HLR Section 5
Structure Data
CONTENTS
5.1 | Structure ID Data
| 5.1.1 Structure Number
| 5.1.2 Node Associated with Span 1
| 5.1.3 Type of Carriageway
| 5.1.4 Type of Structure (Supports)
| 5.1.5 Number of Moment Capacity Sets
| 5.1.6 Purpose of Second Capacity Set
| 5.1.7 Type of Forced Restriction
5.2 | General Structure Data
| 5.2.1 Number of Spans, Design Year
| 5.2.2 Design Vehicle Data
| 5.2.3 Structure, Girder, Material Data
| 5.2.4 Skew, Clearances, Widths
| 5.2.5 Comments
| 5.2.6 Shear, Reaction, Clearance Checks
| 5.2.7 Working / Ultimate Checks
| 5.2.8 Vehicle Reduction Factor
| 5.2.9 Working Overstress Factor
5.3 | Span Details
| 5.3.1 Spans, Span Groups, Span Lengths
| 5.3.2 DLA Factors
| 5.3.3 Girder Spacing
| 5.3.4 Notes, Comments, Span Attributes
| 5.3.5 Hinges, Cantilevers, Drop-in Spans
| 5.3.6 Enter/Edit K-Factors
| 5.3.7 Distribution Factors
5.4 | Moment Capacities
| 5.4.1 Simply Supported Structures
| 5.4.2 Continuous Structures
5.5 | K-Factors
5.6 | Shear & Reaction Capacities
5.7 | Structure Database
| 5.7.1 Search Database & Run Queries
| 5.7.2 Database Tables & Format
| 5.7.3 Print Structure Data
5.8 | View Structure Database Tables
| 5.8.1 General Structure Data Table
| 5.8.2 Span Details Data Table
| 5.8.3 Simply Supported Capacities Table
| 5.8.4 Continuous Structures Capacities Table
| Other Links: | Main Index | Default Values | Analysis | Vehicle Data |
5.1 Structure ID Data
| NOTE! Structure data can only be created and edited via BIS. However, it can be viewed via the Structure option in the main menu. Structure ID data includes its Road Number, Road Name, Name/Title and Location. None of these items is mandatory, although the results may be difficult to interpret if some of the information is not provided. An example of a typical job ID panel is given below:
| 5.1.1 Structure Number This is a mandatory but completely arbitrary ID number of up to 7 alpha-numeric characters and symbols. Leading zeros are not permitted and will be stripped off by HLR (i.e. 00355 will be converted to 355) unless the number is specified in double quotations (e.g. "00355"). Each structure must have a unique number. Examples of allowable numbers are: "0003", 333, 333a, 333B, 333-A etc. Although alphabetic characters and symbols are permitted, the numbers may not always be properly ordered when sorted numerically. 5.1.2 Node Associated With Span 1 This parameter defines the notional "positive" direction in which the structure is oriented with respect to the link that it lies on. It should always be set to the Start node number of the link on which it lies. The Start node will always be associated by HLR with the first span of a multi-span structure or the nearest abutment of a single span structure. In the example shown below the positive sense of the two links is from left to right. Hence node 66 is the Start node for the Simply Supported structure in the first link (highlighted in yellow) while 22 is the End node number for the first link but the Start node number for the continuous structure in the second link (light cyan). The dark-blue numbered rectangles in the diagram indicate the abutment nearest to the Start node numbers and therefore the orientation of the structure with respect to the link. In the case of the continuous bridge, HLR will assume that the first, (left-most), span will be Span 1 when performing the analysis. For this reason, all structures in the link must have the same associated Start node number, even if they lie on separate carriageways. HLR will determine which bridge to analyse on a dual-carriageway link via the Type of Carriageway attribute associated with the structure (see below). Note that if a vehicle travels from the Start node of the link to it's End node, it is assumed by default that it has moved in the "forward" direction along the link. (But this may not represent the notional forward direction of the route!). The node number is restricted to a maximum of 3 alpha-numeric characters. HLR will warn you if a valid node number does not exist or if it is missing. For structures that will only ever be analysed in stand-alone (ad-hoc) mode it may be left blank (or any other convenient number can be used). 5.1.3 Type of Carriageway This attribute indicates the geometric nature of the roadway represented by the link viz, whether it is: Undivided, Divided, Left CW (carriageway) or Right CW (carriageway). Note that there is no analytical difference between a structure that is assigned an Undivided or Divided attribute - it will be treated in exactly the same way when being assessed. The differentiation is only provided for documentation purposes. The attribute is only important for structures that lie on a dual-carriageway link, since it enables HLR to determine whether it should be included in the assessment or not (refer also to the discussion under Section 5.1.2 above). 5.1.4 Type of Structure (Support conditions) Select from either simply supported or continuous. Structures with cantilevers, hinges and drop-in spans should be treated as continuous. Refer to Section 5.3 for further information regarding cantilevers, drop-in spans and hinges. 5.1.5 Number of Moment Capacity Sets Select either a single moment capacity set or two sets. The second moment capacity set can either be used for the M3 (lowest speed) check or to check another girder in the same structure (for TSA structures this is the 5 kph centre-line travel check). The purpose of the second capacity set is selected using the tick boxes to the left of this data group. 5.1.6 Purpose of Second Capacity Set This group of tick boxes will only be enabled if two moment capacites are flagged in the right-hand data group. Select the first tick box if the second moment capacity set is to be used for the M3 check (for TSA structures this is the 5 kph centre-line travel check) and the second box if it is to be used to check another girder in the same structure. 5.1.7 Type of Forced Restriction This parameter can be used to impose a permanent restriction on the structure that will over-ride all other calculated conditions viz: Force the HL vehicle to travel at 10 kph down the edge lane Force the HL vehicle to travel at 5 kph along the centreline of the bridge Check horizontal and vertical clearances only (refer also to Section 5.2 below) Bypass analysis (structure data will, however, be recorded in the log file) No access (i.e. post a total restriction to all vehicles)
