Thermal force calculation with bearing pad for multi-column interior bent with varying column heights

Question

Hello, I have a couple questions regarding OpenBridge Designer (LEAP Bridge Concrete Substructure). 
 - How is the thermal force calculated for a multi-column bent with elastomeric bearing pads with varying column heights? 
 - Also, how is the out-of-plane stiffness calculated for a multi-column bent with varying column heights supporting girders on elastomeric bearing pads? 
 - Lastly, how is the out-of-plane stiffness calculated for a multi-column bent with different column and drilled shaft diameters to the point of fixity? 
 Thanks, 
 Danny V

Vinay mysore · Answer

Please check the calculation for fixed bearing and for elastomeric bearing pads , the calculation is similar. 
 Very detailed theory related to thermal force calculation is shown in the RCpier Tutorial Manual. 
 https://communities.bentley.com/products/bridge_design___engineering/w/bridge_design_and_engineering__wiki/23321/thermal-force-calculation-for-fixed-bearing-condition

Vinay mysore · Answer

I created the Service Request: 7001531346 and emailed you the answer.

Vinay mysore · Answer

This was response provided to Benji Michael: 
 This is the response from the Software Development manager . 
 &ldquo;I made a quick model to test the out of plane (OOP) loading and the effect due to that. Following are some snapshots of the model. I have attached the file also in here. In the engine source code it clearly shows the element stiffness matrix considers the moment of inertia about the minor direction that is aligned to the OOP direction. Both along transverse and about OOP moment DOFs are considered in the stiffness formulation. Stiffness terms are exactly the way Timoshenko has provided.

Please let me know if this is the information you are looking for. 
 
 Please let me know if you need any additional information. 
 
 Thanks & Regards, 
 Vinay