refer to help by clicking on the Help button on the
relevant form.

25. Generate loads with the beam load generator

From the Main Menu, select Data | Define Loading. Click with the mouse over the field labelled
Loading description: and select the first load case for which data is to be entered, for example, select
erection of beam. Click now on the button labelled Generate.

26. Define Dead loads

Enter values into the Generate Beam Loads form. In this case, the default values are 11.24 kN/m in
both fields as the UDL intensity, which is calculated from the cross section area of the beam and the
density specified for the concrete. Since the beam is going to be simply supported, enter 100 in the
two fields labelled % Redistribution from supports (press the help button on the form and then click
on locate field help selecting one of the fields in the list to see how it works). Note that the appropriate
load factors for this loading case are already entered, but these may be over-ridden.

3-10

The example requires bending moments at 1/10th points along the beam, so leave the Increments
fields at their default values. Click on OK to generate the bending moment and shear force diagrams
for Service LS and Strength LS. Repeat this exercise for Construction Stage 1A and Construction
stage 2.
27. Define Live Loads
In this example, only two live loads will be entered: for live load BM and for live load SF + associated
BM. For the first of these load cases, enter a UDL as above, where the value of the UDL is 18 kN/m,
then click on OK to generate the moments and shears for the loading that has been defined.
Repeat this procedure for the Shear Force + BM load case, using 18 kN/m UDL load as above.

28. Analyse for Moments and Shears

From the Main Menu, select Calculate | Analyse, and the Pre-tensioned Beam Analysis form will
appear. Select the required section from this form as described for Analyse for Differential
Temperature (1) above. From the subsequent boxes, choose the limit state, load combination and
class as required. The calculations are performed automatically for the whole length of the beam at
each point where there is a bending moment or shear force defined, at a change of section, at points
where deflecting or debonding is defined, and at a transfer length in from debonding points. The
results are displayed graphically, and for the selected section are available on screen by clicking on
the Results button, or on the printer by making the appropriate selection off the Main Menu File | Print
option. The design process for the sample beam will now be detailed:

3-11

29. Analyse for live load BM 1 at Service LS

Click on the field labelled Analyse for:, and choose the BM for live load 1 option and select
Serviceability Limit State. To modify the tendons, click the mouse anywhere within the display of the
beam elevation. SAM jumps to the tendon definition form, and tendons can be edited. On completion,
click on OK to return to the analysis form. The graph is modified accordingly until the display is green
for bottom fiber tension (within acceptable limits) and as close to the limits as the design requires.
Often the graph for the top fiber may be red (exceeds limits), since there can often be some tension
near the supports.

In the case of a design, debonding could be investigated. This is often worse for the transfer case, and
debonding is described following the analysis for transfer in this example

30. Analyse for transfer

Click on the field labelled Analyse for:, and choose the Transfer option from the drop-down list. Set the
Design Section . . . arrow to mid-span. The top red line is the allowable compressive stress, and the
bottom red line is the allowable tensile stress. The long dashed curved line is the actual stress in the
bottom fibre of the beam. The solid curved line is the actual stress in the top fibre of the beam. In this
case this line is red, since it is outside the allowable limits at the ends. This will be adjusted in this
example by debonding some tendons. Click on the Results button to review the calculation for midspan: to exit the results screen click on the Exit Viewer icon.

31. Debond some tendons

Click within the beam elevation near the left support where the stress changes sign, to go to the
tendon definition form again.
Notice that the small green arrow is pointing at the selected position, and the Section at comment on
the form is showing how far away this is from the left hand end. Use this information to make a
judgement as to where to put a debond position: in this case 7.5 m from the support.

3-12

Click on the blue field labelled Edit tendons and select Debond from the drop-down list. Ensure that
the box labelled Symmetrical Elevation? is checked so that changes made to the left end of the beam
are reflected at the right end too. Enter 7.5 into the field labelled Left Dimension. Notice that the
Right Dimension field automatically contains 21.5 m. To debond a tendon, select the tendon by
clicking on it (or group several tendons with the mouse) on the section drawing, and press the Insert
key in a similar manner to the procedure for inserting and removing tendons used earlier. Debond three
tendons in the bottom layer and three tendons in the second layer in this way.
There should now be four small blue lines on the elevation signifying debond positions. The small
green arrow can be moved with the mouse: the section to the left of the graphics screen displays the
beam cross section where the green arrow is positioned. Move the arrow to various positions to see
how the tendons are displayed in different ways (click once, then drag, and click again to release).
Click on OK to return to the analysis form.
32. Re-Analyse
Revise the Design section . . . arrow position so that it again points to mid-span (the debond positions
have resulted in more calculation points being defined). This time both lines of actual stresses are
green. Click on Results to review the calculations at mid-span. Click on the Exit Viewer icon to exit
the results screen.
The debond positions can be changed in the analysis form by picking up a blue marker and moving it
with the mouse. Notice that when one is moved, so does its opposite number at the other end of the
beam, provided that the Symmetrical elevation? field is still checked. Move the positions and reanalyse to see the effects. To locate the positions exactly, click within the beam elevation, click on the
field labelled Edit tendons and select Edit span positions from the drop-down list. Enter realistic
positions (for example 2.0m), and click on OK to complete. Click on OK to return to the analysis form,
so that the calculations are reanalysed, and ensure that this configuration works.
Now analyse for BM for live load 1 again to make sure that the configuration is satisfactory for this
live load.
33. Analyse for live load BM 1 at Strength Limit State:
Click on the field labelled Analyse for:, and choose the BM for live load 1 option. Click on the radio
button labelled Limit State: Ultimate and see that the beam is satisfactory at the Strength Limit State.

3-13

34. Analyse for Shear

Set the design data for shear by clicking on the blue field labelled Set parameters for and picking
Shear calculations from the drop-down list and entering the required parameters in the form. Click on
OK to return to the analysis form. Change the design section for results to be section 2 (one
transmission length in from the left hand support). Select Shear Force + BM. The shear force diagram
is shown green because it is less than the allowable shear force with maximum links all along the
beam. However, just near the supports it is greater than the shear force allowed with only nominal
links. The Results display will show the extra steel requirement at any section where minimum links
are not adequate.

3-14

3.2

Pre-tensioned precast beam with temporary supports

This example assumes that a 20 m long I girder is to be temporarily supported on props that are 3m in
from the ends of the beam. Then it will be supported at its ends, and the props will be removed. The
purpose is to show how to model this process in SAM. It is assumed that the reader his already
familiar with the concepts raised in the previous example.
To demonstrate this procedure, define a new I girder, 20 m long, with a default slab of 1.0 m by 0.16 m
(it is important not to carry on from the previous example, or other old data, since the existing data will
cause messages that will be confusing when following this text).
In order to model the self weight of the beam, proceed as follows:

From the Main Menu select Data | Define Loading, and then select the loadcase Erection of
beam.
Using the beam load generator, generate a load that results from a UDL of 5.605 kN/m,
assuming the beam is simply supported at its ends. This is stage I of the BM diagram and SF
diagram.
Using statics, calculate the values of the reactions at the offset supports (in this case, WL/2, or
56.05 kN).
Apply a very intense UDL equivalent to -56.05 kN centred over the left hand temporary support,
i.e. 3 m from the left hand end. The value cannot be negative, but this can be worked around
by making the loading factors negative. When exiting, add this to the existing moments and
shears. This is stage II of the BM diagram and SF diagram.
Similarly, apply a very intense UDL over the right hand temporary support. The resultant
bending moments and shears are those for a beam supported at the offset supports. This
completes the BM diagram and SF diagram for the erection loadcase.

This example will now assume that the temporary props are removed after the stage 1 in situ concrete
is in place. In this example there is no stage 2 or 3 in situ concrete, and the removal of the props is
modelled together with the superimposed dead load loading.

Define the stage 1 in situ concrete loading, including an allowance for the loads in the
temporary supports as for erection loads above.
Define the superimposed dead load loading. Use the beam load generator as described above
to add to this loading the effect of removal of the temporary supports. (i.e. Two point loads equal
to the final load in the props, but opposite in sign, are added to the other loads for this loading.)
The live loadings are then applied as normal, and the analysis performed.

3-15

4 Intentionally Left Blank

4-16

5 Line Beam Analysis

5.1

Line Beam Analysis of a three span bridge

The following example illustrates the stages in the analysis of a simple three span, pre-tensioned
precast bridge deck built of Super T Girders. It assumes that the data for the precast beam and deck
is similar to that already defined in example 3. The analysis is carried out in the following stages:
Stage A:
Stage B:
Stage C:
Stage D:
Stage E:
Stage F:

Define the Super T precast beam and deck.

Define the basic geometry of the bridge
Specify the types of members of the bridge
Assign shape details to the spans
Generate load effects
Export load effect results for SAM beam design and code check

The data summary may be printed out after stage D, and results after stage E.
The numeric data given in this example assumes that the units are set to the default SI units.
1. Define the Super T Girder and deck
The beam is defined using the pre-stressed beam module of SAM as described in Example 3. The
relevant articles in that example are articles 1-6, 8-10, 12-13, and 15.
The details for this example are the same except that the stage 2 cast in place parapet upstand details
are omitted.
A Differential Temperature profile must be defined in order that the differential temperature effects can
be analysed in the line beam. (See articles 20 & 21 in example 3

2. Set up the model type

From the Main Menu select File | New | Structure and then Data | Structure Type | Line Beam.
Next, from the Main Menu again, select Data | Structure Geometry. The Structure Geometry (Line
Beam) form will appear.

3. Define the Span details

Set the number of spans required to 5, and in the column headed Span Length, enter the lengths of
the respective spans as 20, 5, 20, 5, 20. See that the graphic display reflects the changes made to the
data as it is entered. In the column headed Displacement change the support conditions for the 3rd
and 4th supports from Fixed to Free. Note that the display has changed, and the centre span is now
modelled as a drop-in span.

5-1

In fact this example will be based upon a simpler 3 span configuration, so reset the number of spans
to 3, enter the span length as 29m for each span and make them all fixed. Divide each span into 10
divisions, which is adequate for this example.
Exit the Structure Geometry (Line Beam) form by clicking OK.

4. Define Section Data

From the Main Menu select Data | Define Section Data. The Define Section Properties form will
appear. This example assumes all spans are of the same section; each being Super T beams and
deck. In the first row of the table under the heading Origin select SAM Prestress beam. The Import
SAM file form will appear.

5. Import SAM Beam Data

Click on the Browse button, and navigate to the file containing the data for the Super T beam and deck
generated in stage 1 above. In the Properties area of this form, set the Description as required (for
example Spans 1 to 3), and set the type to Transformed section beam and slab. Click on OK to
return to the Define Section Properties form. Since there is no other Section Property data required
for this example, click on OK on this form to return to the Main Menu.

