Loads acting on the precast section are specified for individual beams either as line loads or point loads (for location of point loads, input location from centerline of left bearing). These loads act on the bearing to bearing length. The moments and shears resulting from these loads are not distributed to other beams in the same span.

Loads acting on the composite section are specified for the entire span length either as line, area (input width over which these loads will act), or point loads (for location of point loads, input distance from centerline of left pier). These loads act on the bearing to bearing length for simple spans and between the pier centerlines for multi-span structures. The moments and shears due to these loads are distributed to all other beams in the same span based on the dead load distribution factor.

The default method for running live loads is set to IRC rules. In this method, based on computed carriageway width, the program automatically runs all applicable vehicles (Class 70R, Class A) as prescribed in Table 2 of IRC: 6-2000, first longitudinally to obtain moments and shears, and then transversely to compute the case producing max. force effect on each beam. This is done using the Courbons Method at all points other than at the ends of the beam, where a continuous beam approach is used to determine max. reaction factors/distribution factors for each beam. All applicable spacing criteria from the IRC are followed including distances from curb to wheel, and/or spacing between passing or crossing vehicles, etc. The appropriate impact factor as per clause 211 and the appropriate factors for reduction in longitudinal effects for simultaneous loads per clause 208 are automatically applied.

When the Custom Method is selected, you can pick by checking one truck from the list of available trucks. You can also specify the max. loaded lanes, the increment for transverse movement of the vehicles on the bridge, spacing between vehicles and spacing between curb and outer wheel, etc. CONSAP then analyzes all cases starting with one truck, and adding on more truck at a time until the max. loaded lanes limit is reached. For each case, the trucks are moved transversely to determine the case producing the max. moments at each tenth point. Once the reaction factors/distribution factors are computed using either the Courbons Method and continuous beam approach at the ends of the span, they are applied to the longitudinal moments and shears to compute accurate/design moments and shears at all locations on the bridge.

To view the details of a specific load, go to the Library menu and select the Live Load menu item and then select the Load Type. This activates the Edit screen, as shown in Figure below, showing the details of the selected load. Next, select the load under Items and then click on Modify.

You also have the option of including the effect of pedestrian loads in the analysis by selecting the appropriate check boxes under the Live section on the Loads screen.

Select the Include Pedestrian Load check box and input the magnitude of the adjustable uniform distributed load in the field. The uniform distributed load is placed on the portion of the span between consecutive tenth points. A static analysis is performed with only that portion of the span loaded. If the moment and/or shear at the segment due to the load on the portion loaded is positive then it is added to the positive moment and/or shear envelope. If it is negative, it is added to the negative moment and/or shear envelope. At the same time, corresponding moments and shears are also computed and updated where appropriate, and then the next portion of the span between tenth points is loaded and results are updated again.

Precast/Prestressed Girder allows the input of temperature loads, either uniform, gradient or multi-linear temperature load as per LRFD specifications 3.12.2, 3.12.3. If the temperature load is input, the programs calculates and reports the related stresses and displacements (along X). On the Analysis Parameters/Load Factors tab, the load factors for the temperature loads can be specified for the various default limit states considered in Precast/Prestressed Girder.