RE: Bentley RM Bridge Enterprise CONNECT & Capabilities

MarcosBeier — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 19:32:12 GMT

Dear Mr. Masoud,

About the technical capabilities questions for the current version of Bentley RM Bridge Enterprise CONNECT:

RM can perform non-linear analysis of bridges but as plastic hinges in some locations and not based on plasticity of whole structure with complete non- linearity along the length of the concrete element and its depth. RM runs the analysis and identify materials limits; the user uses this as additional input for a further non-linear plastic analysis where in the cross-section level it only considers the reinforcement and not yet the crack depth. Therefore, until now our implementation is not yet a full non-linear analysis.
RM can run a nonlinear analysis of concrete bridges showing the flexure cracks limits and respective failures, but not the shear or shear failure of concrete elements.
RM can use this nonlinear analysis to make the assessment of existing bridges and can it do the required design of the retrofitting or strengthening works by concrete jackets, steel jackets and by FRP jackets for unsafe concrete elements (as columns, beams and slabs). All the transversal behaviors need first the finalization of the hybrid beam-FEM model implementation. RM is used not only to model and analysis but also for design and verification, the use of varied materials properties and their resulting composite action has been implemented for a long time. The FEM implementation is its third phase where all linear analysis is possible, next step is to implement non-linear FEM.
Yes, RM can run nonlinear time-history dynamic analysis of bridges, it´s well known by its strong advanced nonlinear dynamics systems analysis at time domain solutions. RM is key analysis tool for large bridge projects with respect to High Speed Rail (HSR) , Aerodynamics (Wind) and Hydrodynamics (TLP – Tension Leg Platform Multi Span Suspension Floating Bridges). Direct integration with Newmark scheme is performed at a given time interval using defined time steps with time dependent loads and masses. Nonlinear structural behavior can also be considered in dynamic analyses.
Yes, RM can do the nonlinear pushover analysis and performance based design approach. RM uses a reference load case for the calculation of the capacity curve of the structure and performs the analysis demand curve check according to EC8 & FEMA440.
RM can do the nonlinear progressive collapse analysis for concrete bridges. RM can use the same time integration method to deactivate elements and perform fatigue and collapse analysis on the remaining structure.
RM can model the impact and blast loading on bridges, but not in detail. RM again uses the time integration method when the loads acting on the system vary in time like for impact loads, very localized effects are still not implemented.
No, RM does not have a fire effect analysis with temperature -time curvature and can´t analyze concrete stiffness degradation, only temperature gradients and temperature differences effects are implemented in the analysis.RM can create a linear or a nonlinear temperature distribution in the bridge cross-section as well as analyze linear and non-linear temperature loading. It´s made to investigate temperature increases and decreases with differentials due to variations so it´s applied over the whole structure or only the main girders. It considers that despite being itself linear it can cause non-linear stresses.
Yes, RM generates reinforcement data for detailing drawings after analysis and design of bridges as shop drawings and blueprints without exporting to Autocad or Revit. RM has additional input for placing reinforcement and allows for bridge design, after process shop drawings can be created from templates associated to the model in the .DGN format and DWG´s can be generated as well directly inside RM. This reinforcement amount and localization data is then used in Bentley ProStructures for detailing.

If you have remaining doubts or any additional information that you may require don´t hesitate in contacting us.

Thank you for your inquiry,

marcos.beier@bentley.com