5.2 General Structure Data
| The Structure Data tab includes general structural and design information. An example of a typical panel is given below:
| 5.2.1 Number of Spans, Design Year Number of Spans: This attribute represents the total number of spans in the structure (not the number of span groups). Refer to Section 5.3 (Span Data) for a discussion of spans and span groups. For information relating to hinges, drop-in spans and cantilevers click the button labelled "Click for info on cantilevers, hinges & drop-in spans". Design Year: Enter year only (e.g. 1991). Although generally included for documentation purposes, the date may be used in determining the DLA factor when performing a moment ratio check (refer to Section 6.6). 5.2.2 Design Vehicle Data Design Vehicle: Select a design vehicle from the drop-down pick list. A number of standard Australian vehicles have already been entered into the database, including the T44, HS20, MS18, H&LG and W7. Note that if a ratio check is to be performed on the structure using a design vehicle not already in the database one must be created using the Add a new Design Vehicle button. (Refer to Section 4.4 for details). Add a New Design Vehicle: This button enables a design vehicle to be created and added to the Design Vehicle data base. (Refer to Section 4.4 for details). Proportion of Design Vehicle: Indicate the proportion of the design vehicle to be used in the analysis (as a percentage). This attribute is only used in the analysis if a Moment Ratio check is to be performed. (Refer to Section 6.3 for details). 5.2.3 Structure, Girder, Material Data Type of Structure: This parameter is basically used as a high-level descriptor to categorise the structure. Select from one of the following structure types: Bridge; Culvert; Concrete Pipe; Armco. Type of Girder: This parameter is used in two situations:- to determine the Phi-Factor in the Ratio Method of analysis for simply-supported structures (refer to Section 6.3 for details); and to isolate Northern Territory (NT) structure types. Select from one of the following girder types: Beam; Truss; Slab; Box; Arch; Cable; Plank; NT. Note that the 'Arch' and 'Cable' specifications are purely for documentation purposes only - they have no influence on the type of analysis that is performed. Girder Material: This parameter is only used to set the default "E" value in the analysis of continuous beam structures. Select from one of six material types: PSC; RC; Steel; Timber; Masonry; RC+Steel. Default values of E (in MPa units) are hard-coded as follows: PSC - 35,000; RC - 31,000; Steel - 200,000; Timber - 12,000; All other material types - 30,000. 5.2.4 Skew, Clearances, Widths Skew: This attribute is used for documentation purposes only (in Degrees). It is not used in the analysis and is only required as a useful reference when interrogating the results. Kerb-Kerb Width (m): If a value is specified in this field HLR will use it for the Vehicle Reduction Factor check i.e., the program will check to see if the bridge is wide enough to accommodate more than just the one HL vehicle. (Refer to Section 6.1.7 for details). Barrier/Overall Width (m): If a value is specified HLR will check that the width of the HL vehicle does not exceed the nominated dimension. Therefore, only enter a value if this dimension is deemed to be important and necessary. Overhead Clearance (m): If a value is specified HLR will check that the height of the HL vehicle does not exceed the nominated dimension. This caters for situations where the structure may be an overpass on a heavy load route. Only enter a value if this dimension is deemed to be important or necessary. If vertical clearance and strength data are specified HLR will perform both checks, even if the clearance check fails (unless you specify that a clearance check only is required, in which case the strength check will not be performed). 5.2.5 Comments Unlimited comments and notes can be entered into this field. Note that specifications for a shear/reaction check entered using the Shear / Reaction button are echoed back into this field. For structures that will be checked using the Ratio Method (in situations where capacities are not known) a unique Working Overstress Factor can be specified for the structure by including an entry of the form: *WSF=... in this field (e.g. *WSF=1.25). If a specification of this form is present it will over-ride the default value of the WSF. This may be useful for PSC structures where the overstress factor is usually 1.25 (less than the default value of 1.4). Refer also to the discussion in Section 5.2.9. 5.2.6 Shear, Reaction, Clearance Checks Shear/Reaction Check Button: This button allows an optional shear and/or reaction check to be performed for the structure (together with a moment check). For details refer to Section 5.6, Shear and Reaction Capacities. Perform a Clearance Check Only: Tick this box if only a vertical/horizontal clearance check is to be performed on the structure. This action is identical to setting the Forced Restrictions option in Section 5.1 above to Check horizontal and vertical clearances only. 5.2.7 Working / Ultimate Checks Working Stress & Ultimate Check: Tick the check box if a working stress check is to be performed as well as an Ultimate Limit State check. (Note that Working Overload moment capacities must be present if this is to happen). If only working overload capacities are available for a given structure a working stress check will be done by default. If ultimate capacities are also available, then both ultimate and working checks will be performed if this box is ticked. (Refer also to Section 6.2 for a description of the analysis methodology). If the structure is to be assessed using moment ratios and it has a unique Working Overload Factor, HLR can be instructed to use this factor during the analysis by entering a specification of the form *WSF = ... in the Comments field. If a specification of this form is present it will over-ride the default value of the WSF. This feature can be useful for PSC structures where the overstress factor is usually 1.25 (less than the default value of 1.4). 