I have a 3 span straight skewed steel girder bridge modeled. While looking at the liveload MZ moments, I noticed a discontinuity in the diagrams. I also verified the strange jump in the output values just to make sure it was not simply an issue with the picture. Here is a screen capture showing the results (Girders 6 and 8 in the center span). These results are from an FEM analysis using Version 18.02.00.12. When looking at the composite loading MZ moments (Wearing Surface and Appurtenances) similar discontinuities are observed. I looked at the liveload MZ moments from a Grillage analysis of the same bridge and the strange jumps were not there. Is there an issue with the FEM and the way LEAP is analyzing?
After discussions with other engineers, I adjusted the mesh settings to be more refined. After running the analysis with the tighter mesh settings, the moment diagrams are now smooth and without any discontinuities.
Thanks for the update.
I'm glad the issue is resolved.