Precast/Prestressed Girder Help

General Design Methodology

Precast/Prestressed Girder performs analysis and design of pretensioned, prestressed concrete bridge beams. Its overall approach is based on creating a finite element analysis model using beam elements; and after analysis, perform code specification checking and design. The following steps are taken in this approach.

  • Create a structural analysis model based on input geometry (span, layout, cross sections) and apply dead load (DL), added load (DL and SDL), live loads (LL) and pedestrian loads to it.

  • Perform a matrix structural analysis of the created model.
  • Calculate responses, including deflection, reaction and moment and shear forces.
  • Calculate transverse distribution factors and compute beam specific forces and create design load combinations.\
  • Perform automatic design of strand pattern solving all design checks (stresses under Service and moment capacity and shear design under Ultimate loads).
  • Perform IRC specifications check for stresses, moment capacity, shear capacity and live load deflections.
  • Provide detailed reports of analysis and design results.