Lateral Bracing Definition
The Lateral bracing definition dialog is used to define all the profiles needed within the current project for transverse components of the bridge superstructure like diaphragms ,cross-frames and lateral bracings.
On the top of the dialog t,here are two options in order to select the profile type (Type) and name (Lateral bracing name). Type provides a list of predefined shapes: Bottom bracing, Top bracing, Top/Bottom Bracing commonly used in practice.
Depending on the selected type the picture will be actualized and each structural member of the cross frame will be available for definition: Top chord, Bottom chord. For each of them you must press the Profile ID button and select from the list the appropriate steel profiles created in Profile definition dialog. If no profile is present you have the option to Add a new one and you will be transferred directly to Profile Definition dialog where you can create the necessary profile.
| Setting | Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alignment reference points | These points are typical points in cross-sections to be used for measuring distances between different parts or members. So for each chord or diagonal you must specify a reference point (AR Chord/AR Diagonal) depending on the profile type used, and two points on the left/right main girders (AR girder left/AR girder right) between which distances will be measured. | ||||
| Distances |
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| Layout | depending on the desired cross frame type, you can select between 3 types: regular, parallel and arbitrary that will ease the input of distances in the cross frame definition menu.
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After selecting the right distances/profile Id’s and a name In Later bracing name field is entered just click Add and a new lateral bracing profile is present in the list on the right side of the dialog. Using modify option changes can be applied to an existing profile in the list, but the name cannot be changed anymore.