ILM Segment > Insert / Modify
Input pad for Segment definition, used in Incremental Launching Method Preprocessor. Depending on the selected Segment Type different input is required and individually described below.
Notice: It is not possible to change the Segment type in 'Modify' mode!
Following Segment types can be select using the related Radio button:
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Nose segment – Synonym for the first launched element series. All related girder segments are linked to this segment. In case of 'Straight launching' the launching direction is defined by the relative position of the nose segment related to the girder segments.
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Girder Segment – Element series that is added to the structure in the casting yard and that is launched together with the related nose and girder segments.
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Fix support / Temp. support – Additional spring elements for the launching procedure itself. Each ILM-spring has to be defined as an appropriate segment.
Nose Segment Input
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Segment Name | Name of the Segment for later reference. Max 23 characters can be input. |
| New Node |
After ILM calculation the existing 'old' elements will be sub-divided and new elements and nodes are generated. The numbering scheme of the 'new' nodes depend on input of this first node of the new node series. It is possible to define individual node series for each segment. However, usually a continuous numbering along the structure is preferred and for it's realization same 'New Node' number is used for all 'launched Segments' option "Renumber through" is select in 'Recalc ILM ' dialogue. |
| New Element |
Same approach as for 'New Node' is also used for generated 'new' elements and number is first element of element series is defined in this input field. Notice: In case that a composite structure is launched, this input refers to the element which is active during launching sequence. Usually also all other elements of the composite family have to be subdivided and a related numbering scheme has to be specified by the user. The related input pad 'Start element numbers for composite family' can be opened using the drop-down button in this input field. |
| Description | General text for identification (max. 127 characters). |
| Straight launching (Radio button) | If the bridge is launched along a straight line no further input is required. |
| Launching along a circle (Radio button) | If the bridge is launched along a circle following additional input is required: |
| Radius | Radius of the circle. Orientation depends on input sign (+/-) and launching direction. |
| Ref.Node 1 / Ref.Node 2 | Input of two reference nodes along the launched structure, lying on the circle. They are used to calculate the centroid of the circle. Additionally they are used to define the launching direction and therefore special care should be take on the input order of these two nodes! 
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Girder Segment Input
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Segment Name | Name of the Segment for later reference. Max 23 characters can be input. |
| Nose | Segments that are launched together are grouped by the name of the Nose Segment they refer. Tip: For easy selection press the arrow beside, which will open the Nose segment list containing all nose segments of current project.
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| New Node |
After ILM calculation the existing 'old' elements will be sub-divided and new elements and nodes are generated. The numbering scheme of the 'new' nodes depend on input of this first node of the new node series. It is possible to define individual node series for each segment. However, usually a continuous numbering along the structure is preferred and for it's realization same 'New Node' number is used for all 'launched Segments' option "Renumber through" is select in 'Recalc ILM' dialogue. |
| New Element | Same approach as for 'New Node' is also used for generated 'new' elements and number is first element of element series is defined in this input field. Notice: In case that a composite structure is launched, this input refers to the element which is active during launching sequence. Usually also all other elements of the composite family have to be subdivided and a related numbering scheme has to be specified by the user. The related input pad 'Start element numbers for composite family' can be opened using the drop-down button in this input field. |
| Description | General text for identification (max. 127 characters). |
ILM Support Input
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Segment Name | Name of the ILM Support for later reference. Max 23 characters can be input. |
| Spring | Number of the ILM spring which will be relocated during launching process. Tip: For easy selection press the arrow beside, which will open the Spring selection list containing all spring elements defined in current project.
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| Node | Number of the Node of above spring which will be reconnect during launching. Tip: For easy selection press the arrow beside, which will open the Node selection list containing all nodes defined in current project.
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| Tolerance |
Lateral distance (local Z-direction) of the ILM support, where the program tries to find an intersection with the node series, to create a new node. If the position of the ILM spring is defined by a Z-eccentricity the value has to be |excenter + tolerance|. 
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| Tolerance X | To avoid very small elements during the automatic creation, a tolerance for the node distance in longitudinal (local x) direction may be entered, within which no new nodes/elements shall be created. |
| Description | General text for identification (max. 127 characters). |