5.2.8 Vehicle Reduction Factor Tick the check box if you do not want the unrestricted moments, shears and reactions for this structure to be multiplied by the global vehicle reduction factor specified in the Analysis Options tab (refer to Section 6.1.7 for a description of this factor and how it is applied). If the box is ticked and a Vehicle Reduction Factor (VRF) is specified for the analysis, the following entry will appear against this structure in the analysis report: VRF=1 (DBase) This basically indicates that a Vehicle Reduction Factor of 1 was applied to the heavy vehicle moments (and shears) during the analysis. 5.2.9 Working Overstress Factor A reduced Working Stress Overload Factor is often specified for PSC structures without capacities (e.g., Transport SA specifies *WSF=1.25). This specification is entered into the Comments field on the Structure Data form (refer to Section 5.2.5 for details). Normally this factor will supercede the value specified in the Analysis Options tab. This can be a problem, however, in situations where an allowable overstress less than 40% is required (as, for example, in a network-wide assessment of B-Doubles, where 115% overstress is permitted). Since the *WSF=" specification applies to the full overload condition (which is equivalent to allowing 140% overstress), HLR "pro-rates" the structure-specific overstress with respect to the value given in the Analysis Options tab. This is done in the following way: When 140% overstress is specified for the Working Stress Overload Factor in the Analysis Options tab and a structure has a specification of the form "*WSF=" in the Comments field an allowable ratio of WSF is used. When 100% overstress is specified in the Analysis Options tab, an allowable ratio of 1.00 is used. The "pro-rata" formula adopted for other values of *WSF and Working Stress Overload Factor is: Rpsc = 1 + (WSOF - 100) * (WSF - 1) / 40 Where Rpsc = allowable ratio for structures having a unique WSF specification (e.g., *WSF = 1.25) and WSOF = Working Stress Overload Factor (e.g. 140%). The above expression is essentially the equation of a straight line. For example, if WSOF = 115%, then Rpsc = 1.09375. Note that the formulation applies to both simply supported and continuous bridges with no capacities.
5.3 Span Details
| Span data in HLR is based on the concept of a "span group". For continuous structures each span group is equivalent to a single span i.e., there will always be as many span groups as there are spans. For simply supported structures a span group can consist of one or more spans (up to the maximum specified in the Structure Data tab).
| 5.3.1 Spans, Groups, Lengths No. Spans in Group: Span data in HLR is based on the concept of a "span group". Each span group can either represent a single span or a group of identical spans (up to the maximum specified in the Structure Data tab). Therefore, enter the number of spans in the group for which the properties and capacities are the same (this value must not exceed the total number of spans). For continuous structures HLR will insert a note into the span-based capacities comment field indicating the span range associated with the currently displayed span group number. Although all span lines in the table may not be initially required do not attempt to delete any that may be surplus to your needs - they will automatically disappear when you navigate to the next (or previous) dialog box. Additional spans can be added at a later date using the "Add another span group" button. (See below) Add Another Span Group: Click this button if you wish to add another span or span group to the structure. HLR will append a blank row to the table. For simply supported structures more than one span can be specified in the No. Spans in Group field; for continuous structures enter a single span only into this field. Disregard excess blank rows if you are adding span groups to simply supported structures - they will disappear once you have entered moment capacity data or tabbed to another form. Span Length: Enter a value in metres. 5.3.2 Dynamic Load Allowance Factor The DLA value entered in this field will be used to calculate the maximum moment (and/or shear and reaction) at unrestricted travel speed (i.e., the M1 effect - refer to Section 6.2 for details). Enter the value as a proportion and not as a percentage or number larger than 1 (e.g DLA = 0.4). If this field is left blank or zero HLR will use one of the following two values either: the default DLA1 value specified in the Options/Load Effects form; or, if this too is zero, it will calculate a default dynamic load allowance for the applied heavy load vehicle based on the DLA-Frequency curve found in the Options form. 5.3.3 Girder Spacing Girder Spacing 1: Effective girder spacing (metres). Leave zero if there are no girders in the deck. Girder Spacing 2: This field has two possible "meanings", depending on whether two capacity sets have been specified and the significance attributed to the second capacity set (refer to Section 5.1 for details). Enter a value if either: - This girder spacing is to be used for the M3 check only (for TSA structures this is the 5 kph centre-line travel check); OR - There are two capacity sets and this spacing is to be used to check a second girder (either within the same span or elsewhere in the structure). 5.3.4 Notes, Comments, Span Attributes Notes & Comments: Enter notes, comments, structure attributes and other text as required for each span. This field is also used to enter specifications for a shear/reaction check, to identify hinges, cantilevers and drop-in spans, and to specify (via a code) the manner in which a Moment-Ratio check (if appropriate) is to be performed. (To quickly check the available list of codes and attributes click the buttons labelled "Description of other span attributes" and "Hinges, cantilevers, drop-in spans"). The following is a summary of the allowable attributes:
*V= | Perform a Shear check. Refer to Section 5.6 for details and limitations
*R= | Perform a Reaction check. Refer to Section 5.6 for details and restrictions
*E5= | Indicates the effective girder width to use in the R3 check (5kph for TSA structures). This is not to be confused with the [E] specification below which simply documents that the girder widths entered in the Girder 1 and Girder 2 columns are effective widths, not actual widths.