5-2

6. Assign Section Data

From the Main Menu select Data | Assign Section Data | Basic. The Assign Section Properties form
will appear. Click on the Fill Table button. In this example, since only one section data set has been
defined, only the first row of the table is filled, and it refers to the SAM Prestressed beam created at
stage 1, and selected at article 5 above. Point with the mouse and click on the first span of the beam
on the graphic display. Note that it changes colour from green to red. Since the first row of the table is
in focus, the section data of the pre-stressed beam is now assigned to the first span of the line beam.
Repeat this for all three spans.

(Note that if other spans were built with a different beam, it would first be necessary to focus onto the
row of the table which contained the required beam. This may be done by pointing with the mouse and
clicking in the required row in the column under the heading Member Group Title).
Click on OK to exit the Assign Properties form.
7. Generate optimised Live Load effects
From the Main Menu select Data | Applied Loadings | Automated Loading. The Automated
Loadings form will appear showing the Live Load Envelope page. This page contains default
information which can be changed if required. Check the boxes for S160, HLP400, A160 and M1600
to find the optimised case

Click on the Analyse button. The program will generate all the required influence lines and will now
run the vehicles selected on the form across the bridge and store the critical effects for moments
5-3

(sagging and hogging) and shears at all the beam sub-division positions. After a while the Analysis
Complete message box appears. Click on OK. The envelopes of moments and shears are displayed
in the graphic window.

8. View the Live Load Envelope results

Click on the Results button, and see a description of how the results are produced followed by the
numerical results. Click on the Exit Viewer icon to return to the Live Load Envelope page. The
envelopes of load effects may now be transferred to the beam module for design and code checking.

9. Generate dead loading effects

Click with the mouse on the Dead and SDL Loading tab. Now click on the field labelled Continuous
from Stage and select the stage prior to which the prestressed beam is analysed as simply supported
spans. In this example Stage 1A Concrete is selected indicating that the individual spans beams are
somehow made continuous before the cast-in-place concrete is added (realism sacrificed for
illustrative purposes here).
Click the check-boxes Analyse for Diff. Temp. and Analyse for Shrinkage to calculate the secondary
moments for these effects.

5-4

Click on the Analyse button, and the program will generate dead loads and associated moments and
shears for each construction stage. In this example the assigned section data is a uniform prestressed beam file containing three stages: the PC beam, cast in place concrete slab and the edge
detail

Click on the radio button labelled Generated Loads to display the dead loadings. Alternatively select
Moments and Shears to display the moment and shears due to the generated dead loads. Selecting
a single stage in the panel labelled Included Dead Loads will show the dead loads or moments and
shears for an individual stage.
Select Differential Temperature etc from the Load Type: field to view the results for differential
temperature. The full and broken green lines are the positive and reverse temperature effects
respectively, and the red line shows the results for shrinkage effects.

10. View the Dead Load Moments and Shears Tabular results
Click on the Results button to view the dead load moments and shears, and the temperature and
shrinkage restraining and relaxing moments. These load effects can be transferred to the beam
module for design and code checking.

5-5

11. Generate Deflection Details

Click with the mouse on the Deflections tab. The deflections are automatically displayed. Check the
boxes to include deflections due to dead loading at each construction stage in the display and results
table. These fields are only available once the dead loads have been generated. The SDL deflections
or Live Load deflections are only available once the SDL load effects or Live Load Envelopes
respectively have been generated.

Click on the field labelled Deflection Type to toggle the view between dead, SDL and live load
deflections.
Click on the Results button to view the deflections details.
The dead and live load effects can now be transferred to the beam module for design and code
checking.
12. Select beam for beam design module
Click on the Transfer Beam Load button, and select the beam which is to be designed. This is done
with the mouse by pointing to the required beam. The selected beam will be highlighted, and the file in
which it is stored, together with brief identifying details will be shown on the Select Beam form

Click the OK button on this form, and the form for assigning the envelopes to corresponding load
cases for the beam design will appear.

5-6

13. Transfer enveloped effects to beam module

In row 1 of the table, select Live Load BM in the Design Load Case column, 1 in the Index column
and Maximum sagging Moments in the Automated Load Results column.
In row 2 of the table, select Live Load BM in the Design Load Case column, 2 in the Index column
and Maximum hogging Moments in the Automated Load Results column.
In row 3 of the table, select Live Load SF + associated BM in the Design Load Case column, 1 in the
Index column and Maximum Shears in the Automated Load Results column.
In row 4 of the table, select Erection of Beam in both the Design Load Case column and the
Automated Load Results column.
In row 5 of the table, select Construction Stage 1A in both the Design Load Case column and the
Automated Load Results column.
In row 6 of the table, select Construction Stage 2 in both the Design Load Case column and the
Automated Load Results column.
In row 7 of the table, select Superimposed dead load in both the Design Load Case column and the
Automated Load Results column.
In row 8 of the table, select Differential temperature pos. in the Design Load Case column and
select Temperature or Shrinkage in the Automated Load Results column.
In row 9 of the table, select Differential temperature rev. in the Design Load Case column and
select Temperature or Shrinkage in the Automated Load Results column.
In row 10 of the table, select Shrinkage and creep in the Design Load Case column and select
Temperature or Shrinkage in the Automated Load Results column.
The factors for ULS and SLS will not generally need to be altered.
Click on the AASHTO D.F. Wizard button.
14. Distribution Factors for both Moments and Shears

This form may be used to specify or calculate the transverse distribution factors for live loads in
accordance with Article 4.6.2.2.2 of the AASHTO LRFD Specifications. Change the cross section type
to C and enter other data as shown above. Click the OK button on this form to accept the
5-7

distribution factors calculated using this data.

Click on the Transfer to Beam Module button, and after agreeing to delete any existing generated
load data in the beam file, the Define Pre-tensioned beam loads form will appear. Select a Loading
Description of Live load BM to show the load effects for a sagging envelope (with associated shears)

The program is now in the Beam module, and the beam design may continue as described in Example
3. The relevant articles in that example are articles 28 onwards .
To transfer back to the Analysis module, click on the Interface button on the Define Pre-tensioned
Beam Loads form.

5-8

6 Bridge Deck Analysis

6.1

Analysis of a single span grillage bridge deck

The following example illustrates the stages in the analysis of a simple single span grillage bridge
deck. The analysis is carried out in the following stages:
Stage A:
Stage B:
Stage C:
Stage D:
Stage E:

Define the basic geometry of the deck

Define the grillage mesh and supports
Specify the types of members of the grillage
Assign shape details to the members
Calculate an influence surface for a selected load effect and location, and generate
highway loadings from the influence surface
Stage F:
Generate other basic loading cases
Stage G:
Analyse the structure
Stage H:
Generate loading compilations and envelopes
Stage I: Export load effect results for SAM beam design and code check
The data summary may be printed out after stage D, and results after stage E (for influence
coefficients) or stage G (for moments, displacements, etc.).
The numeric data given in this example assumes that the units are set to the default SI units.
Note that the girder definition in this example uses the pre-stressed beam module of SAM. The
process is as described in Example 3.

1. Define the Deck Design Line

From the Main Menu select File | New | Structure, then Data | Structure Type | Bridge Deck only.
Next select Data | Structure Geometry and the design line editing form will appear. The blue field
labelled Line Type already contains Line, so define a line from (-17.0, 0.0) to (17.0, 0.0) click once
with the mouse in the drawing area to define the start of the line, and again to define the end of the
line. The coordinates may be modified if necessary in the table, or alternatively they may be entered
directly in the table without first drawing the line on the display.

2. Define the Sub-structure design line

Click on the blue field labelled Line Ref: and select B1. Click now on the blue field labelled Line
Type and select Line. Define the bottom Design Line from (-2.5, -7.5) to (2.5, 7.5) in the same way
that the top Design Line was defined. Press the F4 key to fit the graphics within the window.

6-1

3. Define the Carriageway

Click with the mouse on the carriageway tab (second from the left). Now click with the mouse on the
top design line (T1), and the carriageway with the default kerb and lane offsets will be seen on the
display. In this example, these defaults will be used.

Click on the blue field labelled Loaded Width Location and select Centred. The sub-form below will
appear. The default design lane width of 3.2m is from Standards Australia AS5100, Part 2 (draft) Bridge
Design Code. This example will conform to AUSTROADS 92 Bridge Design Code so change the width
for both lanes to 3.0m. Click on the OK button

4. Define Construction Lines

Click with the mouse on the Construction Line tab (third left). Now click with the mouse under the first
cell of the table in the column labelled Line Type, and select Offset parallel to DL. Next click with the
mouse over the bridge deck design line (T1) in the drawing area (it is hidden in this example behind
the road centreline). Now enter the offset from this Design Line as 6.0m in the first field of the column
headed Offset Dimension. Repeat this process to define a second Construction Line with an offset of
6.0m, and then twice more for two further Construction lines, this time selecting Offset to E/W of DL
with offsets of 14.5m and 14.5m from the bottom Design Line (B1).

6-2

The basic geometry has now been defined, and the next stage is to define the grillage mesh and
supports. This process involves the use of Bridge Groups which are sets of bridge objects which may
be:
Span-End Lines;
Grillage Meshes;
Additional beams;

Supported nodes, all with the same constraints

Member releases

In this example, just 3 groups will be used, one for span-end lines, one for the grillage mesh and the
third for the supported nodes.
5. Bridge Groups
Click with the mouse over the Bridge Groups tab (fourth from left). Now click with the mouse in the first
row of the table, in the column headed Object Type, and select Span-end Lines. The Span-end
Lines sub-form will appear.

6. Define Span-end Lines

Each span-end line merely requires 2 clicks of the mouse on the display, one for the start and one for
the end of the line. . The snap mode can be set, by clicking on the down arrow in the Snap panel of
the graphics window status bar. The default is Intersection which need not be changed for this
example. Click at intersections of the construction lines to define one span-end line at the left end and
one at the right end of the basic geometry data displayed, then exit the Span-end Lines sub-form by
clicking OK.

7. Define the Grillage Mesh outline

Now click with the mouse in the second blue cell in the column headed Object Type of the table on
the Bridge Groups form, and select Mesh: orthogonal to span, and the Mesh Tool sub-form will
appear. Grillage meshes are defined from any four points, and in this example the ends of the spanend lines will be used. Click with the mouse therefore at each of the four ends in turn, and after the
fourth click, the mesh will appear.

6-3

8. Define the mesh details

For this example the mesh will be orthogonal to span', and so no change needs to be made in the
field labelled Define Mesh'. However, seven longitudinal members are required, and so the value in
the field labelled No:' under the heading Longitudinal' is changed from 6 to 7. Also the density of
transverse members in the skew regions is to be reduced. To do this select Left Skew' from the field
labelled Region', and change the density from 1:1 to 1:2 in the field labelled Density:' under the
heading Transverse. Repeat this for the right hand skew region.

