I've read the Conspan help that says that skew correction factors for shear are incorporated in the distribution factor (reference AASHTO LRFD 4.6.2.2.3c). Does conspan vary the skew reduction factor from max at supports to 1.0 at midspan?
Answer Verified By: Alex O [Bentley]
Vinay, I attempted to upload the relevant section from AASHTO 4.6.2.2.3c. To quote AASHTO, "The shear correction factors should be applied between the point of support at the obtuse corner and mid-span, and may be decreased linearly to a value of 1.0 at midspan, regardless of end condition." I am using AASHTO 2014, perhaps that is the problem? I reviewed AASHTO 2012 and see that this SENTENCE IS NOT IN THE 2012 CODE. I think we've found our problem! CONSPAN is using an older code, which does not have this provision.
However, I would still like to confirm that CONSPAN is using the skew correction factors calculated per the table 4.6.2.2.3c-1, rather than modelling the skewed support. Can you please confirm? Thanks.