Pier Caps

This section defines the hammerhead pier cap geometry and configuration.

Navigation: Substructure > Pier > Pier Caps

For detailed parameter explanations, see the Pier Caps Reference.

Steps

Step 1: Navigate to Pier Caps

Navigate to Pier > Pier Cap in the tree view.

Pier Cap navigation

Step 2: Assign Support Locations

Click the three-dot icon on the Location cell and select Pier2 and Pier3 support lines.

Step 3: Configure Section Type

The Prismatic section type will be used for all pier caps.

Section type

Pier cap configuration

Pier cap details

Step 4: Edit Prismatic Section

Click the three-dot icon on the Prismatic Section cell and select Edit.

Step 5: Define PC1 Sections

For PC1 (1st Pier Cap):

1. Click the three-dot icon on the Start Section cell and select HammerHeadSec

2. Click the three-dot icon on the End Section cell and select HammerHeadSec

3. Enter Section Length as 63 ft along Y-Y (starting from right)

PC1 section length

Step 6: Define PC2 Sections

For PC2 (2nd Pier Cap):

1. Repeat steps 4-5 using the following sections:

   • First segment: HalfHammerHeadSec2 (Start and End)

   • Second segment: HalfHammerHeadSec2 (Start), HalfHammerHeadSec1 (End)

2. Enter Section Lengths as 17 ft and 20 ft along Y-Y (starting from right)

PC2 sections

Step 7: Set Slope Options

Navigate back to the pier cap table and set Slope Option as Alignment.

Slope option

Step 8: Configure Elevations and Offsets

Enter the following parameters:

Parameter	Description
Top Elevation Offset from Alignment [ft]	Vertical offset from alignment
Transverse Offset [ft]	Lateral offset from PGL

Step 9: Assign Rigid Section

Navigate to the FEM tab and select RigidSection for the Rigid Section column.

FEM settings

Quick Tip: Transverse Offset Direction

Offset values use PGL (Project Geometry Line) as the reference point.

Offset reference

Verification

The completed pier caps are shown below.

Pier caps 3D view

Pier caps side view