IDARC-BRIDGE

Program Features

IDARC-BRIDGE is a computer program for nonlinear analysis of bridges that allows many aspects of bridge behavior to be explicitly modeled. Many of the primary developments and enhancements to this program have linked research with analytical developments. Details of the program's features and references to the analytical basis for them can be on the Introduction page. Additional information regarding the availability of the program can be found in the FAQ and on the Users Group page. The first release of IDARC-BRIDGE includes the following features.

IDARC-BRIDGE Version 1.0

• Analysis Options:
  • Non-linear dynamic time-history analysis using uniform ground acceleration input.
  • Non-linear dynamic time-history analysis using ground displacement input. The displacement input may be different at each support to account for the spatial variability of seismic excitation.
  • Non-linear dynamic time-history analysis using specified forces as input.
  • Non-linear quasi-static analysis using incremental displacements as input.
  • Non-linear quasi-static analysis using incremental forces as input.
  • Eigenvalue analysis.
  • Monotonic pushover collapse-mode analysis with user-specified distribution of lateral forces. A prescribed displacement limit or base shear limit terminates the analysis.
  • Monotonic adaptive pushover analysis, in which the distribution of lateral forces acting on the structure is adjusted with regard of the instantaneous mode shapes. The stopping criteria are analogous to those of option 7.
  • Dynamic pushover analysis for a linearly increasing acceleration input. The analysis ends when a prescribed displacement limit is reached.

• Element Types:
  • Three-dimensional beam-column element with linear elastic moment-rotation, shear and axial force-displacement relations at each end. This basic stick element of the matrix analysis theory is particularly useful for modeling deck and column segments in which the cracking moment capacity (of components made of reinforced concrete) or yielding moment capacity (of components of steel structures) is not likely to be exceeded during the analysis.
  • Three-dimensional beam-column element with: (i) nonlinear inelastic moment-curvature, (ii) linear elastic shear force-displacement, and (iii) linear elastic axial force-displacement laws. The element is an extension of the spread-plasticity model of IDARC family, and is typically used to model the hysteretic behavior of the bridge deck and columns.
  • Three-dimensional beam-column element with: (i) nonlinear inelastic moment-curvature, (ii) nonlinear inelastic shear force-displacement, and (iii) linear elastic axial force-displacement laws. Testing and calibration of the parameters controlling the hysteresis of this element is under way and although it is already implemented, directions for its use will appear in the next release.
  • Three-dimensional sliding isolator element with nonlinear inelastic force-displacement curves in each (global) horizontal direction. The effect of the variation of the vertical force on friction is considered explicitly in the model. The element is specifically developed to represent a class of bridge friction bearings.
  • Three-dimensional isolator element with (i) nonlinear inelastic force-displacement relations in each of the horizontal global directions, (ii) linear elastic bending moment-rotation, and (iii) axial force-displacement laws. The element can be used to model bridge elastomeric bearings.
  • Unidirectional bilinear element capable of modeling: (i) initial tension and compression gaps (F» 0, d ¹ 0), (ii) nonlinear inelastic axial force-displacement relation in tension, and (iii) nonlinear elastic axial force-displacement relation in compression. The element is developed to represent the interaction between adjacent deck element in a typical expansion joint characterized by minimal stiffness in the gap, possible yielding of the restrainers, and load transfer upon impact.
  • Three-dimensional spring element. Apart from the diagonal terms, the element includes the coupling terms between rotation and translation along the two horizontal axes, providing means for modeling flexible connections and soil-structure interaction.
  • Three-dimensional viscous damping element. The structure of the element is analogous to that of the three-dimensional spring element described above. The influence of sources of concentrated damping/energy dissipation is added directly to the global damping matrix.
  • Three-dimensional pile-group element with nonlinear inelastic moment-rotation, shear and axial force-displacement relations. The element has been developed to represent inelastic soil-structure-interaction effects. The theory and computer implementation of this model will be published in a separate MCEER report.

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