Proceed by clicking OK on the Mesh Tool sub-form, then selecting Supported Nodes from the first
available blue field in the Bridge Groups form. Supported Nodes sub-form will appear.
9. Define LH Supported Nodes
Nominate all the nodes along the left hand span-end line as supported' by boxing around them with
the mouse in the drawing area. A small yellow square will indicate each supported node. The
constraints for all these supports can be as defined. These may be modified either before or after the
supports are defined by clicking in the relevant field and selecting from the options of fixed, free or
spring. If the advanced analysis option is licensed, lift-off or limited supports could be defined. In this
example, the default constraints and standard support type will be used.

10. Define RH Supported Nodes

Nominate all the nodes along the right hand span-end line as supported in the same way as for the left
hand supports. Since the constraints are the same these can all be in the same bridge group.
Individual supported nodes may be selected by pointing with the mouse and clicking with the left
button. To de-select, click on the down arrow in the Select panel of the graphics bar status panel and

6-4

select Remove from the drop-down menu

NOTE: If the support does not occur at the intersection of 2 grillage members, individual supports may
be defined as described in 10 above at the intersection of a member with a design line or
construction line.
The grillage mesh and supports have now been defined, and the next stage is to define the member
types, and hence the section geometry. Return to the main menu by clicking on the OK button of the
Supported Nodes sub-form and then of the Bridge Groups form. Select Data | Define Section Data
from the Main Menu, and Define Section Properties form will appear.
11. Section details for Longitudinal beams
Click with the mouse in the first blue field of the column headed Origin' and select SAM Prestress
Beam'. The Import SAM file sub-form will appear.

12. Select SAM beam data file

Click on the Browse button and select a SAM prestress beam file containing a 20m long beam. (the
file PSAU29.SAM will be adequate for this purpose). In the field labelled no. per grillage beam' enter
2, because the SAM beam is 2m wide, and the grillage members are 2m apart. Set the property type
to transformed section' and beam & slab', or other method as may be required, then click OK.

13. Section details for transverse beams

Click with the mouse in the second blue field in the column headed Origin' and select Continuous
Slab'.
6-5

14. Define continuous slab

On the Concrete Slab sub-form which appears, enter the slab thickness as 0.16m, then click on the
OK button, to return to the Define Section Properties form.

15. Section details for diaphragms

Click with the mouse in the third blue field under the heading Origin' and select parametric shapes'.

16. Define diaphragm

On the Parametric Shapes sub-form that appears the default shape is a rectangle, which we will use.
Enter the rectangle width and depth in the appropriate fields as 600 and 1000, and click on the OK
button to return to the Define Section Properties form. Click on the OK button of this form to return to
the main menu.

The next stage is the assignment of the section geometry data to the grillage model. Select Data |
Assign Section Data | Basic from the Main Menu, and the Assign Section Properties form
6-6

appears. The grillage is shown in the display area with all the members drawn in green. The colour of
the members will change during the assignment process, and the code is as follows:
Green
Red
Grey

- no properties have been assigned to the member.

- the current properties have been assigned to the member.
- properties have been assigned to the member, but not the current properties.

17. Assign Longitudinal beam properties

Click with the mouse button labelled Fill Table, and the rows of the table are then filled with the section
property types that have been defined. Ensure that the cursor is in the first row of the table (which
contains the SAM prestressed beam section data), and that the field labelled Pick mode:' is set to
Longitudinal Beam'. Now box around the whole grillage mesh in the drawing area with the mouse.
The longitudinal members in the grillage mesh turn red, and the SAM prestressed beam is now
associated with each of those members, and will be used to supply the section properties.

18. Assign Transverse beam properties

Move the cursor to the second row of the table (which contains the continuous slab section data).
Click on the field labelled Pick mode:', and select Transverse Beam '. Now box around the whole
grillage mesh in the drawing area with the mouse. The transverse members in the grillage mesh turn
red, and the continuous slab properties are now associated with each of those members.

19. Assign diaphragm beam properties

Move the cursor to the third row of the table (which contains the parametric shape section data). Click
on the field labelled Pick mode:' and select Any Member'. Now point with the mouse to each of the
end diaphragms in turn, and click. The diaphragm members in the grillage mesh turn red, and the
parametric shape properties are now assigned.

6-7

20. Check Property Assignments

With the cursor in a field of the table under the heading Section Data Set', use the arrow keys to move
the cursor up and down the table to see which members are red for each section data set. (Note that if
the same section data set has been entered twice, the different groups can be seen with the cursor in
the column headed Member Group Title').

A complete structural model which can be loaded and analysed has now been defined. Click on the
OK button to return to the Main Menu.
In this example we proceed to a basic influence surface analysis for locating highway loadings. The
advanced load optimisation option is described in section 6.5, which replaces article 21. Generate an
Influence Surfaceto 23. Define a vehicle load case Take the following steps to determine which
influence surface analysis is licensed:

Choose Help | About... from the Main Menu.

Select the License Info tab.

If the advanced load optimisation option has been licensed, the 'Structure modules' list will include
Influence Surface Advanced Option, otherwise the basic influence surface analysis is licensed.
For basic option select Data | Applied Loadings | Basic Influence Surface. An influence surface
analysis requires a location on the structural model, and a load effect. In this example an influence
surface will be generated for the sagging moment at mid-span along the longitudinal grillage member
which is second from the top on the display.
21. Generate an Influence Surface
Click with the mouse on the display over the second beam from the top, and the fourth beam element
from the left end of the span. The beam element will turn cyan with a blob at its left end. Click in the
second field labelled Member:', and the select End'; the blob on the highlighted beam element then
appears at the other end. The field labelled Load effect' contains My sagging' by default, and the field
labelled Analyse to' shows Build influence surface'. Click on the Analyse button, and the specified
influence surface is generated, and displayed in a contoured plot, with adverse areas in a darker
shade than non-adverse ones (which dont appear in this example). To inspect the surface, click on
the Dynamic View button (represented by an eye icon) to switch to dynamic view mode. Move the
mouse over the graphic window, whilst holding the LEFT button down, to rotate the surface.

6-8

22. Define a T44 Truck load case from the influence surface:
Click with the mouse over the field labelled Analyse to' and select Find worst Load'. Generate an HB
vehicle load at the position on the deck (0.5m) that causes the worst sagging moment at the selected
point by clicking on the Create Load button. The location of the vehicle is shown on the display. For a
closer tolerance, the value in the field labelled Resolution:' could be reduced, but the analysis time will
increase.

Load cases for other load effects and at other locations can be generated in a similar manner. The
next stage is to define other basic load cases. Click on the OK button to return to the Main Menu, and
then select Data | Applied Loadings | Basic Load Cases. The Define Basic Loading form, which
appears, already contains the data for the load cases that have been generated from influence
surface. Move the cursor up or down the table with the arrow keys to highlight on the display the load
cases in turn, and view their details in the sub-forms that appear.
23. Define a vehicle load case
The basic loadings are grouped by category. Click on a load bar and inspect the available load types
under a particular category.
Click on the Vehicle Loads bar and click on Lane Load- SM1600/Walkway'. The Lane Loading subform appears. Position a lane load on the deck by clicking twice, in different parts of the bottom lane of
the carriageway in the drawing area.

24. Define L44 Lane Load details:

Click in the field labelled Ends defined by:' and select span'. The whole of the loadable area in that
lane and span is now highlighted. Change the Dynamic Load Allowance to 0.4 and intensity to
12.5kN/m to conform to AUSTROADS 92. (The default values are for a SM1600 lane load described
in Standards Australia AS5100, Part 2 (draft) Bridge Design Code). Click on the OK button to return to
the Basic Loading form.

6-9

25. Define bridge deck patch load

Click on the Bridge Deck Patch Loads bar and select Bridge Deck UDL. The UDL Loading sub-form
will appear.

26. Define general UDL details

Click with the mouse in the display over the four objects in turn that will be used to form the
boundaries of the loaded patch. In this example click in turn over the left support, the top construction
line, the right support, and the bottom construction line. Set either the total loading, or the load per unit
area in the appropriate field. In this example enter 4kN/m. Click on OK to return to the Basic Loading
form.

To edit the existing data in any of the listed basic load cases, click with the mouse in the row of the
table corresponding to the load case to be edited. The appropriate sub-form, filled with the current
data for the selected load case will appear, ready for modifying and editing.
When all the basic load cases have been defined, the structure is ready for analysing. Click on the OK
button to return to the Main Menu.
Click on Calculate from the Main Menu, and select Analyse, and the analysis of the structure for all

6-10

the basic load cases will proceed. On completion, the results for the basic load cases may be
combined and enveloped and transferred to the design and code checking modules of SAM. To
indicate the structure has been analysed the bullet in the bottom right hand corner of the Main Menu
changes from grey to green.
Click on Calculate from the Main Menu, and select Compilations. The Define Compilations form
will appear.
27. Define Compilation Type
Click with the mouse in the first blue field of the table under the heading type' and select Traffic Loads
Austroads 92. The Compile Loading Patterns sub-form will appear.

30. Set parameters for finding worst load cases in a compilation

A critical load compilation is to be found for the same location that was picked earlier for the influence
surface analysis. Click with the mouse over the same beam element as before, and ensure that the
blob is at the right hand end (i.e. End' is displayed in the second field labelled Member:'). Ensure that
the field labelled Load Effect:' is set to My sagging', then click on the button labelled Find and Add to
Table. The load case that contains the worst My sagging at the selected point is added to the
compilation. Other load cases may be added to the compilation in similar fashion, or by manual
selection from the list of load cases.

29. Save the compiled compilation

Check that the gamma factors, and the K factors are correct (defaults are supplied according to the
limit state selected from the field labelled Limit State:'). In this example, set all the gamma factors to
1.0, and the K factors to 1. Click on OK on both forms to return to the Main Menu.

6-11

30. Define a Dead Load compilation

Click with the mouse in the next available blue field of the table under the heading Type' and select
Dead loads at Stage 1. The Compile Loading Patterns sub-form will appear.

31. Add Basic Load cases to the dead load compilation

Click on the first available blue field under the column headed Load Name, and select from the
available basic load cases, a dead load case component. Repeat this to add any other components of
dead load that may have been defined, to the dead load compilation. Check that the gamma and k
factor is correct in each row. Click on OK on both forms to return to the Main Menu.
If required, a similar compilation may be generated for the Service Limit State.

