How can model steel girder bridge for which the thickness of the flanges varies?
The best approach to model this would be to use nonprismatic frame sections for the steel girder. Haunched steel girder bridge tutorial illustrates this approach. Alternatively, you could define separate bridge deck sections for each segment with constant girder flange thickness as follows: • You would first need to define separate bridge deck sections to be assigned to each segment of the bridge for which the flange thickness remains constant. • Then you would need to make the following modifications of your bridge object on the “Bridge Object Data” form: • Define span segments to span not only between the bridge supports (abutments and bents), but also between flange transitions. • Select “Spans” and click “Modify/Show …” button to assign correct bridge deck sections for individual segments. • The final and the most important step is to select “Bents”, click “Modify/Show …” button and set the bent property to “None” for each location where the flange thickness transition occurs,