[E] | Indicates that an effective girder width has been entered in the Girder 1 and Girder 2 columns (i.e. it is used for documentation purposes only).
[B] | Signifies that reduced axle loads will not be used in the Moment Ratio analysis and the Df2/Df1 reduction factor will not be applied to the R3 centreline travel check (for TSA structures this is the 5kph centre-line travel check). Refer to Section 6.3 for further details.
[C] | Signifies that reduced axle loads will be used in the Moment Ratio analysis but the Df2/Df1 reduction factor will not be applied to the R3 check (for TSA structures this is the 5kph centre-line travel check). Refer to Section 6.3 for further details.
Display Span Note Attributes: Click this button to view a summary of codes and attributes that can be entered into the span "Notes & Comments" field (see above). 5.3.5 Hinges, Cantilevers, Drop-in Spans Drop-in spans, cantilevers and hinges can be modelled by inserting appropriate codes into the span "Notes & Comments" field. Click the button labelled "Hinges, cantilevers, drop-in spans" to view a summary of these codes. The following panel will be displayed:
The codes must be entered exactly as shown (within square brackets and in uppercase) but they can appear anywhere in the span Notes & Comments field. For drop-in spans the [DI] designator must be specified for the span that is actually dropped in. For hinges both [HR] and [HL] must be specified in adjacent spans, otherwise HLR will not interpret the hinge correctly. 5.3.6 Enter/Edit K-Factors Click this button if you wish to specify K-factors instead of moment capacities. These factors are used for checking culverts and portal frames and are only applicable to simply supported structures. For further details regarding the definition, limitations and derivation of the factors refer to Section 5.5 or to Section 6.4 for the analysis methodology. 5.3.7 Distribution Factors Distribution Factors: Click this button to edit or enter distribution factors for the current structure. Up to 14 axle width/tyre number combinations can be entered into a table as shown below. Distribution Factors DF1, DF2 and DF3 correspond to the M1, M2 and M3 effects (refer to Section 6.2 for a detailed description of the analysis methodology). Note that only the ENTER key can be used when entering or editing values in the table - do not use the TAB key. To replicate a line, place the cursor in any cell in the source row then click the Replicate Line button. All values in the current row will be copied into the next row. If the cursor is located in the first blank line below a populated row, the contents of that row will be copied into the blank line. If you enter only a single row of data with an Axle Width less than the width of the HL vehicle it will force HLR to use the tabulated distribution factors rather than the default values. An axle width of zero is permitted, in which case every HL vehicle, irrespective of its width, will be assessed using the DF values given in the table. During the analysis HLR will check if a DF table is available for the structure being checked. If it is, the program will attempt to match the widest HL vehicle axle with the entries in the table (also using the value specified in the Number of Tyres per Axle field - which has yet to be included in the program). If a match is found, the appropriate distribution factors will be loaded. If an exact match cannot be made, the default girder factors currently embodied in the program will be used. Note, however, that if only a single row of DF data has been entered into the table and the Axle Width is less than the maximum HL vehicle axle width, the tabulated factors will over-ride the default values given in the Options/Load Effects Factors tab. However, default values will be used for HL vehicle axle widths less than the value shown in the table. Structure-specific distribution factors are not used if the analysis is based on the ratio method - the default girder factors are invoked instead. (Refer to Section 6.2 for a detailed description of the analysis methodology). If structure-specific distribution factors are used in the analysis they will be shown in both the Preview panel and the output reports.