32. Define Envelope type

From the Main Menu, select Calculate | Envelopes and the Define Envelopes form will appear.
You will notice that this form is split into two tables. Each row in the upper table defines one envelope
and for each envelope there is a corresponding list, displayed in the lower table, of the load cases or
compilations to be considered. The procedure for entering data into this table is as follows:

6-12

33. Compile Envelope of basic load and compilations cases

Click on the Insert Record (+) button at the bottom of the upper table.
Select Beam in the Envelope for field
Change the data in the Load Case or Compilation field from Compilation to Load Case, then set the
Load Group field to Live
Click on the Insert Record (+) button again to bring this data into the table
The All Complying Cases radio button should be selected by default so the list offload cases shown
in the bottom table will be just the live loads

This completes the compilations and envelopes stage. At this point tabular and graphical results can
be displayed or printed.
34.Graphical and Tabular Results
From the Main Menu, select File | Results. Both graphical and tabular results are displayed either at
the same time or on separate tabs .If the graphic is not displayed then from the Tabular Results menu
select View | Show Graphic. If the graphic is still not shown then select View | Tab Graphic/Table
from the menu. For a more detailed description of how to customise the way results are displayed
select help in the menu bar of this form.
In the field labelled Results Type: select Compilation and set Name: to C1: My sagging ULS. Then
set the Results For field to Beam. The results table will show the full table of beam bending
moments, shear forces, torsions and axial forces. The graphics only shows the results for one column
at a time. To view a particular type of result select any cell in the required column or choose from the
dropdown list in the Results For field in the graphics menu bar
To include dead load effects in the current compilation select the dead load compilations required in
the Dead Load Compilations: field. If the graphical scale is fixed by ticking the specify scale tick box
in the Results sliding toolbar on the right of the graphics screen, then the effect of adding the dead
load can be clearly seen in the graphics. Close the results window from the results menu by selecting
File | Close Tabular results

6-13

The final stage is to transfer the required load effects along a beam to the design and code checking
modules of SAM. In this example, the compilation will be transferred to the live load sagging moment
loading, and the basic UDL load will be transferred to the dead load case for construction stage 1A.
From the Main Menu, select Calculate | Design Load Effects | Select Beam.
35. Select beam for Design & Code Check
The beam upon which the analysis has concentrated in this example is the second beam from the top.
Point to this beam with the mouse, and click. It will turn red to indicate that it has been selected. Click
on OK and the program will go to the Assign Load Cases' form. This form may also be accessed from
the Calculate Menu, by selecting Design Load Effects | Assign Load Cases.

36. Assign Load Case for Construction stage 1A

Click with the mouse in the first blue field of the table in the column headed Design Load Case', and
select Construction stage 1A'. Click in the second blue field along the same row, and select Load',
and click again in the next field, and select the previously defined UDL load case from the list that
appears. Note that the ULS and SLS factors are the appropriate load factors for dead loads.

6-14

37. Assign Load Case for SDL

Click with the mouse in the second field of the table in the column headed Design Load Case', and
select Superimposed dead load'. Click in the second field along the same row labelled Index and
enter 1then click in the third blue field along the same row, and select Load', and click again in the
next field, and select the previously defined dead load UDL for surfacing from the list that appears.
Note that the ULS and SLS factors are the appropriate load factors for superimposed dead loads.

38. Assign Load Case for live load BM

Click with the mouse in the second row of the table in the column headed Design Load Cases', and
select Live load BM 1'. Click in the second blue field along the same row, and select Comp', then click
again in the next field, and select the previously defined live load compilation loading from the list that
appears. The factor for ULS assumes that the load factor was included in the compilation. For a
compilation defined for ULS, the factor for SLS would then be 0.0. In this example the compilation was
defined with unit factors, and the factors here are therefore automatically set to the appropriate load
factor values for ULS, i.e. 1.8, and SLS, i.e. 1.0.
Change the ULS gamma factor from 1.8 to 2.0 to conform to the AUSTROADS 92 standard (the
default is to Standards Australia AS5100.2 (draft) Bridge Design Code).

39a. Send the load effects to the beam analysis

Click with the mouse on the Transfer to Beam Module button, and the load effects are transferred
directly to the SAM Design and Code Check module for processing.

6-15

39b. Write the load effects transfer file

Click with the mouse on the Export Loads to File button, and specify the name of the data file to which
the load effects are to be written. This file may be read by the SAM Design and Code Check modules.
However direct transfer is more effective as described in article 39a above

6-16

6.2

Analysis of a single span finite element bridge deck

The following example illustrates the analysis of a simple single span finite element bridge deck. The
definition of a bridge deck modelled with finite elements is similar in virtually all respects to the
definition of a grillage model bridge deck. This example therefore illustrates only the differences.
Defining the basic geometry in terms of design lines, carriageways, construction lines and span end
lines is covered by Example 6.1, articles 1 to 7, of this Manual (which is saved in file AUfedeck.sst).
This example is intended to convey the features of the program in a simple example and does so at
the expense of achieving a realistic structure.
The analysis is carried out in the following stages:
Stage A:
Stage B:
Stage C:
Stage D:
Stage E:
Stage F:
Stage G:
Stage H:

Define the basic geometry of the deck (already done)

Define the finite element mesh and supports
Refine the mesh in specific areas
Specify the section properties
Assign section properties to the deck
Apply nodal loads and analyse the structure
Generate reinforcement moments
View tabulated results and composite member results

The numeric data given in this example assume that the units are set to the default SI units.
Note that the girder definition in this example uses the pre-stressed beam module of SAM. The process
is as described in Example 3.1
1. Define the finite element mesh outline
If necessary use File | Open to select and open file AUfedeck.sst.
Select Data | Structure Geometry from the main menu and pick the Bridge Groups tab. Now click
with the mouse in the second blue cell in the column headed Object Type of the table on the Bridge
Groups form, and select Mesh: skew. The Mesh Tool sub-form will appear. Meshes are defined
from any four points, and this example uses the ends of the span-end lines. Click with the mouse at
each of the four ends in turn, and after the fourth click, the mesh will appear.

6.2.1

2. Define the finite element mesh details

Change the mesh type on the Bridge Group Objects form from 'Beam Members' to 'Finite Elements'.
For this example the mesh will be skew', and so no change needs to be made in the field labelled
Define Mesh:'. However, six transverse elements are required, and so the value in the field labelled
No:' under the heading Transverse' is changed to 6. Also the mesh density of elements in the
longitudinal direction is to be increased. So the value in the field labelled No: under the heading
Longitudinal is changed to 8.

6-17

In some areas the mesh defined may not be fine enough to model sufficiently accurately the stress
effects in the structure. For example, a finer mesh may be desirable in the regions of very high point
loads such as may occur at supports. This is frequently achieved by the use of triangular elements in a
transition region between course and fine meshes. In this example we will refine the mesh in the
regions close to the supported ends.
3. Refine mesh
Click on the Define Sub-Region button in the 'Layout Controls' panel.
To define a region that has a fine mesh at one end, and a coarse mesh at the other, leave the 'Pattern
Type:' as the default, 'Fine-to-Coarse'.

The left support marks the fine end, so click upon this support line first, Then click around the mesh at
the element edges at which to delimit the refined region. With the last click the refined region is
generated.
Accept this refinement by clicking on OK in the Refine FE Mesh form.

Repeat the same exercise at the right hand support.

6-18

Proceed by clicking OK on the Mesh Tool sub-form. Then select Supported Nodes from the third
blue field in the Bridge Groups form. The Supported Nodes sub-form will appear.
4. Define supported nodes
Nominate all the nodes along both span-end lines as supported' by boxing around the entire deck with
the mouse in the drawing area. A small yellow square will indicate each supported node.
The program will automatically release all supports, except one, in global directions X and Y. This is
important when modelling offset beams, which this example includes.

The finite element mesh and supports have now been defined. The next stage is to define the
member types, and hence the section geometry. Return to the main menu by clicking on the OK
button of the Supported Nodes sub-form and then of the Bridge Group Objects form. Select Data |
Define Section Data from the Main Menu, and the Define Section Properties form will appear.
5. Section properties for prestress beams
Click with the mouse in the first blue field of the column headed Origin' and select SAM Prestress
Beam'. The Import SAM File sub-form will appear.

6. Select SAM beam data file

Click on the browse button and select a SAM prestress beam file containing a 20m long beam. (The
file Prestress_ST.SAM is provided for this purpose).
Note that the field labelled No. per structural beam' is 1 and the SAM beam is 4m overall width. This
should match the intended deck width of composite members in the structure (and does in this

6-19

example).
Change Type to Transformed Section and beam & slab then click OK on the Import SAM File
form.

7. Section details for slab deck

Click with the mouse in the second blue field in the column headed Origin' and select Finite Element'.

8. Define finite element slab

The Finite Element Properties sub-form appears.
Define an isotropic slab 0.25m thick by entering the slab thickness as 0.25m.
Click OK in the Finite Element Properties form, to return to the Define Section Properties form.
Change the Finite Element Elastic Modulus to 35.027kN/mm and the Shear Modulus to 14.595kN/mm
to match the concrete properties in the SAM file.
Click OK to return to the main menu.

The next stage is assignment of the section geometry data to the model. Select Data | Assign
Section Data | Basic from the Main Menu and the Assign Section Data form appears. The mesh is
shown in the display area with all the elements drawn in green and yellow. The colour of the elements
will change during the assignment process, and the codes are as follows:
6-20

Green & yellow

Red & yellow
Grey

- no properties have been assigned.

- the current properties have been assigned.
- properties have been assigned, but not the current properties.

9. Assign deck properties

Click with the mouse button labelled Fill Table, and the rows of the table are then filled with the section
property types that have been defined. Ensure that the cursor is in the second row of the table (which
contains the Finite Element data), and that the field labelled Pick mode:' is set to Any Member'. Now
box around the whole mesh in the drawing area with the mouse. The elements of the mesh turn red,
and FE A is now associated with each of those elements, and will be used to supply their section
properties.

This example is to use prestressed beams; so the assignment just done is to be removed. Click on
the Clear button and respond Yes to the warning.
10. Assign prestress beam properties
To model a beam and slab deck the pre-cast conctete beam components of a composite deck slab
are modelled by beam members, and the concrete slab is modelled by finite elements. Click again on
the Fill Table button. Change the Pick Mode to Longitudinal Beam. We then click in the row that
contains the prestress beam property under the column headed 'Section Data Set'. Now, in the
drawing area, click on the longitudinal line forming the boundary between the topmost two adjacent
rows of elements and respond OK to the information message box. The selected line turns red, and
the adjacent elements are greyed, indicating that they have been assigned properties. In some cases
an additional finite element property will be generated and added to the table of properties; its
thickness being derived from the thickness of the slab in the composite beam data. In this example
the slab is of uniform thickness along the length of the beam and matches the thickness of FE A,
which has already been defined. So no new property is generated.

Define two further composite members by selecting the boundaries between the remaining pairs of
elements.

6-21

Click on OK to return to the main menu.

11. Member eccentricities
As well as generating a new finite element property the program has also automatically generated
beam members along the element boundary line. These are offset from the level of the slab (using
member eccentricities) by an appropriate distance according to the geometry in elevation of the
precast beam. The Member Eccentricities' form is accessed from the main menu using Data |
Assign Section Data | Member Eccentricities.

Click on OK to return to the main menu.

12. Apply a load and analyse
From the main menu select Data | Applied Loadings | Basic Load Cases.
Select Nodal loads. Then select + Nodal Loading.
With the mouse in the drawing area select the central node. A load will be created.
Click on OK in the Define Basic Loading form to return to the main menu.
From the main menu select Calculate | Analyse.
When the analysis is complete a Done button will appear. Pick Done.

