Bridge Temperature Gradient Data Form

Use the Bridge Temperature Gradient Data form to specify a temperature gradient in accordance with AASHTO or JTG D60 design codes, or user specification. Positive and negative patterns can be defined. Patterns automatically adjust for superstructure material and geometry.

Temperature Gradient Name edit box. Use the default or specify another name for the temperature gradient in this edit box.
Units drop-down list. Use this drop-down list to specify the units to be used in completing this form.
Temperature Gradient Type
- AASHTO Default option and Zone drop-down list and Negative Temperature Multiplier edit box. When this option is selected the temperature gradient will be defined in accordance with the AASHTO code. Use the drop-down list to select the Zone and the edit box to specify the Negative Temperature Multiplier. When this option is selected, the values specified in the Temperature Difference Data area are provided for informational purposes only and cannot be changed.
- Chinese JTG D60 Default option and Overlay Type drop-down list, Asphalt Thickness edit box, Negative Temperature Multiplier edit box, and Use 0.7 Concrete-Masonry Arch Factor selection list. When this option is selected the temperature gradient will be defined in accordance with the Chinese JTG D60 code. Use the drop-down lists and edit boxes to supply the necessary parameters. When this option is selected, the values specified in the Temperature Difference Data area are provided for informational purposes only and cannot be changed.
- User option and Type drop-down list. Choose the drop-down list to select the type of temperature gradient: General, AASHTO or Chinese JTG D60. Then use the edit boxes in the Temperature Difference Data area of the form to specify the temperature gradient parameters.
Temperature Difference Data. The display and edit boxes in this area of the form provide the values for the various parameters that comprise the temperature gradient. Those parameters are illustrated in the sketch. Depending on the selection made in the Temperature Gradient Type area, use the edit boxes to define the temperature variation over the depth of the section.

Access the Bridge Temperature Gradient Data form as follows:

At a minimum, create a layout line and define a deck section.

Method 1

Click the Loads > Loads Type > Temperature Gradient > Expand arrow command to access the Define Bridge Temperature Gradient form.
- Alternatively, click the Loads > Loads Type > Temperature Gradient > New command to bypass the Define Bridge Temperature Gradient form and go directly to the Bridge Temperature Gradient Data form.
Then do one of the following:
- Click the Add New Temp Gradient button.
- Highlight a previously defined temperature gradient and click the Add Copy of Temp Gradient or Modify/Show Temp Gradient button.

Method 2

Click the Bridge > Bridge Object > Expand arrow command , or on the Bridge Wizard select the Bridge Object Definition item and click the Define/Show Bridge Objects button, to display the Define Bridge Objects form.
Click the Add New Bridge Object button, or highlight a previously defined bridge object and click the Add Copy of Bridge Object or the Modify/Show Bridge Object button, to display the Bridge Object Data form.
In the Modify/Show Assignments display list, highlight the Temperature Load Assigns item and click the Modify/Show button to display the Assign Bridge Temperature Loads form.
- Alternatively, on the Bridge Wizard select the Temperature Loads item in the Bridge Object Assignments area and click the Assign/Show Temp. Loads button to access the Assign Bridge Temperature Loads form.
Click the Add New Temperature Load button or highlight a previously defined load pattern in the Load Patterns display list and click the Modify/Show Temperature Load button to access the Bridge Temperature Load Assignments form.
Click the + (plus symbol) next to the Temperature Gradient Definition drop-down list to access the he Define Bridge Temperature Gradient form.
Then do one of the following:
- Click the Add New Temp Gradient button.
- Highlight a previously defined temperature gradient and click the Add Copy of Temp Gradient or Modify/Show Temp Gradient button.