Using Predefined Strand Patterns
Background
To increase efficiency and to facilitate standardization, some bridge design offices (such as Wisconsin DOT) prefer to use a predefined set of strand patterns that have been optimized for specific girder sections and strand types. For a particular girder size, preferred strand pattern layouts (both straight strands and draped strands) have been developed.
Precast/Prestressed Girder 3.1.0 introduces a new feature that allows the user to define these strand patterns within the beam section library for a particular section and strand type. It provides the user an option to use these strand configurations in the automatic strand pattern generation, or allows the user to select a specific predefined strand pattern and check the design of the particular girder being designed. This new option is code independent and available in both Standard and LRFD modes. The other option in Precast/Prestressed Girder that was typically used for specifying strands is through the use of End Templates, where all the potential locations of strands was specified in the library; you could choose to manually input strands in accordance with this template or allow the program to auto generate a strand pattern within the limits of the template definitions.
