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SAM-LEAP5 is a unique
software suite that integrates structural analysis with
design code checking of bridges in accordance with a
variety of international codes of practice, including
AASHTO, AUSTROADS and BS5400 specifications.
At the heart of the system is an intuitive graphical
user interface that enables the engineer to model a
bridge structure quickly, and then easily transfer
critical results from the structural analysis to any of
the design modules for code checking.
Graphical displays are employed throughout the design
process to enable smart engineering decisions on the
significance of any model alterations.
As a result, SAM-LEAP5 will enable the bridge engineer
to reach an optimum design solution far more quickly
compared with traditional analysis methods.
In today's competitive world, savings in materials and
ultimately project costs are paramount. The tools
available in SAM-LEAP5 will assist bridge engineers in
exploring their creative potential to the full, whilst
designing bridges which are as economic and
aesthetically pleasing as possible.
Simplified
Structure Definition
The bridge layout is defined using graphical tools for
specifying design lines, carriageways and footways,
span-end lines and support conditions for which fully
configurable grillage and finite element meshes are
produced. The model representing the structure could be
a line beam or a refined 2D or 3D framework of members
and elements.
Smart Section
and Beam Libraries
Sections and beams to represent the structural form are
prepared graphically from comprehensive libraries of
standard parametric shapes, standard pre-cast concrete
beams and standard steel sections. These include
facilities for specifying reinforcing bars and
pre-stressing tendons. A section editor is also included
for generating non-standard shapes. The sections and
beams are assigned to members graphically, and all
section properties for use in the analysis are
calculated automatically.
Advanced
Modelling Features
The analysis includes a comprehensive range of advanced
modelling features, such as:
Non-linear facilities for tension and compression only
members, lift off supports, member limiting forces (e.g.
plastic hinges), support reaction limits (e.g.friction
modelling).
Graphical definition of construction stage members and
loads, including visual simulation of cumulative staged
construction load effects.
Full and partial member releases, member eccentricities.
Modelling of post-tensioning cables in 3D, calculating
losses and secondary effects.
Automated
Transient Load Patterns
Predicting critical transient load patterns is often one
of the most difficult and time consuming tasks that
bridge engineers have to deal with. This process is
automated in SAM-LEAP5 by the use of influence methods
to generate critical load configurations in accordance
with a range of design standards for both road and rail.
Libraries of standard vehicles/trucks that can be
customised are included.
These critical load
patterns can then be combined with permanent loads using
intelligent routines for generating loading combinations
and envelopes.
The resulting load effects, i.e. bending moments and
shear force envelopes with corresponding associated
effects are then transferred automatically to the beam
design modules.
Interactive
Graphic Output
An extensive range of graphics tools are available for
display and plotting of structural information and
results output. Some of these facilities include;
dynamic viewing, selected members and load cases,
formatting text size, colour and orientation etc.
Configurable results output tables can also be printed
for selected members and load cases.
Design Code
Checking for Sections and Beams
The load effects produced from the analysis can be
investigated graphically within the section and beam
design modules for: reinforced concrete sections and
beams, pre-tensioned concrete beams, and steel/concrete
composite beams in accordance with international design
standards, including AASHTO, AUSTROADS, and BS5400
specifications.
These code-checking
facilities are based on interactive calculations and
graphics to check if the section or beam is adequate,
grossly under-stressed or over-stressed. Further
iterations of the analysis - design cycle are often
required to obtain the optimal solution. This process
may involve making changes to the bridge parameters
(e.g. section or beam data) and then re-assessing the
critical loads until a final design solution is reached.
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