Expansion Joint Gap input

I want to know what is the meaning of Gaps input in Autopipe for Expansion joint tie rod?

What does a forward or a backward gap signifies?

Is forward gap always mean for tension purpose and backward for compression?

As I have heard, there will always be small gap in the tie rod for rotation in transverse direction. So, does this mean I have to input small gap always?

I tried to look at the help section of Autopipe but could not find definite answer.

Thank you

Parents
  • Hello Dipesh,

    Please remember that there are 3 supports in AutoPIPE that have a forward / back gap setting:

    Incline, Line Stop, and Tie link.

    Incline and Tie Link support

    Specify a gap forward to enable the supported point to move toward the connected to point established by the defined bearing spring direction (cosines), without generating a restraining reaction until the gap is closed. Specify a gap backward to enable the supported point to move away from the connected to point without generating a restraining reaction until the gap is closed.

    Line stop support

    Specify a gap forward to enable the supported point to move in a forward segment direction (local+x) without generating a restraining reaction until the gap is closed. Specify a gap backward to enable the supported point to move in the opposite direction (local-x) without generating a restraining reaction until the gap is closed. A large gap can be specified in order to model a one-way restraint.

    Regards,

    Mike Dattilio
    Bentley Product Advantage Group Analyst
    AutoPIPE Product Line Bentley Systems, Inc.
    ===================================================

    YouTube- Bentley Pipe Stress - Subscribe

    AutoPIPE On-Demand Training CLICK HERE
    ===================================================

    Answer Verified By: Dipesh Khadka 

Reply
  • Hello Dipesh,

    Please remember that there are 3 supports in AutoPIPE that have a forward / back gap setting:

    Incline, Line Stop, and Tie link.

    Incline and Tie Link support

    Specify a gap forward to enable the supported point to move toward the connected to point established by the defined bearing spring direction (cosines), without generating a restraining reaction until the gap is closed. Specify a gap backward to enable the supported point to move away from the connected to point without generating a restraining reaction until the gap is closed.

    Line stop support

    Specify a gap forward to enable the supported point to move in a forward segment direction (local+x) without generating a restraining reaction until the gap is closed. Specify a gap backward to enable the supported point to move in the opposite direction (local-x) without generating a restraining reaction until the gap is closed. A large gap can be specified in order to model a one-way restraint.

    Regards,

    Mike Dattilio
    Bentley Product Advantage Group Analyst
    AutoPIPE Product Line Bentley Systems, Inc.
    ===================================================

    YouTube- Bentley Pipe Stress - Subscribe

    AutoPIPE On-Demand Training CLICK HERE
    ===================================================

    Answer Verified By: Dipesh Khadka 

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