5.4 Moment Capacities
| 5.4.1 Simply Supported Spans For each span (or span group) optionally enter at least one of the following live load moment capacities (in kN.m): Working stress; Working Overload (the default is 140% O/L); and Ultimate. The Working Overload capacity is the value used by HLR when it performs the basic working stress check. Refer to Section 6.2, Analysis Methodology, for a detailed description as to how the working stress check is actually performed and the circumstances under which the Working moment capacity is needed. Depending on the type of superstructure, live load moment capacities will either represent individual girder moments or a value for the entire cross-section of the deck. Note that if all of your structure overload capacities differ from the default 140% level the heading in the moment table can be changed via the Default Settings tab in the Options menu item (refer to Section 8.1). Shear/Reaction Check Button: Click this button to enter a live load shear and/or reaction capacity for each span group. For details refer to Section 5.6, Shear and Reaction Capacities.
| 5.4.2 Continuous Structures A typical window from the Structure Capacity Set form is shown below:
| Moment capacities: At least one of the following positive (sagging) and negative (hogging) live load moment capacities must be provided for an analysis to be performed: Working Overload (usually the 40% Overstress value) and/or Ultimate (all moments in kN.m). Note that it is not necessary for capacities to be entered for every section. The Working Overload capacity is the value used by HLR when it performs the basic working stress check. Refer to Section 6.2, Analysis Methodology, for a detailed description as to how the working stress check is actually performed and the circumstances under which the Working live load moment capacity is needed. Depending on the type of superstructure, live load moment capacities will either represent individual girder moments or a value for the entire cross-section of the deck. Note that if all of your structure overload capacities differ from the default 140% level the label in the moment table can be changed via the Default Settings tab in the Options menu item (refer to Section 8.1). Moment of Inertias: Enter a moment of inertia (in mm4x10^6) for the section if a moment capacity has been specified for that section. If girders are uniform, set all inertias to the default value of 10.0 mm4x10^6 by clicking the button labelled Set Default Ixx. You must enter a moment of inertia for every section if the girder is tapered or haunched . Symmetry Specification: Data for the current span can be automatically generated if it is symmetrical with one of the previously specified spans. Enter the previous span number, indicate the symmetry order then click Apply. All capacities and inertias for the current span will be automatically set to those of the source span. Comments: Notes and comments associated with each span. Shear/Reaction Check Button: Click this button to enter a shear and/or reaction capacity for each span group. For details refer to Section 5.6, Shear and Reaction Capacities. (Note that the shear/reaction specification will be echoed into the comments field.) Set Default Ixx: Clicking this button will set all inertias in the current span to the default value of 10.0 mm4x10^6. Inertia values must be entered for all sections that have at least one non-zero moment capacity specified. Replicate Ixx: Clicking this button will copy the Ixx value in the active row into the next row down. Replicate Line: Clicking this button will copy all capacity and inertia values from the cells in the current row into the cells on the next line down. The cursor can be located anywhere on the source row (i.e., in any cell in that row), for this to work. Replicate Remainder: Clicking this button will copy all capacity and inertia values from all cells in the current row of the table into the cells of the remaining rows in the table. The cursor can be located anywhere on the source row (i.e., in any cell in that row), for this to work. Mirror Values: Clicking this button will copy all capacity and inertia values from the cells in the first row into the cells in the last row; those from the second row into those on the second-to-last row; and so on. This is particularly useful for generating data for symmetrically haunched girders.
5.5 K-Factors
| This feature has been provided to enable non-standard structures, such as culverts and portal frames, to be performed. The maximum sagging moment due to the heavy load vehicle, Mhl, is calculated assuming the structure is a simply supported beam and using the structure length specified in the database. The factored moments Ml, M2, M3 are then multiplied by the factor, K, and the resulting values compared to the actual capacity, Mc. Two K-factors may be specified for each span group in the structure to allow for checking of both positive and negative moments. In the case of a culvert, for example, this would permit a check to be made of the positive top-slab moment as well as the negative top corner moment. K is, in effect, a moment multiplier that converts a simply-supported mid-span sagging moment to equivalent fixed-end moments. It must be calculated separately for each target structure using a range of typical axle spacings and groupings. During this process, all axle groups should be independently moved in increments over the top slab, generating moment envelopes that will then allow the maximum sagging moment in the slab (Ms-max) with its corresponding negative corner moment (Mh) to be extracted. The maximum negative corner moment with corresponding sagging moment is similarly found. K-factors for the two moment sets are then determined using the simple relationships: Ms-max/(Ms-max + Mh) and Mh-max/(Mh-max + Ms). Note: K-Factor analysis can not be used to analyse structures for which moment capacities are not given. Nor can it be used for continuous structures.
