The bridge modeler enables modeling of cable bridge restrainers at bearing locations where the superstructure connects to substructure systems. Users may specify restrainer properties through the Bridge > Restrainers menu. Restrainer properties may be defined according to equivalent link properties or cable restrainer characteristics, in which case link properties are calculated from cable properties. Definition is shown in Figure 1:
For each definition method, the bridge modeler creates links which connect bent-cap joints to bearing joints as follows:
- Restrainer defined by link properties: creates single link connecting bent cap joint to bearing joint.
- Restrainer defined by cable characteristic: creates two links connecting bent cap joint to bearing joint. The gap and hook properties assigned to each link provide for cable tension such that the cable is only effective when the superstructure moves away from the substructure.
Please note that the restrainer links share the same location as the bearing links.
Visuals and additional details are presented in Figure 2:
