The Auto Load Generation: Structure DL screen is used for auto generation of dead loads. Select the appropriate check boxes to include or not include the dead load of slabs and girders as superstructure dead loads acting on the pier cap at the bearing point locations. Then, input the appropriate unit weights.

There are four options available to generate the composite dead loads:

• Using Simple Span Distribution

  To generate the dead load using the simple span distribution for barriers and wearing surface, select the appropriate check boxes to include or not include the dead load. Then, enter the appropriate unit weights and load per foot.

• Using Continuous Beam Model

  If you would like to compute dead loads of the superstructure considering the continuity of spans and supports, select this option.

• Entering a Composite Reaction

  To generate the dead load by entering a total composite reaction, select this option and enter the value of the composite dead load reaction. This option may be used for bridges which are either continuous over the pier and a DL reaction from superstructure is already computed. For multiple column pier or hammerhead pier, only vertical reaction is to be specified. However, for integral pier, vertical reaction and an associated moment may be specified.

• Read the Composite Dead Load Reaction

  This option appears differently depending upon currently selected Pier Type. When selected pier type is not integral, this option allows to read reactions from Precast/Prestressed Girder. When the selected pier is integral, this option allows reading Precast/Prestressed Girder reactions.

  When the dialog for dead load is opened with flared bridge, the only option available is to read the reactions from Precast/Prestressed Girder. All other options are disabled including the check boxes for slab and girder weight. That will be readed from Precast/Prestressed Girder as well.

  Using this option you can read Precast/Prestressed Girder or CIP RC/PT Girder computed support reactions into the program. However, you will first need to send the results from Precast/Prestressed Girder/CIP RC/PT Girder using File: Send to Substructure. For a non-integral pier, select this option and click Read to open the Read Load Reactions from Precast/Prestressed Girder screen. For reading reaction from CIP RC/PT Girder, see Read Load Reactions from CIP RC/PT Girder screen.

  Dead load due to barriers are distributed among bearings in two approaches. The first approach is to distribute the load equally into all bearings. The second approach is to distribute the load up to three exterior bearing groups. For example, if a bent has two bearing lines and 8 bearings at each bearing line, the three exterior groups will be the bearing groups 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8.