Pier Column Bracing [STG]

This object can be used to model bracings between pier columns.

Column Bracing

Columns: This parameter allows you to select two column objects between which bracings will be modeled.

Elevation Reference [From Top of the Column / From Bottom of the Column / Global Elevation]: The elevation of the bracing can be defined using one of the following reference points:

• From Top of the Column: The top of the chosen columns is used as the starting reference point. A positive elevation value indicates a downward direction.

• From Bottom of the Column: The bottom of the chosen columns is taken as the reference point (0). A positive elevation value indicates an upward direction.

• Global Elevation: The global elevation system can be utilized, where negative elevation values represent a downward direction relative to the reference point. For instance, if the vertical profile of an alignment is defined, and the PGL (Profile Grade Line) is set at an elevation of 100 units, entering a value of -50 here will result in the bracing being offset by 150 units from the PGL elevation.

Elevation: This parameter specifies the vertical distance from the chosen reference point based on the elevation reference, using either positive or negative values.

Section: A section can be assigned to column bracing using this parameter. A previously defined section under Properties - Section can either be assigned, or a section can be imported.

The location definitions for the bracings affect both the 3D model and the FEM. For the FEM of the associated columns, nodes are generated at the exact locations of the bracings.

FEA

Mesh Size: The mesh size parameter can be used to define the maximum distance for a single finite element line or the spacing between nodes.

Quantities

Min Section Area: The minimum cross-sectional area of the bracing element.

Max Section Area: The maximum cross-sectional area of the bracing element.

Total Surface Area: The total surface area of the bracing element including all faces.

Min Cross Section Perimeter: The minimum perimeter of the cross-section along the bracing.

Max Cross Section Perimeter: The maximum perimeter of the cross-section along the bracing.

Volume: The volume of the bracing element calculated from the defined geometry and section.

Min Length Path: The minimum length path through the bracing geometry.

Length at COG Path: The length measured along the center of gravity path through the bracing.

Max Length Path: The maximum length path through the bracing geometry.

Rebar Density (per cubic yard): The rebar density value used for calculating rebar weight.

Rebar Weight: The calculated rebar weight based on the rebar density and bracing volume.

Weight: The total weight of the bracing based on material density and volume.

Section: Displays the section name assigned to the bracing.

Material: Displays the material name assigned to the bracing section.

IFC

Type [IfcMember/IfcBeam/IfcColumn/IfcPlate/etc.]: Specifies the IFC entity type for export. The bracing can be exported as various IFC types including IfcBridge, IfcBridgePart, IfcBeam, IfcColumn, IfcSlab, IfcFooting, IfcPile, IfcBearing, IfcReinforcingBar, IfcReinforcingMesh, IfcTendon, IfcMechanicalFastener, IfcAlignment, IfcPositioningElement, IfcKerb, IfcGuardrail, IfcSurfaceFeature, IfcElementAssembly, IfcCableSegment, IfcSensor, IfcDistributionElement, IfcPlate, IfcWall, IfcRail, IfcRoad, IfcDiscreteAccessory, IfcDistributionSystem, IfcMember, or IfcBuildingElementProxy.

Predefined Type [ARCH_SEGMENT/BRACE/CHORD/COLLAR/MEMBER/MULLION/PLATE/POST/PURLIN/RAFTER/STAY_CABLE/STIFFENING_RIB/STRINGER/STRUCTURALCABLE/STRUT/STUD/SUSPENDER/SUSPENSION_CABLE/TIEBAR/USERDEFINED/NOTDEFINED]: Specifies the predefined type attribute for the IFC entity. Default value is BRACE.

Parent [BRIDGE/SUPERSTRUCTURE/DECK/SUBSTRUCTURE/FOUNDATION/APPROACH_STRUCTURE/RETAINING_STRUCTURE]: Specifies the parent structural hierarchy element in the IFC model. Default value is SUBSTRUCTURE.