Bearing properties specify data for bridge bearings. Bearing properties are used in abutment, bent and hinge assignments to the bridge object. At abutments, bearings are used in the connection between the girders and the substructure. At bents, bearings are used in the connection between the girders and the bent cap beam. At hinges, bearings are used in the connection between the girders on the two sides of the hinge. A bearing property can be specified as a Link/Support property or it can be user defined. The user defined bearing is recommended. The user defined bearing allows each of the six degrees of freedom to be specified as fixed, free or partially restrained with a specified spring constant.
Click the Components > Substructure Item > Bearings > Expand arrow, or on the Bridge Wizard highlight the Bearings item in the Bridge Component Properties area and click the Define/Show Bearings button to access the Define Bridge Bearings form.
Use the buttons on the form to complete the required action:
Add New Bridge Bearing button. Click this button to display the Bridge Bearing Data form; use the form to add a new definition.
Add Copy of Bridge Bearing button
Highlight a previously defined bridge bearing in the Bridge Bearings display area.
Click the Add Copy of Bridge Bearing button to display the Bridge Bearing Data form. The options on the form will be pre-selected in accordance with the definition of the highlighted diaphragm.
Use the form to make any necessary changes to the bearing definition.
Modify/Show Bridge Bearing button
Highlight a previously defined bridge bearing in the Bridge Bearings display area.
Click the Modify/Show Bridge Bearing button to display the Bridge Bearing Data form.
Use the form to make the necessary changes to the bearing definition.
Delete Bridge Bearing button.
Highlight a previously defined bridge bearing in the Bridge Bearings display area.
Click the Delete Bridge Bearing button to delete the selected definition.