Axes directions of calculated moments seldom correspond to the directions in which reinforcement will
be fixed in the concrete slab. SAM uses the methods developed by Wood & Armer and Denton &
Burgoyne to calculate required capacities in the actual directions of the reinforcement mesh.
6-22

Reinforcement moments are appropriate for reinforced concrete slabs modelled with finite elements,
but are also available for pseudo-slab grillage models. NB. Reinforcement moments are calculated for
a grillage assuming that ALL members in the grillage mesh represent the deck slab (ie composite
beams would NOT be correctly modelled). In a finite element deck with composite beams the deck
slab is correctly represented by the finite elements and the beams by beam members. Refer to
Understanding Reinforcement Moments in the program help for more information on limitations.
13. Define main reinforcement direction
Select Calculate | Reinforcement Moments... from the Main Menu. The pick mode is set by default
to 'Design Line for Reference Direction'. Select the design line down the centre of the deck by pointing
and clicking on this line. This sets the main reinforcement direction for the first reinforcement set. By
default the secondary reinforcement is perpendicular to it.

14. Define secondary reinforcement direction

To place secondary reinforcement parallel to the supports first change the Pick: to 'Secondary
Reinforcement Direction'. Set the graphics 'Snap:' to Intersection, and then click with the mouse at
any two points in the drawing area which may be used to define an orientation parallel with the
supports. The appropriate angle is shown on the form.
If we are modelling an existing structure where the areas of reinforcement are already known, we can
set the 'Reinforcement Moment Capacity Ratio' fields, and the program will derive its results in terms
of a performance ratio for main and secondary directions. (If reinforcement differs between areas of
the deck then a Reinforcement Set should be defined for each)

Click on OK to exit from this form and acknowledge the Information with OK.
15. View reinforcement moment Results
Select File | Results... from the main menu, which displays the combined graphical and tabular
results. Select Reinforcement Moments in the Results For: field.
The are six options for reinforcement moment based on face (bottom or top), steel direction and
whether design or assessment results are required. The current plot shows the minimum required
moment capacity for bottom main reinforcement, based on the 'Design' method. From the drop down
box in the graphics toolbar, labelled Results For: select Design MomentsBottom Secondary. The
6-23

plot now shows the moments that should be used to design the bottom face reinforcement running
parallel to the supports.

16. View composite member moments:

Set the Results For; field in the results controller to Composite Member
Set the Results For: field in the graphics toolbar to Member End Moments My.
The plot now shows the moments that exist in the longitudinal beam and the adjacent finite elements
as they act together as a composite beam.

6-24

17. View FE results

In the Results controller set the Results For: field. To FE
Set the Effect Field to Bending Moments and select centroid in the location field.

To display the tabular results only select View | Show Graphics in the Tabular Results form Menu.
which toggles the graphics display

6-25

6.3

Analysis of a multi-span bridge deck

The definition of a multi-span bridge is similar to the definition for a single span bridge as described in
6.1, except that additional span-end lines are required, and additional meshes must be defined.
Additional span-end lines may all be in the same bridge group, and all span-end lines must be defined
in a similar manner, as described in example 6.1.
Meshes are each defined in separate groups. Having defined the first mesh as described in example
6.1, it is necessary to exit the Mesh Tool sub-form and then return to it to define the mesh for the next
span. This is done by clicking OK on the Mesh Tool sub-form, then selecting another mesh, of any
type, in the next row of the Bridge Groups table. The details of the mesh for the next span may then
be entered in the same manner as the first.

6.4

Transfer of load effects - further example

In this example it is assumed that one load case compilation has been built for the ULS effects, and
another has been built for the SLS effects, and that both these are required for the same Design' load
case.
First select the beam as described in article 35 of example 6.1, and go to the Assign Load Cases'
form. In the first row of the table under the heading Design' select the required design load case and
compilation. Next make the same selections in the second row of the table. Ignore the warning
message that appears.
Next, in the first row of the table under the heading Analysis', select the load case compilation that
has been produced for the ULS load effects. Set the ULS factor to the required value, and the SLS
factor to zero. Repeat this in the second row, but selecting the load case compilation that has been
produced for the SLS load effects. Set the ULS factor to zero, and the SLS factor to the required
value.
Both sets of data will then be written to the load effects transfer file when this is created as described
in article 39 of example 6.1, and will be combined into the single design load case when read in by the
SAM beam module.

6.5

Multiple Influence Surface Generation & Load Optimisation

This example describes the advanced influence surface load optimisation option. The load optimisation
conforms to the Standards Australia AS5100.2 (draft) Bridge Design Code. Take the following steps to
determine which influence surface analysis is licensed:
Choose Help | About... from the Main Menu.
Select the License Info Tab.
If the basic influence surface has been licensed, the 'Structure modules' list will include Influence
Surface Basic Option. In that case follow example 6.1 article 21 and 22. Otherwise, if the
advanced influence surface load optimisation option has been licensed, the 'Structure modules' list will
include Influence Surface Advanced Option
Select Data | Applied Loadings | Influence Surface. An influence surface analysis requires one or
more locations on the structural model, and a load effect. In this example an influence surface will be
generated for the positive moment at each joint along the longitudinal grillage member, which is
second from the top on the display.
1. Generate Influence Surfaces along a longitudinal beam
Click in the field labelled Pick Mode and select Beam - Longitudinal. Click with the mouse on the
display over the second longitudinal beam from the top. The last beam element will turn cyan with a

6-26

blob at its left end indicating the last influence surface location. Click in any row in the table to view the
influence surface location for a member. Note that the last row in the table has Start/End set to End
to include the last joint of the selected beam. The fields labelled Effect, Direction/Axis and Scope
contain Bending Moments, y and Positive' by default. Click on the Analyse button, and the influence
surfaces are generated, and displayed in a contoured plot, with adverse areas in a darker shade than
non-adverse ones. To inspect the surface at each joint along the beam, click on the relevant row in the
table. Click on the Dynamic View button (represented by an eye icon) to switch to dynamic view
mode. Move the mouse over the graphic window, whilst holding the LEFT button down, to rotate the
surface.

2. Load optimisation data

Select AS5100.2 Road in the Load Optimisation Type: field and click on the Run Optimisation
button. For this example loading patterns will be created for limit states Ultimate, Serviceability and
Fatigue.
Click on the Compile Loading Patterns button.

6-27

3. Load optimisation results

27 compilations and 6 envelopes will be created. One envelope for each limit state selected. Each
envelope contains the compiled loading patterns for the chosen beam. Changing the options in the
general data section of the Load Optimisation form can reduce the number of compilations created.
Click in the table of the Influence Surface Generation form to view the loading pattern for different
locations along the beam (i.e. for different influence surfaces).
Select either positive or negative to view loading pattern for the positive or negative loaded area.
Click on one of the tabs to view the default loading factors Gamma K Factor and ALF. The factors
can be changed on the Define Compilation form. (This form is accessed from the Calculate Menu by
selecting Compilations).

Loading pattern that causes worst positive moment at mid-span.

Click on the View Log File button to view the Influence Surface Loader log file. This will contain a
results summary table for each influence load location giving values for the maximum effects for each
limit state calculation. The values in this table are calculated from the influence surface used to
calculate the loading pattern.

6-28

Now hit the Esc key to leave the log file.

Click OK to leave the Load Optimisation form.
Click OK to leave the Influence Surface Generation form.
The screen shot left shows the results generated by analysing the structure (Calculate | Analyse)
for the mid-span location (influence load case 4, member 76) for compilation 10 Ultimate Limit State.

The worst positive moment compares favourably with the Ultimate Limit State influence (4775 kN.m) in
the Log.
Similar comparisons can be made for Service limit state and Fatigue

6-29

6-30

7 Bridge Deck with Sub-Model

7.1

Truss Girder as Sub-model

The following example illustrates the stages in the analysis of a simple single span bridge deck and
sub-models. The analysis is carried out in the following stages:
Stage A:
Stage B:
Stage C:
Stage D:
Stage E:
Stage F:
Stage G:
Stage H:
Stage I:
Stage J:

Define the basic geometry of the deck

Define the grillage mesh
Define the sub-models and supports
Specify the types of members of the structure
Assign shape details to the members
Calculate an influence surface for a selected load effect and location, and
generate highway loadings from the influence surface
Generate other basic loading cases
Analyse the structure
Generate loading compilations and envelopes
Export load effect results for SAM beam design and code check

The data summary may be printed out after stage E, and results after stage F (for influence
coefficients) or stage H (for moments, displacements, etc.).
1. Define the Deck Slab
From the Main Menu select File | New | Structure, and then Data | Structure Type | Bridge Deck
and Sub models. Next, from the Main Menu again, select Data | Structure Geometry and the Define
Structure' form will appear. Click in the top blue field labelled 'Sub Model Type and select Bridge
Deck from the drop-down list. The Structure Geometry form will appear. Definition of the bridge deck
now proceeds in an identical manner to the Bridge Deck only' structure type as described in example
6.1 articles 1 (second part) to 8 inclusive.
Having defined the geometric layout of the deck, the next stage will be to create a truss which will be
used as a sub-assembly supporting the longitudinal edges of the deck. The description below
commences from the Define structure' form, as in stage 1 above.

2. Define Plane of Sub-model

Click in the first vacant blue field labelled Sub Model Type and choose Sub Model from the dropdown list. Click on the Define Plane button. Choose the origin of the plane to be the bottom-lefthand point of the deck by clicking on the bottom longitudinal beam just near the span-end line. Part of
the longitudinal beam is highlighted, with a blob at the left hand end to indicate the position of the
origin. The highlight is a line in the plane of the sub-model: all that remains is to define a third point to
define the rest of the plane.

7-1

Do this by leaving all the fields as their default values: this defines the third point as being the end of a
vector drawn vertically downwards from the origin, which is at the Start of the highlighted member.
Click on OK to return to the Draw Sub-model form. The graphic display will change to show the entire
structure from a viewpoint that is normal to the newly defined plane, so all that is currently visible are
the lines of the grillage and the axes through the origin of the plane.
3. Define Sub-model
Select the Sub-model Groups tab, and click on the first blue field labelled Object Type and choose
Beam Members from the drop-down list. See the member in the grillage that lies in the plane of the
sub-model highlighted in green. Ensure the Snap mode shown in the graphic window status bar is set
to Node in plane. To change the Snap mode, click on the Snap down arrow and select from the dropdown menu that appears. Define a new member by clicking on the ends of the beam (at the origin and
20m away). Change the Snap mode to Grid and define another new member parallel to the first one,
but 3m below it. For this example, for reasons to do with splitting members (see below) make sure that
you define it from left to right as above.

