Foundation Spring Data Form

Foundation spring properties specify data for the connection of the substructure to the ground. Foundation spring properties are used in abutment and bent property definitions. At bents, foundation springs may be used at the base of each column. In that case, the foundation springs are used as point springs. At abutments, foundation springs are used as point springs for a foundation spring-type substructure, and they are used as spring properties per unit length for a continuous beam-type substructure.

A foundation spring property can be specified as a Link/Support property or it can be user defined. The user defined spring is recommended. The user defined foundation spring allows each of the six degrees of freedom to be specified as fixed, free or partially restrained with a specified spring constant. For cases where the spring property is used for a continuous beam support, a factor is specified indicating the length over which the specified properties apply.

Use the Foundation Spring Data form to define foundation springs.

Foundation Spring Name edit box. Use the default or enter a new name for the foundation spring definition.
Units drop-down list. Use the displayed units or select new units from the drop-down list for use on this form.
Foundation Spring is Defined By area. Specify how the foundation spring is to be defined.
- Link/Support Property option. Use this option to define the foundation spring using a link/support property definition. When this option is selected, select the link/support property definition from the drop-down list. Alternatively, click the plus symbol (+) preceding the drop-down list to access the Link/Support Properties form and define a new link property or review/modify an existing property.
- User Definition option. When this option is chosen, CSiBridge will define the foundation spring using the entries in the User Foundation Spring spreadsheet area of the form for the specified length of a line spring and area of a area spring. Use the cells in this area of the form to specify translational and rotational releases as free, fixed, or with partial fixity. Click in a cell in the Release Type column and select the appropriate type from the drop-down list. If partial fixity is selected, also specify a stiffness value in the cells in the Stiffness column.