Hello, I am working in LEAP Bridge V20 using LRFD 8 to design a pier. The wind loads that were auto-generated for the structure do not match my method of verification. I have been able to match the pressures for each of the load combinations (Strength III, Strength V, Service I, Serivce IV), the wind loads from superstructure, and the wind loads on live load. I have not been able to match the values provided for the wind angles from 15 to 60 degrees for the cap and columns. I am using the projected area method to determine the uniform loads on the cap and column.
Please provide the method LEAP Bridge uses to compute the wind loads on the substructure.
Update: the columns were modeled with drilled shaft supports. When the drilled shaft supports were removed, I was able to match the LEAP Bridge generated wind loads using the projected area method. If the wind acts above elevation is set above the connection between the columns and drilled shafts, why does the presence of the drilled shafts matter? What is the purpose of the wind acts above elevation if elements below the elevation are being considered?