To define the lacing members of the truss, it is necessary to define nodes along the top and bottom
stringers. Do this by splitting the top member into 5 members, 4 of which are of equal length and the
last is half this length, as follows: Click in the field labelled Edit and choose split a member. Click on
the top stringer member and the Split a Member sub-form will appear.
4. Split a member
Leave the number of members as the default value of 5, and enter the ratios of the 5 new members as
2, 2, 2, 2, 1 in the column headed ratios', then click on OK to return to the Sub-model Members' form.
Split the bottom member in precisely the same manner as the top member, except use the ratios 1, 2,
2, 2, 2. Click on OK on the Split a Member' form to return again to the Sub-model Members' form.

7-2

5. Define Lacing members

Firstly click in the field labelled Edit and choose string of members then change the Snap mode to
Node in sub-model, to ensure that there is no confusion between existing nodes in the grillage and the
newly defined nodes in the sub-model. Start drawing by clicking at the left end of the bottom stringer,
then the left end of the top stringer, and then alternately at the bottom and top members, at roughly
45-degree angles (it helps to slide the mouse pointer along the relevant stringer until it snaps onto the
next node). Finish by pressing the Esc key after the last member has been defined. Click on OK to
return to the Draw Sub-model form.

6. Define Supported nodes

Click in a blank blue field under the column labelled Object Type and choose Supported Nodes from
the drop-down list. Accept the default support conditions, and click in turn on the bottom left and
bottom right corners of the truss. The truss in now defined, so return to the Define Structure form by
clicking OK on the Supported Nodes form and again on the Draw Sub-model form.

7. Define second truss

The truss on the other side of the deck is easily defined by copying the first truss. Click with the right
mouse button on the field that reads Sub-model and choose Copy from the drop-down list. The
Define Sub-model Plane form will appear. Choose a line in the new plane by clicking on the top
longitudinal beam just near the top left hand corner of the grillage. Accept all the other defaults and
click on the OK button. The program returns to the Draw Sub-model form. Click OK on this form to
return to the Define Structure form.

7-3

8. View the complete structure

Click on the Dynamic View button (represented by an eye icon) to switch to dynamic view mode.
Move the mouse over the graphics window, whilst holding down the left button, to see various different
views of the structure. Find one that best shows off the new sub-models. Alternatively select a
standard view from the drop-down menu that appears by clicking on the down arrow next to the
Dynamic View button. On the Define Structure form, use the arrow keys of the keyboard to move the
cursor up and down the table to see the deck and sub-models highlighted.

The grillage mesh, sub-models and supports have now been defined, and the next stage is to define
the member types, and hence the section geometry. Return to the main menu by clicking on the OK
button. Select Data | Define Section Data from the data menu, and the main section data form will
appear.
Definition and assigning of section data for the 3D structure is similar to the procedure described for
the grillage structure in example 6.1 articles 11 to 20 inclusive.
The complete 3D structural model can then be loaded and analysed again in a similar manner to the
grillage structure in example 6.1 articles 21 onwards.

7-4

8 General 2D/3D Structure

8.1

Analysis of a 2D Portal Frame

The following example illustrates the stages in the analysis of a simple portal frame. The analysis is
carried out in the following stages:
Stage A:
Stage B:
Stage C:
Stage D:
Stage E:
Stage F:
Stage G:
Stage H:

Define the basic geometry of the frame as a text file

Import the text file into SAM
Define the supported nodes
Specify the types of members of the structure
Assign shape details to the members
Generate loading cases
Analyse the structure
Generate loading compilations and envelopes

The data summary may be printed out after stage E, and results after stage G (for moments,
displacements, etc.).
1. Define the basic geometry of the frame as a text file
Create a text file with three parts: Headings, Joint Coordinates and Member Incidences. The format is
described in the Data Transfer-Import ASCII File-SXF format section of the program help for Analysis
Modules. The following example shows a two bay portal frame in the XZ plane. It is 6m high and each
span is 8m. The origin is at the bottom of the central pier.
STRUCTURE GEOMETRY
units m
JOINT COORDINATES
1 8 0 0
2 8 0 6
3 0 0 0
4 0 0 6
5 8 0 0
6 8 0 6
MEMBER INCIDENCES
1 1 2
2 2 4
3 3 4
4 4 6
5 5 6
Save the file with the extension .SXF, e.g. as
PORTAL.SXF
Having defined the geometric layout of the portal, the next stage will be to read it into SAM.
2a. Import the text file into SAM (1st method)
From the Main Menu select File | New | Structure, and then Data | Structure Type | General 2D/3D
Structure. Next, from the Main Menu again, select Data | Structure Geometry and the Standard
Windows File Browser dialogue will appear. Navigate to the folder where you saved PORTAL.SXF
and click on this file. The Draw 3D Structure form will appear with the structure shown in isometric
view.
2b. Import the text file into SAM (2nd method):
From the Main Menu select Data | Structure Type | General 2D/3D Structure then File | Import
ASCII File. The Standard Windows File Browser dialogue will appear. Change the file type filter to
Structure Exchange Files (.sxf), navigate to the folder where you saved PORTAL.SXF and click on this

8-1

file. From the Main Menu again, select Data | Structure Geometry. The Draw 3D Structure form will
appear with the structure shown in isometric view.

3. Define the Supported nodes

On the Draw 3D structure form click in the top blue field labelled Object type' and select Supported
Nodes' from the drop-down list. Click in the graphic window at the bottom of each of the columns to
define the supports... they will be highlighted with yellow squares. Since in fact the structure is a space
frame, it should be restrained from rotating about the global X Axis, so click on the blue field for the
Rotational Condition for the X Axis, and select Fixed' from the drop-down list.
If the advanced analysis option is licensed, lift-off or limited supports could be defined. In this example,
the standard support type will be used.

The structure and supports have now been defined, and the next stage is to define the member
properties. Return to the main menu by clicking OK on the Supported Nodes form and again on the
Draw 3D Structure form. Select Data | Define Section Data from the Main Menu, and the Define
Section Data form will appear.
4. Define Section Data
Definition and assigning of section data for the 2D/3D structure is carried out following similar
principles to those described for the grillage structure in example 6.1 articles 11 to 20 inclusive, with
the exception that for this type of structure, the only types of section data that are appropriate are:
SAM Section Data;
Parametric shapes;
Specify values; and

8-2

Finite Elements.

5. Define Loading Data

The complete 2D/3D structural model can then be loaded and analysed, again in a similar manner to
the grillage structure in example 6.1 article 21 onwards. Note however that for this type of structure,
only the nodal loadings, support displacements, beam member loads and finite element loads are
appropriate.

8-3

8.2

Analysis of a 3D Bridge Structure

The following example illustrates the stages in the analysis of a 3D bridge structure whose geometry
has been previously defined by another program. The analysis is carried out in the following stages:
Stage A:
Stage B:
Stage C:
Stage D:
Stage E:
Stage F:
Stage G:
Stage H:
Stage I:
Stage J:
Stage K:
Stage L:

Define the basic geometry of the structure as a text file

Import the text file into SAM
Define the design line and bridge deck
Define the carriageway (optional)
Define the span-end lines
Define the longitudinal / transverse beams
Define the supported nodes
Specify the types of members of the structure
Assign shape details to the members
Generate loading cases
Analyse the structure
Generate loading compilations and envelopes

The data summary may be printed out after stage I, and results after stage K (for moments,
displacements, etc.).
1. Define the basic geometry of the frame
This example is based upon the data contained in the text file GEN2D3D.SXF provided with the SAM
installed files. (The content of the file may be viewed with any text editor. Its format is identical to the
simple file shown in the previous example for the portal frame, there is just much more data.) Import
the data into SAM using either of the methods described in article 2 of example 8.1 above but instead
of setting the type to General 2D/3D structure choose General 2D/3D Bridge by selecting Data |
Structure Type | General 2D/3D Bridge from the Main Menu.

2. Define the Bridge Deck

From the Main Menu, select Data | Structure Geometry. The Draw 3D Structure form will appear.
Click on the Define Deck button, to designate the members of the structure that form the bridge
deck. By default, the bridge deck members are all members that are wholly within the Z=0 plane.
These are highlighted in red. (Alternatively two horizontal planes could be specified to select all the
members lying between the plane as deck members.) For this example keep the default Z=0 plane
and click on OK.

SAM shows you a plan view on this plane.

8-4

3. Define Design Line and Carriageway

In order to apply vehicle loads to the structure, a Design Line and Carriageway must be defined. This
is done in the manner described in example 6.1 above.

4. Define Span-end Lines

Click on the Bridge Object Groups tab (third from left). Now click in the first row of the table, in the
column headed Object Type, and select Span-end Lines' from the drop-down list. Draw the span-end
lines along the left and right end diagonals of the deck as described in example 6.1 above.

5. Define the longitudinal and transverse beams

Now click in the second row of the table, in the column headed Object Type, and select Longitudinal
/ Transverse Beams' from the drop-down list. The Longitudinal/Transverse Beams form appears.
Notice that the field labelled Define' contains Longitudinal beams'. Using the mouse, box around the
entire deck in the graphic window and see that all the lines of members spanning between the spanend lines become longitudinal beams. Now click in the field labelled Define' and select Transverse
beams'. Draw another box and see that the remaining beams become designated as transverse
beams. Click OK to return to the Draw 3D Structure form.

6. Define the Supported nodes

Click on the next empty blue field in the column headed Object Type' and choose Supported Nodes'
from the drop-down list. Click on the Dynamic View button (represented by an eye icon) to switch to
dynamic view mode. Move the mouse over the graphics window, whilst holding down the LEFT
button, to move the image of the structure until you can see all the bottom members clearly

8-5

(alternatively, click on the down arrow next to the Dynamic View button and select Elevation | South
from the drop-down menu.). Click at the bottom corners of each truss to define supports there ... they
will be highlighted with yellow squares.
If the advanced analysis option is licensed, lift-off or limited supports could be defined. In this example,
the standard support type will be used.

It is worth saving this structure away at this stage, because it can be used again in the next example.
The structure and supports have now been defined, and the next stage is to define the member
properties. Return to the main menu by clicking on the OK button on the Supported Nodes form, and
again on the Draw 3D Structure form. Select Data | Define Section Data from the Main Menu, and
the main section data form will appear.
7. Define Section Data
Definition and assigning of section data for the 3D structure is carried out following similar principles to
those described for the grillage structure in example 6.1 articles 11 to 20 inclusive.

8. Define Loading Data

The complete 3D structural model can then be loaded and analysed again in a similar manner to the
grillage structure in example 6.1 article 21 onwards.

8-6

8-7

9 Post-tensioned Curved Box Girder

9.1

Curved Box Girder

The following example illustrates the analysis of a curved box girder bridge deck, simply supported at
its ends and prestressed with a post-tensioned cable in one of its webs. The profile of the tendon is
parabolic in a vertical plane but it is then projected onto the curved, sloping web centre surface.