5.6 Shear and Reaction Capacities
| Shear force and support reaction capacity checks will only be performed on the structure if a specification of the form *V ij=… or *R ij=… is present in either the general structure comments field or a span comments field, (but not for continuous bridges with two capacity sets - see below). Parameters 'i' and 'j' depend on the nature of the structure and the location at which a check is required. Note that HLR calculates reactions on a girder basis if girder spacings are specified in the structure database. This differs from the old DOS version, which only calculated the total (pier) reaction in all cases. To force HLR to calculate the total reaction use the specification: *Rt=. Simply Supported Structures: For a general check of working stress maximum values ignore 'i' and 'j' and simply enter: *V=... or *R=.... To check working stress values at the left or right supports, set 'i'=1 or 2 or L or R (e.g. *V 1=... or *V L=... for shears in the vicinity of the left support and *R 1=... or *R L=... for reactions at the left support). Parameter 'j' is not required and may be ignored. HLR calculates reactions on a girder basis if girder spacings are specified in the structure database. To force HLR to calculate the total reaction use the specification: *Rt=. To check ultimate capacities, set 'j' to u or U (upper or lower case) e.g. *V LU=... Continuous Structures: Shear and reaction specifications can be entered into the general comments field or the span details comments field as for simply supported structures but not for continuous bridges with two capacity sets. In the latter case the shear/reaction specification must be entered into the Comments field associated with the Capacity Set 1 and/or Capacity Set 2 data. For a general check of working stress maximum values ignore 'i' and 'j' viz: *V=... or *R=.... (HLR will check all sections along all spans for the maximum shear or reaction or the specified span if the specification is entered in the comment field for that span). To check working stress values at the left or right supports within a span, set 'i'=1 or 11 or L or R (e.g. *V 11=... or *V r=... for shears in the vicinity of the right support and *R 1=... or *R L=... for reactions at the left support). Parameter 'j' is not required and may be ignored. HLR calculates reactions on a girder basis if girder spacings are specified in the structure database. To force HLR to calculate the total reaction use the specification: *Rt=.... To check ultimate capacities, set 'j' to u or U (upper or lower case) e.g. *V2 U=... or *Vu2... (ultimate capacity at section 2 in the current span) .
5.7 Structure Database
| 5.7.1 Search database & run queries A facility has been provided to allow simple searches and queries to be made of the structure database. From the Main Menu bar select the Search option then Search database & run queries. The following panel will appear:
| Types of structures to search for: The three options are self-explanatory. Note, however, that the second and third options (Standalone structures only and All structures in database) do not allow search criteria to be specified. Neither are Clearances or Forced Restriction conditions displayed in the output reports for these two search types - only the maximum span length is this option is ticked (designated as L = ...). Search criteria - find structures with: Select the search criteria by ticking the relevant boxes then click Begin Search. Other criteria are available and will be displayed when the Other search criteria.. button is clicked (but only if the Types of structure to search for option is enabled). Note that if multiple check boxes are selected structures will need to satisfy all ticked criteria in order to appear in the output report.
No capacity data | Checks if moment capacities are zero
Shear capacities specified | Checks for a *V = specification in the structure data comments field or span notes field
Reaction capacities specified | Checks for a *R = specification in the structure data comments field or span notes field
PSC girders or superstructure | Checks if the girder type is set to PSC in the structure data form
A forced restriction is specified | Checks if a forced restriction has been set (5kph, 10kph, Bypass, No access etc). If both clearance and forced restriction conditions are selected only the first one found will be displayed in the report.
A clearance check only is specified | Checks if a vertical or horizontal clearance check has been set on the structure data form. If both clearance and forced restriction conditions are selected only the first one found will be displayed in the report.
Options under "Other search criteria.."
A second capacity set has been specified | Checks if the 2nd Moment Capacity flag has been ticked
The structure is analysed by the Ratio Method | Checks if a structure is to be analysed using the Ratio Method
The girder spacing is set to zero | Checks if the first girder spacing is set to zero
There are drop-in spans, cantilevers & hinges | Checks for drop-in spans, cantilevers and hinges
There is a [B] or [C] specification in the Span Notes | Checks if there is a [B] or [C] specification in the Span Notes field in the structure span data form.
The Design Vehicle factor is <> 100% | Checks if the Design Vehicle factor is <> 100% in the structure data form.
Types of report required: One of three report types is available: display of results in HTML form (i.e., in web browser format); in text form (displayed within WORD); and exported directly into EXCEL as a spreadsheet. Note that the text browser (the default is WORD) may be changed by entering the appropriate editor details on the Directory Paths tab of the Options form (accessed from the Options item in the main menu bar). Search results are written to temporary ASCII files in the user's ..\HLR4\TempFiles subfolder with the name SearchResults.htm (if saved in HTML form) or SearchResults.txt (if saved in text/EXCEL form). The results of the current search will always overwrite the information from the previous search. However, either file can be copied (using Windows Explorer) into another folder for permanent storage or for further manipulation. When in WORD or EXCEL you can also save the search results into other folders. Values to be included in report: The first four options are self-explanatory, although only one of structure name or road name can be selected (both cannot appear in the report). The output for "Data values being searched for" depends on the search criteria selected. If both clearance and forced restriction conditions are selected, only one will be displayed in the report (the first found). Similarly, if both shear and reaction capacities are selected then only the first capacity found for a given structure will be shown in the report (unless they both appear on the same comment line).
| 5.7.2 Database tables & format Structure data is stored in seven ASCII (text) files in the ..\HLR\Database subdirectory as shown below. Note carefully that every data value in the database is stored as a text string delineated by double quotes, including all numeric values, capacities, span dimensions etc.
