What´s New & Changed in RM Bridge V8i v08.10.12.01

What´s New & Changed in RM Bridge V8i v08.10.12.01  


Index

1. About the product

2. Improvements in Detail

2.1 GUI – Enhancements

2.2 RM2Rebar

2.3 Earthquake Analysis

2.4 Tendon geometry

2.5 Steel design

2.6 Wizard

2.7 Localisation

2.8 Loading


1. About the product

See also release notes RM Bridge V8i (SELECTseries 3)  v08.10.12.01.

RM Bridge V8i (SELECTseries 3)  is the 4th major release (July 2012, maintenance release December 2012) of the renowned and widely used software suite RM Bridge V8i, succeeding RM2006 in 2009. The software performs analysis and design of arbitrary bridge structures ranging from small standard bridges to world record cable stayed and suspension bridges.

Main enhancement topic of SS3 compared to SS2 is the interface between RM and Rebar. This is indeed an important first step beyond design functionality and into rein-forcement detailing. Other extensions are related to

  • Earthquake engineering
  • Steel design
  • Wizard improvements
  • Localization (Russia, Hong Kong, Brazil, Norway)

2. Improvements in Detail

2.1 GUI – Enhancements

2.1.1 RMRESVIEW

New Result Viewer: New concept for result presentation with using DGN file format and advanced graphics functionality.

2.1.2 Assemblies

Assemblies: New database object collecting elements, nodes and further entities. These objects may be addressed throughout the program for data specification (e.g. load defi-nition) or result presentation.


2.2 RM2REBAR

Interface between RM Bridge and Bentley Rebar.

Rebar is a powerful general reinforcement detailing product offered by Bentley for creating reinforcement drawings for concrete structures and especially for Bridges. The interface functionality is placed in RM Bridge in the main menu ->Extras.

The ->Extras->Rebar functionality in RM allows for sharing reinforcement data between RM and Rebar. The sub-function ->Export RM Model to Rebar can be used for exporting the relevant data of the RM database (concrete geometry, tendons, location and amount of required reinforcement) into Rebar reference files. The data are there available in a so-called 'Indicative model' and may be referenced throughout the detailing process.

For processing the exported Rebar reference file either the products Power Rebar (v08.11.07.70) or Microstation V8i (SELECTseries 1 & 2 ) and Bentley Rebar (v08.11.07.70) are required.


2.3 Earthquake Analysis

2.3.1 Macros for Response spectrum definitions>

The macros generating response spectra in accordance with different design codes es-sentially ease the definition of response spectra in the GUI and make it less error-prone. Macros for Eurocode and Spanish code have already been provided in SS2. The new version now also provides macros for

  • Chinese code JTG D62
  • AASHTO LRFD 2007
  • AASHTO LRFD 2012
  • SNiP Russia (December release)

2.3.2 CQC Mode superposition

The CQC mode superposition has now been completely revised. This is mainly related to mode superposition yielding also concurrent result values (in the program called TDV superposition). This process requires a Cholesky decomposition of the correlation matrix. Previous numerical problems in this Cholesky decomposition occurring in numerically highly critical cases with a large number of Eigenvalues have finally been resolved in a satisfactory manner.

2.3.3 CQCX Mode superposition

The CQCX mode superposition (variant of CQC) has been extended to allow for evaluating also concurrent values if the respective switch is set (switch "TDV mode superposition" in the Recalc pad). The stability improvements of the Cholesky decomposition as described above are equally implemented for CQC and CQCX.


2.4 Tendon geometry and stressing

2.4.1 Geometry calculation

The tendon geometry calculation was completely revised. The new algorithm now allows for

  • Better handling of straight portions
  • Independent constraint definition for plan and elevation
  • Bugs fixed

2.4.2 Optimization of stressing sequence (December release)

The program allows defining stressing limits as tendon parameters.
The optimization button allows for optimizing the last stressing action before wedge slip such that no stress limits are exceeded.


2.5 Steel design

The steel design functionality has been further improved and consolidated. The user manual for this functionality has been provided as online document in the program.

Also a tutorial is now available in the training example sequence.

Functionality extension for consideration of locked-in forces in composite sections (due to stage-wise assembly of the girders) has been implemented (December release).

A tutorial is now available in the training example sequence.


2.6 Wizard improvement

2.6.1 Steel-Composite

Steel composite wizard completely revised and enhanced:

  • Variation of girder parameters along the bridge
  • Sophisticated parametric definition and arrangement of cross-frames, stiffeners
  • Sophisticated parametric definition and arrangement of lateral bracings
  • Sophisticated parametric definition of deck reinforcement
  • Generation of a detailed report (December release)

2.6.2 Precast-Wizard (December release)

Steel composite wizard completely revised and enhanced:

  • Girder parameter variation
  • Australian Super T-beam with closed/open top
  • Definition and arrangement of cross-frames between precast girders
  • Definition and arrangement of lateral bracings between precast girders
  • Haunch definition for slabs (except JTG girders)
  • Deck reinforcement for precast like for steel-composite
  • Updates for pre-tensioning dialog
  • Generation of a detailed report

2.7 Localisation

2.7.1 Russia

The localization for Russia is ongoing. However, the translation of the GUI texts has been completed and user guidance in Russian is now available throughout the program. Proof checks for concrete structures in accordance with SniP are partly available.

Status December Release:

  • Manuals translated to Russian
  • Support for Russian (Cyrillic) texts in plot files
  • Response spectrum for Russia
  • Steel and composite checks in accordance with SNiP implemented
  • Material for concrete, steel and pre-stressing steel
  • Time dependent functions for creep, shrinkage, relaxation
  • Standard steel profiles according to GOST
  • Design Checks according to SNiP for concrete implemented:
    Fibre Stress Check and Ultimate Load Capacity Check (including reinforcement design).

2.7.2 Hong Kong

The old implementation of Hong Kong standard has been revised and adapted to the new requirements. Verification examples for certification by the Building department were performed and delivered. Certification was granted.

2.7.3 Brazil

Localization for Brazil started and partly available (materials, traffic loads).

2.7.4 Norway

Shear Check: Shear check for reinforced/post-tensioned concrete EN 1992 incl. NA available.

2.8 Loading

New load type Node velocity for Time Integration Analysis (Ship Impact) has been implemented.