1. Open the SAM-LEAP5 structure file

From the Main Menu select File | Open and select the file AUcurved_2_cell_box.sst provided with
the SAM installed files.

2. Define the Post-tension data

From the Main Menu select Data | Applied Loadings | Prestress
This opens the define Post-tensioned tendon form and an associated graphics window. Each tendon
is defined in four stages:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Define the reference axis

Define the profile
Define the stressing data
Define the loss parameters.

3. Define the reference axis

The reference axis of the first tendon is defined by selecting the nodes along the centreline of the
innermost web. First of all orientate the structure view to make the selection easiest. This can be
done using the pre-defined saved view 'pick axis view for tendons 1 and 3' which can be found in the
dropdown of the Saved Views toolbar button of the graphics window. It is then easy to click on the
two end nodes of the centre of the web. The reference axis will then be displayed and the coordinates
of the selected nodes are shown in the form.

9-1

4. Define the default profile

Select the profile tab to bring the profile page to the top. The default profile is a straight line between
the two end points of the reference axis and the profile plane is a vertical plane.

In this example the default tendon local axis has z vertical, and so the tendon profile is defined in a
vertical plane by default. If it was required to define the tendon profile in an alternative plane, the
procedure at this stage would be to click on the Define Reference Plane button, and define the
plane of the profile either by specifying the angle of rotation from the default plane, or a node in the
structure or coordinates of a point that lies within the plane. If the box in this example were straight
and not curved, this would provide a very simple method for defining a tendon profile within the sloping
plane of the box web. The plan curvature however adds an additional complication, and in this case
the profile is defined as described below.
5. Editing the profile into a vertical parabola
We need to define the profile with respect to the reference axis so select the option for this.
The two end points are fixed by default. Change the z coordinate at these points to be 1.0. Change
the z coordinate of the centre point to -1.0. The program fits a parabolic shape through these three
points.

6. Projecting the profile onto the web plane

The next stage is to fix all the points so that any further editing of profile coordinates will not invoke
any further curve fitting. This is simply done by selecting Toggle Fix on the data form and then refixing the two end points. Projecting the profile is then done in two stages:
1.

9-2

Change all dX and dY values to 0.0. This has the effect of projecting the parabola onto a vertical

2.

cylindrical surface along the centre line of the web.

The dX values are then modified so that the profile points line in the conical surface of the web.
The slope of the web is -0.25 horizontally to 1.0 vertical, so the dX values should be altered to
the corresponding dZ values multiplied by -0.25.

When all this is complete the Toggle Fix button should be used again to remove all fixed points and
then re-fix the two end points. This allows accurate representation of the tendon curvature when prestress losses are calculated.

7. Stressing & Tendon Data

The tendon has 10 strands each of 143mm2 area. Select the default material property by clicking on
the Property Details button and then selecting OK on the Define Property Details form.
It is an internal permanent tendon.

8. Loss of Pre-stress Data

Set the anchorage slip to 4mm, the jack friction to 15kN and elastic deformation losses to 0.0001%.
Set the duct friction coefficient to 0.3, and leave the Wobble Factor value at the default setting of
0.012.
Time dependant losses are left at the default settings.
Click on the Results button to get tabulated output of the loss calculations, then go back to the
Stressing & Tendon Data page to see the graphical representation of the tendon forces

9-3

The Define Post-Tension Data form can then be closed by selecting the OK button
9. Define basic loads
To carry out the analysis for post-tension forces, SAM requires that the tendon forces are combined
with at least one basic load case. For this example dead loading will be defined.
From the Main Menu select Data | Applied Loadings | Basic Load cases
You will find that there is an External Load already defined. Click on this entry to open the Define
Finite Element Loading form. The defined load is a volume load with the density for concrete, which
will apply the dead weight of concrete to the structure. Close this form using the OK button.

9-4

10. Solve the Load Case

Solve this load case by selecting Calculate | Analyse on the Main Menu.

11. Defining a Composite Member for results

To examine the global effects of post-tensioning on one of the boxes we need to define a composite
member consisting of just the elements of one box. The composite axis is defined at 0.8m below the
centre line of the deck and points are located along the axis of the box. There is one point at each end
of the box and one at the centre of each finite element slice. This Composite member has been predefined in the supplied data file and it can be viewed by selecting Calculate | Define Composite
Member from the Main Menu.

Close the Define Composite Member form by clicking on the OK button.

12. Graphically view the Composite Member results
From the main menu select File | Results From the field labelled 'Result Type' select 'Tendon
Effects Only'. Also tick 'Auto Redraw'. Then select Composite Members form the Results For: field.

9-5

Select the option for Member End MomentsMx in the field labelled Results For: in the graphics
toolbar, and choose one of the pre-defined saved views . This will then show the torsion effects on
one box arising from the prestress only. To show the effect for dead load with prestress, select 'Load
Case' from the field labelled 'Result Type', and ensure that the check-box labelled 'Include Post
Tensioned Tendon Effects' is ticked.

9-6

10 Advanced Section Properties

The following examples illustrate the use of advanced section properties in a 3D bridge structure.
Advanced section properties cannot be defined until basic section properties have been applied. The
3D structure generated at article 7 of example 8.2 above is used as the basis for these examples.
1. Load the previous example into SAM and define a simple section property
From the Main Menu, select File | Open and load in the file saved in the previous example.
Alternatively, go through the previous example up to article 7. Then from the main menu choose Data
| Define Section Data. In the form which appears, click in the first blue field in the Origin' column
and select Parametric Shapes' from the drop-down list. Accept the default rectangle which is given in
the sub-form, and click OK on both forms to return to the Main Menu.

2. Assign Section Data

Select Data | Assign Section Data and then choose Basic.Click on the button labelled Fill Table
from the drop-down list. Click in the field labelled Pick mode' and choose any member'. Click in the
top field in the column headed Member Group Title', and then draw a box around the entire structure.
All the members should turn red, indicating that they have been assigned the properties of the
rectangle.

This now completes the basic data for the examples 10.1 to 10.3 below.

10-1

10.1 Assign a Twist to Selected Members

Most sections used in bridge structures will have different stiffness in the member local y & z axes
directions. The orientation of the member therefore affects the structural behaviour. The default
orientation is as described in the Beam Element Local Axes subject in the program help. Where the
default orientation is not the same as the actual orientation, an angle of twist (Beta) must be specified.
SAM saves you needing to calculate Beta by giving you tools to locate the orientation of a members
local x-y plane.
In this example we will turn all the vertical members at the corners of the skew deck so that they are
oriented towards one particular point, in this case we will choose a node near the centre of the deck.
From the Main Menu, select Data | Assign Section Data | Advanced. Click on the first blank field
labelled Member Data Type' and choose Beam Twist (by third node)' from the drop-down list. The
first mouse click that you make will define the member whose start point is the node to which all
subsequent members will be oriented. To choose its end point instead, click in the field next to
Member No' and select End'. Click on the field labelled Define: twisted members and then click on
the members that you want to be oriented towards the blob at the start (or end) of the orienting
member. If you chose the wrong orienting member, click on the field labelled Define: 3rd node and
then choose another member in the graphics window. Orienting towards a particular point in space is
just as easy, except that instead of choosing Beam Twist (by 3rd node)' you choose Beam Twist (by
3D coord)' and then enter the coordinates of the orienting point.

10.2 Torsionless Design

SAM automatically calculates the torsion stiffness of each section, but you may wish to over-ride these
values. For torsionless design, member releases should be used to specify a release for rotation about
the x axis at one end of the member. To use a value for torsion stiffness other than the default value,
which may be appropriate with certain modelling techniques, the following process is performed. The
example illustrates the process for all longitudinal beam members.
From the Main Menu, select Data | Assign Section Data | Advanced. Click on the first blank field
labelled Member Data Type' and choose Torsion Constant' from the drop-down list; enter the required
stiffness value in the field labelled Torsion J'; ensure that the Pick mode' is Longitudinal', and then
using the mouse, draw a box around the whole structure. The fact that only the longitudinal beams
turn red means that for these members the value of J is set to the specified value. All other properties
are unaffected

10.3 Shear Stiffness

SAM does not assign shear areas to all members, only to those with simple cross section shape. If
you wish to specify them, or modify the default values, proceed as above in Torsionless design',
except choose Shear area' instead of Torsion Constant' and enter values for Ay and Az in the
appropriate boxes. Further details are given in the help messages associated with this form.

10-2

11 Non-linear analysis
The following data can introduce non-linearity to the analysis:

Tension only members

Compression only members
Member Limits
Lift off supports
Support Limits

The first example demonstrates non-linear analysis of a 2D skewed bridge deck with lift-off supports.
The second is an example of a cable-stayed bridge that is analysed non-linearly to ensure the cable
members only take tensile forces.
Note that non-linear data can only been analysed if the advanced analysis option has been licensed.
Take the following steps to determine whether this is the case:

Choose Help | About... from the Main Menu.

Select the License Info Tab.
If the advance option has been licensed, the 'Structure modules' list will include 'A.04
Structural Analysis - Advanced Option'

11.1 Lift-off Supports Example

This example uses a single span bridge deck model contained in the SAM structure file
'AUNONLIN.SST' provided with the SAM installed files. To open the file select File | Open and select
the structure file from the same folder as the SAM2000 executable. (Ensure the 'Files of type' dropdown list is pointing to 'SAM Structure files').
1. Set Supported Node Type to Lift Off
From the Main Menu, select Data | Structure Geometry... Click on the fourth tab labelled 'Bridge
Groups'. Now click on the 'supported nodes' row (third row) of the table. In the form that appears, click
in the blue field labelled 'Support type' and change the type from 'Standard' to 'Lift Off'. Click OK on
both forms to return to the Main Menu.

2. View Loading Data:

Select Data | Applied Loadings... and then choose Basic Load Cases. Two load cases have been
previously defined. Click on either load in the table to examine the loading details.

11-1

Click OK to return to close the form.

The introduction of limited supports (of which lift off supports are a special case) is only potentially
non-linear, and therefore non-linear effects are ignored until they occur because they involve an
iterative process. The procedure therefore is to:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

Analyse linearly;
Define compilation load-cases (loadings cannot be analysed individually and then compiled
following a non-linear analysis);
The program will then check each compilation for any non-linear effects and issue a warning
message if any do occur;
Perform non-linear analysis.

3. Perform Linear Analysis

To perform a linear analysis, select Calculate | Analyse... from the Main Menu.

Click on the Done button when complete.

We will now create two compilations, one for each defined load case.
4. Define Compilation Load cases
Click on Calculate from the Main Menu, and select Compilations.... The Define Compilations form
will appear. Click with the mouse in the first blue field of the table under the heading 'Type' and select
'Other'. The Compile Loading Patterns sub-form will appear. Click in the first blue field of the table
under the heading 'Load Name' and select the UDL load case. Type in 'UDL loadcase' in the field
labelled 'Name' and click on OK to return to the Define Compilations form. Now click in the second
blue field of the table, select 'Other' and define the second compilation in similar fashion. This time
select the nodal load case and give the compilation the name 'Nodal loadcase'. Click on OK to return
to the Main Menu.