HLP1.TXT | Each row (or record) represents one structure. The record fields are all text values and contain the following data in the order specified: Structure number, Name, Location, Road Number, Road Name, Design Standard, Design Year, Number of Spans, Number of Span Groups, Node associated with span 1, Type of Carriage Way, Type of Girder, Type of Material, Type of Structure, Support Type, Kfactor Flag, Type of Restriction, Clearance, Fill Depth, Skew, Total Width, Comment 1, Comment 2, Single Capacity Set Flag, Flag to use capacity set 2 for the 5kph check, Design Vehicle Ratio, Check Working Stress Flag.
HLP2.TXT | This file contains span data. A separate record represents each span and every field is a text value . Therefore, each structure will have as many records as there are spans, with each record having the following data format: Structure Number, Span Group Number, Number of Spans, Span Length, Girder 1 Spacing, Girder 2 Spacing, K Factor, Comments, DLA factor.
HLP3.TXT | This file contains span capacity data for simply supported bridges (all values are stored as text strings). A separate record represents each span and each capacity set. Therefore, each structure will have as many records as there are spans and capacity sets, with each record having the following data format: Structure Number, Span Group Number, Capacity Set Number, 140% Overstress Moment Capacity, Ultimate Moment Capacity, Working Moment Capacity.
HLP4.TXT | This file contains span capacity data for continuous bridges (all values are stored as text strings). A separate record represents each span and every section for each capacity set. Therefore, each structure will have as many records as there are span groups, sections and capacity sets, with each record having the following data format: Structure Number, Span Group Number, Capacity Set Number, Section Number, Ix, Positive Working Stress Moment, Negative Working Stress Moment, Positive Ultimate Moment, Negative Ultimate Moment, Positive Moment for 140% Overload, Negative Moment for 140% Overload.
HLP5.TXT | This file contains span symmetry data (all values are stored as text strings). A separate record represents each span and each capacity set. Therefore, each structure will have as many records as there are spans and capacity sets, with each record having the following data format: Structure Number, Link Number, Span Group Number, Capacity Set Number, Span Number, Comment/Note, Symmetry Group, Symmetry Order.
HLP6-DF.TXT | This file contains structure-specific distribution factor data (all values are stored as text strings). A separate record represents each span and a set of three, axle-width based, distribution factors. Therefore, each structure will have as many records as there are distribution factor sets, with each record having the following data format: Structure Number, Axle Width, Number of Tyres, DF1, DF2, DF3
HLP7.TXT | This file contains GPS coordinate data. A separate record represents each structure and every field is a text value. The very first record is a general text header describing the contents of the file and each subsequent record has the following data format: Structure Number, X-GPS coordinate, Y-GPS coordinate
| 5.7.3 Print Structure Data
| Structure data can be printed in one of two ways. Either using the "Print / Structure data" options from the top menu bar; or by loading an existing structure into the Structure Data form then clicking the Print structure data button at the bottom of the Structure ID Data tab. Note: The data is first displayed in a browser window. If satisfactory, it can be then printed by clicking the Print option on the browser's icon bar.
5.8 View Structure Database Tables
| 5.8.1 General Structure Data Table
| This feature allows the main structure database file to be quickly scanned for anomalies, errors and inconsistencies. It is accessed via the Structure option in the top menu, then sub-option View general structure data table. Data in the general structure database file HLP1.TXT will be displayed in an EXCEL-style table that can be quickly and easily sorted on any field by clicking the required header cell. Repeated clicking will toggle the ranking from ascending to descending order (and vice-versa). Column widths can be altered at will by clicking and dragging the separator line dividing each column heading. The structure description field can also be frozen/unfrozen by repeatedly clicking the appropriate button at the bottom of the form. Structure (plan) numbers can be sorted in numerical or alphabetic order by repeatedly clicking the button labelled: Sort plan numbers numerically (the mode toggles between numeric and alphabetic sorting). Note that HLR performs the numeric sort by first prefixing all numbers with zeros then sorting in proper alphabetical order. However, numbers with more than a single alphabetic suffix character will not be properly sorted. The definitions of some of the key structure type fields will be displayed in a scrollable list box at the bottom of the form. The contents of this list are read from a text file called: HLP1-Database Definitions.txt (stored in the ..\Database folder). Note! Structure data can only be edited in BIS.
