Thanks for your response.
I'm modelling RC box girder bridge built in 1971. Bridge has two spans each having length of 25.3m. At each abutment the deck is supported by 4 neoprene bearing pads which sit on bearing pedestals founded on top of a RC headstock. The abutment headstock are each supported on four piles.
The central pier support consists of a rectangular RC column stem. The base of column stem is cast into RC pile cap which in turn is supported on 2 rows of six piles. Toward the base of column stem there is a rocker joint consisting of three Tetron bearings aligned on a common axis.
I have completed the modelling using CSIBridge and right now I'm doing model updating to match the results we obtained by dynamic testing on bridge (such as fundamental frequency). I noticed that the fixity of support play a major role in the output. I'm not sure how to connect the deck to sit on abutment (simulation of pad bearing); and for headstock which sits on three piles. For central bent which is integrated to deck with no bearing ( it has rocker joints at the connection with the pile cap). I'm not sure either how to model the bent to act integrally with deck.
As of now, I need some guidance regarding what type of connection to use to simulate the bearing at abutments, pile for headstock and connection between girder and bent. Here's my thoughts:
1_ to use joint restraint along the headstock to simulate the connection with pile (how about line spring/joint spring)?
2_to use two joints links for bearing between abutment and headstock (I don't know should I change the stiffness values or not)?
3_to use two joints link with 6 dof free and no stiffness and zero length( similarly I don't know how to do that)
Pardon me for writing such a lengthy descrption, just wnated to make sure you have full idea. This modelling is very crucial for me as I'm doing strucutural health monioring and need to update my model for selecting optimum sensor and laoding positions.
Peace
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