11-2

A message is issued to inform the user that non-linear effects are significant in one of the compilations
(since negative reaction found at a lift-off support).
5. Perform Non-linear Analysis
Click on Calculate from the Main Menu, and select Non-linear Analysis.... The Non-linear Analysis
Control form will appear. A green bullet indicates that no non-linear effects are significant for the
compilation containing the UDL load case. The check box is greyed out since no further analysis can
be performed for this compilation. A red bullet indicates non-linear effects are significant for the nodal
load compilation. Click on the button labelled Analyse and then click on OK to return to the Main
Menu.

The result plots below show the reactions at the supports for the linear and non-linear analysis:

11-3

6. Examine Results
Linear analysis reaction values (showing negative values at the acute corners of the grillage).

Non-linear analysis reaction values.

Non-linear analysis joint displacements. This plot shows the additional displacements needed to keep
the support reactions positive.

11-4

11.2 Cable Stayed Bridge Example

1. Define the basic geometry of the frame
This example is based upon the 2D frame data contained in the text file 'CABLEDEF.SXF' provided
with the SAM installed files. Import the data into SAM using either of the methods described in article 2
of example 8.1.

2. Object Groups
From the Main Menu, select Data | Structure Geometry... Click in the first row of the table, in the
column headed Object Type, and select Supported Nodes' from the drop-down list.

3. Define the Supported Nodes

Click at either end of the bridge deck and at the base of the pier to define supports there ... they will be
highlighted with yellow squares.

The structure and supports have now been defined, and the next stage is to define the member
properties. Return to the Main Menu by clicking on the OK button on the 'Supported Nodes' form, and
again on the 'Draw 3D Structure' form. Select Data | Define Section Data... from the Main Menu, and
the main section data form will appear.
4. Define Section Data
Definition and assigning of section data for the 3D structure is carried out following similar principles to
those described for the grillage structure in example 6.1 articles 11 to 20 inclusive.

11-5

Define three parametric shape sections. For the first section, choose the rectangular parametric shape
and enter 2000mm for the width and 1000mm for the height and give the section the name 'Deck'. For
the second section, choose the rectangular parametric shape again and enter 1000mm for the width
and 1000mm for the height and give the section the name 'Pier'. For the last section, choose the circle
parametric shape and enter 100mm for the diameter and give the name 'Cable'.
In the table on the 'Define Section Properties' form for the cable enter 200kN/mm2 for the elastic
modulus and 80kN/mm2 for the shear modulus. Click on the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

5. Assign Section Data

Assign the section data to the members of the frame following similar principles to those described for
the grillage structure in example 6.1 articles 17 to 20. Ensure that all the members are red or grey
before leaving the 'Assign Section Properties' form.

6. Assign Member Types

From the Main Menu, select Data | Assign Section Data and click on Member Types... Click in the
first row of the table, in the column headed Member Type, and select Cable' from the drop-down list.
Nominate the cable members by clicking on the diagonal members in the graphic window. The
members selected will turn red. Click on the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

The next stage is to define a basic load case. For this example we will define a horizontal load at the
top of the pier.

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7. Define a Basic Load Case

Select Data | Applied Loadings | Basic Load Cases... The 'Define Basic Loading' form will appear
Click on Nodal Loading under the Nodal Loads category.

8. Define Nodal Load

To apply a 1000kN force in the global X direction, enter 1000kN in the FX column and clear the default
load in the FZ column by entering 0kN. Click at the top of the pier in the graphics window to complete
the nodal loading definition. A blue circle will appear at the top of the pier indicating the load. Click on
the OK button on the 'Define Nodal Loads' and then the 'Define Basic Loading' forms.
Note: the global axes can be toggled on/off. Click on the General sliding toolbar at the right edge of
the graphics window, set the Show Global Axes check box, and click on Done.

Since the introduction of cable members is only potentially non-linear (when the cables are subjected
to compressive forces), the non-linear effects are ignored until they occur because they involve an
iterative process. The procedure therefore is to:
i.
ii.

iii.
iv.

Analyse linearly;
Define a compilation load case (loadings cannot be analysed individually and then compiled
following a non-linear analysis, therefore compilations are only considered for non--linear
analysis);
The program will then check the compilation for any non-linear effects and issue a warning
message if any do occur;
Perform non-linear analysis.

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9. Perform Linear Analysis

To perform a linear analysis, select Calculate | Analyse... from the Main Menu. Click on the Done
button when complete.

We will now create a compilation containing the defined load case.

10. Define Compilation Load case
Click on Calculate from the Main Menu, and select Compilations.... The Define Compilations form
will appear. Click with the mouse in the first blue field of the table under the heading 'Type' and select
'Other'. The Compile Loading Patterns sub-form will appear. Click in the first blue field of the table
under the heading 'Load Name' and select the nodal load case. Type in 'Nodal Load' in the field
labelled 'Name' and click on OK to return to the Define Compilations form. Click on OK to return to the
Main Menu.

A message is issued to inform the user that non-linear effects are significant in the compilation (since
at least one of the tension-only cable members is in compression).
11. Perform Non-linear Analysis
Click on Calculate from the Main Menu, and select Non-linear Analysis.... The Non-linear Analysis
Control form will appear. The red bullet indicates non-linear effects are significant for the nodal load
compilation. Click on the button labelled Analyse and then click on OK to return to the Main Menu.

The result plots below show the internal member forces for the linear and non-linear analysis:

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12. Examine Results

Linear analysis member axial forces (with compressive forces in three out of the four cable members).

Non-linear analysis member axial forces.

During the analysis distortions have been imposed at joints in order to keep the member forces within
the prescribed limits. This is achieved with four iterations of the analysis for this example.

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11-10

12 Staged Construction Example

The following is an example of staged construction analysis. With SAM it is possible to define the final
structure and then specify members that are inactive at certain stages. In this example four
construction stages will be applied to a simple 3D-bridge structure whose geometry and loads have
previously been defined and stored in the file 'AUstage.sst'.
1. Open SAM Structure File
From the Main Menu, select File | Open... and select the file 'AUstage.sst' provided with the SAM
installed files.

2. Define Construction Stages

From the Main Menu, select Data | Define Construction Stages....
The structure is a single stage three span bridge deck at present. From this we shall create a fourstage construction model.
Click three times on the button labelled Insert to create the extra stages.

Before selecting members on the display, change the select mode to exclusive. To do this click on the
down arrow in the Select panel of the graphics window status bar and pick Exclusive Box from the
drop-down menu. (Note: an 'Inclusive Box' selects all the items wholly within a box formed by two
mouse clicks. An 'Exclusive Box' selects all the items wholly or partly within a box formed by two
mouse clicks.)
3. Define First Stage
The first stage will be defined as cantilevered sections over the supports...
Use the mouse to box around the members at the centre of each span as shown opposite. All of the
boxed members will be made inactive at the current stage, and will be drawn with grey dashed lines. If
a mistake is made use the button labelled Clear to make all the members active again, or change the
select mode to 'make active' and re-select. the members. (To change the select mode, click on the
down arrow in the Select panel of the graphics window status bar and pick Make Active from the
drop-down menu).

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Click on the first row in the table and enter the group title as 'Support Construct'.

4. Define Second Stage

The second stage will be defined as the centre span in-fill...
Click on the second row in the table. Use the mouse to box around the members in left and right
spans to make them inactive as shown opposite.
Click on the second row in the table again and enter the group title as 'Centre Span'.

5. Define Third Stage

The third stage will be defined as the left span in-fill ...
Click on the third row in the table. Use the mouse to box around the members in the right span to
make them inactive as shown opposite.
Click on the third row in the table again and enter the group title as 'Left Span'.

6. Define Fourth Stage

The fourth stage will be defined as the right span in-fill (all members active) ...
Click on the fourth row in the table twice. Enter the group title as 'Right Span, Final'.
The stages have now been defined. Click on the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

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7. View Basic Loading

Select Data | Applied Loadings | Basic Load Cases.... The loading form that appears already
contains loading data previously defined. Move the cursor up or down the table with the arrow keys to
highlight on the display the load cases in turn, and view their details in the sub-form that appears.

Four UDL loads have been defined, one to be applied at each construction stage.
Note that the first UDL load representing dead load for the support cantilevers has been defined
covering the whole deck region.
Click on the OK button to return to the Main Menu.
Since this structure is loaded in stages, it is necessary to specify which load cases are applied at
which construction stage in order that the final loading effects may be established.
8. Construction Stage Loading - Stage 1
Select Data | Applied Loadings and click on Construction Stage Loading... to show the 'Define
Construction Stage Loading' form.
The left-hand table contains a list of all the load cases applied at a given construction stage. The righthand table contains a list of all the stages for which a given load case is applied. By default all loads
have been applied at the final construction stage.
Click in the first blue field in the left-hand table and select 'Add load' in order to add load case 1 at
stage 1. Note that the graphics window shows all loads that are included in the stage indicated in the
field labelled 'Stage'.

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9. Construction Stage Loading - Stages 2, 3, & 4

Select 'Centre span' in the drop-down list labelled 'Stage'. (Alternatively use the right arrow buttons
next to the drop-down list labelled 'Stage' to advance to the next stage.)
Click in the blue field on the second row in the left-hand table and select 'Add load' in order to add load
case 2 at stage 2.
Similarly, add load case 3 at stage 3. For stage 4 set the status field to 'No change' for load cases 1, 2
and 3.
Click on the Show Overview button. This table of stage against load can be shown to aid definition.
The structure is ready for analysing. Click on the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

10. Analyse Structure

Click on Calculate from the Main Menu, and select Analyse..., and the analysis of the structure at
each construction stage will proceed. During analysis the warning message '50% of load 1 off
structure for stage 1' will be given. This is because half of the UDL load has been defined over parts of
the structure not included in the first stage.
On completion click on the Done button.

11. Results
Click on File | Results and a graphical plot of results will appear together with tabulated results. The
default loading effect that is plotted is Joint Displacements. The result type can be changed by

12-4

selecting one of the options in the Results For; field and making a selection in the graphics toolbar.
Click in the field labelled 'Load Name' and select each of the load cases listed in turn. The Stage
Name field changes to match the load case selected.
Numerical results can be displayed on the graphics by ticking the tick box in the General sliding
toolbar at the right side of the graphics screen.
Check the box labelled 'Include previous stage loading' to include the loading effects from each of the
previous stages in the results.

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12-6

Bestech Systems Limited

Burton Close
Horley
RH6 7DD
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1293 825 200
Fax: +44 (0) 1293 825 300

Email: bridges@bestech.co.uk
Web site: www.bestech.co.uk

Station House
Adams Hill
Knutsford
WA16 6DN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1565 654 300
Fax: +44 (0) 1565 754 439