| 5.8.2 Span Details Data Table
| This feature allows the main structure span details database file to be quickly scanned for anomalies, errors and inconsistencies. It is accessed via the Structure option in the top menu, then sub-option View & edit structure span details table. Data in the general structure database file HLP2.TXT will be displayed in an EXCEL-style table that can be quickly and easily sorted on any field by clicking the required header cell. Repeated clicking will toggle the ranking from ascending to descending order (and vice-versa). Column widths can be altered at will by clicking and dragging the separator line dividing each column heading. An example of this form is shown below:
| Structure (plan) numbers can be sorted in numerical order by repeatedly clicking the button labelled: Sort plan numbers numerically (the mode toggles between numeric and alphabetic sorting). Note that HLR performs the numeric sort by first prefixing all numbers with zeros then sorting in proper alphabetical order. However, numbers with more than a single alphabetic suffix character will not be properly sorted. To view span numbers in aggregated/block form (as shown in the example above), click the button labelled Block view of structure numbers. This effectively replaces all instances of the same structure number with a single value in an enlarged cell, making it easier to check span details for multi-span structures. The button acts as a toggle - to restore the non-aggregated (normal) view click Normal view of plan numbers. Paint rows in alternate colours allows blocks of rows having the same structure number to be painted in the same colour (as illustrated above). The resulting tiled effect makes it easier to find or identify a required structure number in the table. The button acts as a toggle if you click it again all cells will be set to their original background colour. If, however, you click on the top header row to perform a sort on any field other than the structure number, the table background colour will be reset to its original white background. (This has been done to ensure that the coloured rows don t become jumbled during the sort process). If you wish to restore row tiling, click the Paint rows in alternate colours button again. Note! Structure data can only be edited in BIS.
| 5.8.3 Simply Supported Capacities Table
| This feature allows moment capacities of simply supported structures to be quickly scanned for anomalies, errors and inconsistencies. It is accessed via the Structure option in the top menu, then sub-option View & edit simply supported capacities table. Data in the structure database file HLP3.TXT will be displayed in an EXCEL-style table that can be quickly and easily sorted on any field by clicking the required header cell. Repeated clicking will toggle the ranking from ascending to descending order (and vice-versa). Column widths can be altered at will by clicking and dragging the separator line dividing each column heading. An example of the form layout is shown in Section 5.8.3 above. Structure (plan) numbers can be sorted in numerical order by repeatedly clicking the button labelled: Sort plan numbers numerically (the mode toggles between numeric and alphabetic sorting). Note that HLR performs the numeric sort by first prefixing all numbers with zeros then sorting in proper alphabetical order. However, numbers with more than a single alphabetic suffix character will not be properly sorted. To view span numbers in aggregated/block form (as shown in the example above), click the button labelled Block view of structure numbers. This effectively replaces all instances of the same structure number with a single value in an enlarged cell, making it easier to check span details for multi-span structures. The button acts as a toggle - to restore the non-aggregated (normal) view click Normal view of plan numbers. Paint rows in alternate colours allows blocks of rows having the same structure number to be painted in the same colour (as illustrated above). The resulting tiled effect makes it easier to find or identify a required structure number in the table. The button acts as a toggle if you click it again all cells will be set to their original background colour. If, however, you click on the top header row to perform a sort on any field other than the structure number, the table background colour will be reset to its original white background. (This has been done to ensure that the coloured rows don t become jumbled during the sort process). If you wish to restore row tiling, click the Paint rows in alternate colours button again. Note! Structure data can only be edited in BIS.
| 5.8.4 Continuous Structures Capacities Table
| This feature allows moment capacities of continuous structures to be quickly scanned for anomalies, errors and inconsistencies. It is accessed via the Structure option in the top menu, then sub-option View & edit continuous structure capacities table. Data in the structure database file HLP4.TXT will be displayed in an EXCEL-style table that can be quickly and easily sorted on any field by clicking the required header cell. Repeated clicking will toggle the ranking from ascending to descending order (and vice-versa). Column widths can be altered at will by clicking and dragging the separator line dividing each column heading. An example of the form layout is shown in Section 5.8.3 above. Structure (plan) numbers can be sorted in numerical order by repeatedly clicking the button labelled: Sort plan numbers numerically (the mode toggles between numeric and alphabetic sorting). Note that HLR performs the numeric sort by first prefixing all numbers with zeros then sorting in proper alphabetical order. However, numbers with more than a single alphabetic suffix character will not be properly sorted. To view span numbers in aggregated/block form (as shown in the example above), click the button labelled Block view of structure numbers. This effectively replaces all instances of the same structure number with a single value in an enlarged cell, making it easier to check span details for multi-span structures. The button acts as a toggle - to restore the non-aggregated (normal) view click Normal view of plan numbers. Paint rows in alternate colours allows blocks of rows having the same structure number to be painted in the same colour (as illustrated above). The resulting tiled effect makes it easier to find or identify a required structure number in the table. The button acts as a toggle if you click it again all cells will be set to their original background colour. If, however, you click on the top header row to perform a sort on any field other than the structure number, the table background colour will be reset to its original white background. (This has been done to ensure that the coloured rows don t become jumbled during the sort process). If you wish to restore row tiling, click the Paint rows in alternate colours button again. Note! Structure data can only be edited in BIS.