Live load application to straddle bent

I am designing a post-tensioned straddle bent. The superstructure has 6 girder lines. Is it possible to define a design truck using fixed axle spacing so it appears "stationary" to reflect the live load reactions from girders to a post-tensioned straddle bent? For example the bearing locations = axle fixed spacing from the left end are: G1-G2-G3-G4-G5-G6  =  63.5'-7.5'-7.5'-7.5'-7.5'-7.5'.

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  • The program assumes the straddle bent is a superstructure and applies LL as a design vehicle and runs it from end to end. In actuality the straddle bent supports 6 girder lines at discrete locations. The girder loads are applied as point loads for both DL & LL. If the LL is applied as part of a DL load combination the LL must be factored up and down to account for Impact, LL Load Factors and DL Load Factors.

    If the girder spacing is 7'-6 and the first girder is 63 from one end, is there a way to define a design vehicle such that the axle spacing and axle loads match the layout of the girders? This way the program will perform the correct load factoring for the LL.

    Also, does the program run the design vehicle completely off the superstructure? In other words the last axle is run to the end of the bridge or is the LL stopped when the first axle reaches the end of the bridge? I would like to space the first and last axles such that the truck was located at the bearing locations on the structure so it wasn't moved from end to end.

    Thanks